Can I touch my face after fat transfer?

Author: Velva Dibbert  |  Last update: Monday, March 31, 2025

While the transferred fat cells are settling in, you'll need to avoid putting pressure on them. Too much pressure can damage the fat cells and disrupt their blood supply. Be gentle when touching and washing your face, and keep pressure off the injection area when you sleep.

What not to do after a facial fat transfer?

Don't:
  1. Move or massage the treated area for a few days post-op to avoid disturbing the fat cells before they can “settle in”
  2. Smoke.
  3. Do any strenuous activity until Dr. Afrooz advises you that it's safe to do so.
  4. Wear cosmetics until at least the day after.
  5. Skip your post-op appointments!

How long does it take for facial fat transfer to settle?

But you will really start to see results as the swelling and bruising begin to disappear and that typically occurs two weeks after the procedure. After three to four months, the fat will begin to settle and the surviving fat cells will have adapted to their new environment.

When can I massage my face after fat transfer?

Please wait at least 3 to 4 weeks after Fat Grafting surgery to start massage to avoid increased swelling. Moderate swelling and bruising is to be expected.

When can I sleep on my side after facial fat transfer?

Avoid placing anything frozen directly on the skin.

Keep your head elevated as much as possible. Lying �lat may increase swelling. Sitting up, walking or resting with your head elevated is recommended. Sleep with your head elevated on 3-4 pillows and sleep on your back rather than on your side for the �irst 2 weeks.

Hand Fat Grafting Video Journey (with Full-Face Fat Grafting)

Is your face too full after fat transfer?

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.

Should I ice my face after fat transfer?

Use ice packs liberally in the areas of the face where fat was transplanted for the first 3 days after surgery. This minimizes swelling. If you have any discomfort in the body area where fat was harvested, you can use ice packs for the first couple of days.

How long after surgery is it safe to get a massage?

Typically, gentle massage can be introduced a few weeks post-surgery, once the initial healing phase is complete, and the incision sites have healed sufficiently. Starting too early can risk reopening wounds or causing further injury.

How much fat survives after fat transfer to face?

Following most facial fat grafting treatments, fat graft survival rate is 60%. This surviving fat is permanent, and as such, it responds just like any other bodily fat. If you experience weight fluctuations, you will notice changes in your fat grafting results.

How long after fat transfer can I sit?

Typically, after six to eight weeks, patients can start sitting without cushions for short periods, gradually increasing as comfort and healing permit. It's important to listen to your body and the advice of your BBL surgeon during this phase to avoid any setbacks.

What are the disadvantages of fat transfer to the face?

You may experience these side effects from liposuction or an under-eye fat transfer:
  • Bleeding.
  • Bruising.
  • Infection.
  • Lumps or cysts.
  • Skin damage or scarring.
  • Swelling (edema).

How do you maximize fat survival after fat transfer?

Here are 10 things you can do after surgery to help more fat survive:
  1. Wear Compression Garments. ...
  2. After Fat Transfer Surgery, Feed the Fat! ...
  3. Get to Sleeping the Right Way. ...
  4. Don't Go Driving. ...
  5. Sit on Your Thighs. ...
  6. Absolutely No Smoking. ...
  7. Start Exercising (At the Right Time) ...
  8. Stay Hydrated.

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.

How to sleep after fat dissolving injections?

For the first 24 hours after your fat dissolving injections, you should avoid:
  1. Intense exercise.
  2. Excessive alcohol.
  3. Smoking.
  4. Sleeping to vertically (1-2 pillows is fine)

How long does it take for a fat transfer to look good?

The treated areas will probably be quite bruised and swollen for a few weeks. You may want to take a couple of weeks off work. It can take up to 6 months for a surgical fat transfer to fully take effect, as some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by your body during the first few months after the procedure.

What is a pillow face after fat transfer?

With facial fat transfer, some doctors like to overfill in anticipation of fat loss, but when fat loss is marginal, the artificial-looking pillow face results. The dreaded pillow face can bring unwanted attention and make you even more self-conscious than you were before seeking treatment.

How long is face swollen after fat transfer?

Facial fat transfer involves harvesting fat from the body and injecting it into the face for volume and contour. The initial phase of recovery, characterized by swelling and bruises, usually occurs over 1-2 weeks, with most daily activities returning to normal after 2-3 weeks.

When do you lose the most fat after fat transfer?

Meaning doctors couldn't predict fat reabsorption rates, and it was common for patients to lose most of the fat transferred in the first year. With the unpredictable nature, many patients were left with the results of being overfilled, underfilled, or left with fat in areas where they didn't want it.

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.

What happens if you don t get lymphatic massages after surgery?

Slower Healing: Lymphatic massage helps to boost the immune system and clear toxins, waste, and harmful microorganisms from your tissues. If this process is interrupted, inflammatory or infectious toxins can accumulate and slow healing.

What type of massage is best after surgery?

A massage post-surgery is often a vital form of treatment. A variety of techniques including deep tissue massage, IASTM, remedial massage and therapeutic massage can be used during a massage after surgery. After a person undergoes surgery, a massage can often help to reduce scarring, stress and acute pain.

When the massage should not be done?

There are some conditions that are contraindicated locally.
  1. Cuts or open wounds.
  2. Bruises.
  3. Varicose veins.
  4. Broken bones.
  5. Burns.
  6. Some skin conditions.

What not to do after fat transfer to face?

ACTIVITY AFTER FAT TRANSFER TREATMENT

Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for one to two weeks. Be extremely careful if wearing any “pull-over the head” clothing.

How do you sit after fat transfer?

Use a pillow: you can keep pressure off your buttocks by placing a pillow on the chair or seat. Cylindrical pillows are the best alternative when you need to sit down for specific activities like driving. Sit on your thighs: you can also try sitting on your thighs while leaving your butt suspended in the air.

Can fat transfer to face gone wrong?

Overall, general complications associated with facial fat grafting are assumed to be around 2%.

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