We do, however, tell our patients that up to 40—60% of the fat injected can resorb (dissolve) within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. We encourage patients to wear loose clothing over the areas of fat transfer to prevent compressing the healthy fat.
There are two basic methods for reducing overfilled fat facial areas. If the location permits, 'micro-liposuction' can be done if a small incision can be cosmetically tolerated. The other approach is using injection therapy.
It could theoretically be reversed by liposuction or direct excision of the fat from the face. But the need for this is uncommon in expert hands. Most surgeons would rather underfill slightly than overfill, as there is always the option for a touch-up procedure.
Fat Transfers are Long-Lasting, but Not Forever
First, it is essential to know that the effects of facial fat transfer are not entirely permanent. While the transferred fat cells can survive and remain in the body for many years, they will break down eventually and be absorbed by the body over time.
As mentioned above, facial fat transfers are permanent, so the results in the face will be noticeable for several years. However, a fat transfer surgery does not protect you from future aging, and as we age, we often lose fat in the face.
Summary. The amount of time it takes to lose facial fat varies from person to person. Some people may start to see a difference within a week, but it's not guaranteed. What's more, their face may have toned up, as opposed to having lost weight.
Immediately after your surgery, you may notice that your face looks fuller than you'd expected. This is a normal and temporary part of having a facial fat transfer.
A surgical fat transfer is cosmetic surgery to move fat from one part of the body to another. It's also known as a "fat graft" or "lipomodelling".
Can Fat Transfer Migrate? No, once injected, the fat cells stay in the same place and either connect to the blood supply in the area or get removed through the body's absorption process.
Fat transfer rate depends heavily on good surgical technique
The available studies on the survival of fat grafts after fat transfer show that there are widely varying rates of survival of the tissue after transfer. These vary from 30% to 83% in the facial area.
Buccal fat removal reshapes the face by removing all or some of the buccal fat pad in the lower cheek. The removed fat cells do not grow back. The incision (cut) is made in the mouth, on the inside of the cheek, and leaves no scars on the face. This is a cosmetic and elective procedure that is not covered by insurance.
Fat transfer to the face typically has a higher survival rate, especially in areas that don't move. The aging process continues after the procedure, but patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years. Touch-up procedures can extend the results.
Fat transfer reversal involves the removal of previously injected fat to correct issues like overfilling, asymmetry, or unnatural appearance. This procedure can help restore a more natural look and correct the aesthetic imbalances caused by the initial fat grafting.
Ways to reduce facial fat include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables, limiting processed and sugary foods, and staying hydrated. Other certain lifestyle and diet changes can further help a person lose weight and achieve a slimmer-looking face.
Firmness, lumpiness, or asymmetry may occur also. If some of the fat does not survive the transfer, it may actually “die” and become firm and cause discomfort. Cysts may form at the transfer site and require a procedure to remove. A symmetrical body appearance unfortunately may not result from a fat transfer procedure.
The total cost of facial fat grafting, including both the liposuction and fat transfer components of the procedure, typically falls in the $3,000 to $7,500 range at our practice.
Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
We do, however, tell our patients that up to 40—60% of the fat injected can resorb (dissolve) within the first 4 weeks after the procedure. We encourage patients to wear loose clothing over the areas of fat transfer to prevent compressing the healthy fat.
Severe (13.4%) side effects such as intravascular injection or migration require neurological or neurosurgical management and often lead to permanent disability or death. Moderate (38.3%) side effects such as fat hypertrophy, necrosis, cyst formation, irregularities and asymmetries require a retouch operation.
Tips to Maximize Fat Transfer Results on the Face
To achieve the best results from your procedure, follow these essential guidelines: Gentle Care: Avoid touching or massaging the treated areas in the first few days to allow the transplanted fat to settle properly.
Facial fat can be attributed to several factors: Genetics: Just as with the rest of your body, your genes play a role in where and how you store fat. Bone Structure: A well-defined bone structure can make facial fat less noticeable, while a less pronounced bone structure might make facial fat more apparent.
Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.
Typically, losing around 10-15% of your total body weight may result in noticeable facial changes. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this would mean losing 20-30 pounds. The face may appear slimmer, with a reduction in fat and a more defined jawline.