Can facial fat transfer be removed?

Author: Florence Walsh  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

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.

Can fat transfer to the face be removed?

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.

Can fat transfer to face gone wrong?

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)

Can you undo fat grafting?

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.

Can facial fat be removed?

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.

Facial Fat Transfer 101: Everything you need to know about getting a fat transfer to the face

How much does it cost to remove face fat?

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.

Does facial fat transfer look natural?

Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.

How long do facial fat transfers last?

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.

How much does fat grafting cost for face?

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.

Is facial fat transfer better than filler?

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.

Is facial fat transfer reversible?

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.

What is the downside to fat transfer?

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.

What is the survival rate for fat transfer to the face?

In most cases, anywhere between 50% and 80% of injected fat cells will survive the transfer.

Can overdone fat transfer be removed?

Revision surgery works to correct any poorly-applied fat transfer or synthetic facial filler, and delivers a more natural, favorable result.

What is the face fat removal trend?

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.

Is facial fat transfer worth it?

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.

How painful is facial fat grafting?

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.

What are the disadvantages of facial fat grafting?

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.

Can facial fat transfer be dissolved?

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.

What happens to fat transfer when you lose weight?

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.

What is the best age for face fat transfer?

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.

Do you lose facial fat with age?

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.

Why is my face chubby but I'm skinny?

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.

Previous article
Can you still be pretty if you have acne?
Next article
Which generation is the most generous?