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.
Do fat transfers last? Results from fat transfer are permanent. However, not all fat cells survive the procedure, so you may not achieve the volume you want.
What could go wrong. A surgical fat transfer is generally a safe procedure, but it can occasionally result in: a collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma) death of fat tissue (fat necrosis)
The procedures used to treat, or reverse fat grafting adverse effects are specific to what particular problem the patient has acquired. Addition grafting of depressed areas with fat or filler may help to even out the concavity problems. Those with prominent bulges may requires a device mediated treatment.
Buccal fat removal, also called buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, can create a slimmer face by surgically removing fat pads in the lower cheek. Kofi Boahene, M.D., director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explains the procedure, its effects, recovery time and more.
How much does buccal fat removal cost? The average cost of buccal fat removal is $3,142, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
Fat Transfers are Long-Lasting, but Not Forever
Even though the effects of facial fat transfer are only semi-permanent, they still last for a long time. Many patients report that their facial fat transfer results last several years; some even say they have maintained their results for over five years.
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.
Fillers are best for a quick fix as they provide instant volume without any downtime. Fat lasts longer and is ideal for patients that want to avoid using synthetic products or coming in for regular treatments. The good news is that both fat and fillers can provide dramatic rejuvenation for your facial appearance.
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.
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.
In most cases, anywhere between 50% and 80% of injected fat cells will survive the transfer.
Revision surgery works to correct any poorly-applied fat transfer or synthetic facial filler, and delivers a more natural, favorable result.
When considering recent plastic surgery trends, a lesser-known procedure might come to mind – buccal fat removal. This decades-old procedure that involves reshaping the face through the removal of fat found in the cheeks has recently seen a boom in demand.
Although a fat transfer is a fantastic procedure for all age groups, it benefits older people the most. Fat grafting resolves common signs of aging, like fine lines, furrows, wrinkles, marionette lines, and other natural flaws.
In the first week, there is always swelling and sometimes bruising to the grafted areas of the face. Pain is generally minimal. In the second week the bruising settles. Less visible swelling gradually reduces day by day.
As with any procedure, autologous fat grafting is not without risk. A meta-analysis of 4,577 patients demonstrated an overall complication rate of 2.27%, with the most common complications being skin irregularities, prolonged edema (> 15 days), graft hypertrophy, fat necrosis, infection, acne, and telangiectasia.
We've performed a large number of fat transfers with successful outcomes and very happy patients! 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.
The fatty cells introduced to the facial area during facial fat grafting are subject to the same biological processes as all fat cells, so they will disappear with significant weight loss.
Fat Transfer Face Contouring
Most commonly, face contouring benefits people who are 30 years of age or older. The face, at this age, begins to lose “baby fat,” and as a result, fullness begins to fade.
And as we age, we naturally lose facial fat. "Our facial fat pads shrink, and our facial skeleton even shrinks, all of which leads to deflation and ultimately contributes to sagging as that internal support is diminished," said Kristy Hamilton, MD.
The primary cause of a fat face is excess fat in the buccal fat pads. Why is my face fat but not my body? You may have a genetic pre-disposition to chubby cheeks even though you have a slim body. Also, some people are born with thicker buccal fat pads in their cheeks while the rest of their bodies are slim.