Fat transfer gone wrong: I am desperate to have an overfillled face (fat transfer to face) fixed. (Photos)

Question

I have now seen two different doctors say that if the fat grafting to the face was done over two years ago, it is too late for any sort of removal. Is that true? If so, I'm screwed because mine was done over three years ago. I just haven't had the money yet to fix it. The fat I need removed is in my cheeks, nasal folds and above my upper lip. Is it really too late for me because this much time as passed?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat is a wonderful way to add volume, except that it is not easy to remove. At this point, 3 years after fat transfer, it is not going to go away on its own. The options for removal include fine cannula liposuction, direct excision from the lips, and occasionally steroids can help. It is best to seek help from someone with a great deal of experience.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is needs an in-person evaluation. A combination of 5/FU steroids, lasers, microneedling/prp and radiofrequency can give improvement, if you're unhappy with fat transfer. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, sorry to hear about concerns.  However, from the photos you provided, it actually looks like you have a nice result.  Would have to compare to your before photos to know how much of a difference was achieved but from first glance everything looks normal.If this is the result at 3 years, this is probably the result that you are going to have for some time.  If you are really unhappy, you could potentially have some of the fat aspirated.  I would suggest consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to discuss your options.I hope this helps and wish you the very best!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Kenton Schoonover, MD · Answer

Fat transfer can be a great way to add facial volume because it can last much longer and even be permanent.  I always strive to not over correct with the addition of fat for that reason.  It is not as simple to remove fat as it is to remove many other fillers, but aspiration with a small liposuction cannula would be an option to reduce the volume.

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I have been doing fat grafting for 25 years  What you describe is  a problem with fat, there is no easy way to make it go away. It can also grow if you gain weight. I see most of the fullness around your lips. These days the best way to get fat out is to suction it out with a small cannula and a syringe...... this works well in parts of the face and less well in others. There is improvement but most pts want more out and you can't really go back to the exact shape you had before. BTW there is no time line for removing fat. Most docs have very little experience with doing it and will think of reasons not to do it

Fat transfer gone wrong: I am desperate to have an overfillled face (fat transfer to face) fixed. (Photos)

Answers (5)