How much fat survives after fat transfer to face?

Author: Rey Mayert  |  Last update: Friday, August 22, 2025

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.

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.

How much fat remains after fat grafting?

Fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from one area and injects it into another to enhance volume and contour. These areas tend to be the face, the buttocks, and the breasts. On average, between 30% to 70% of transferred fat survives.

How much of the fat transfer actually stays?

Despite these maneuvers, approximately 30% of fat transfer is reabsorbed over the first 6-12 months after surgery. The fat that does survive the transfer will remain permanently and will behave like any other fat in the body. It will respond to normal weight gain and loss as any other fatty tissue.

Can you lose all the fat from a fat transfer?

Results from fat transfer are permanent. However, not all fat cells survive the procedure, so you may not achieve the volume you want. It takes about six months for the injected fat cells to develop a new blood supply and to see final results.

Why "Fat Grafting Doesn't Last" is Just a Myth: Dr. Sobel on the Longevity of Fat Transfer Results

How do I make sure my fat transfer survives?

10 to Do After Fat Transfer Surgery to Ensure Fat Survival
  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.

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.

When do you stop losing fat after fat transfer?

The good news is that the amount of fat your body maintains after fat transfer will not decrease any further after the initial first 4 weeks, and will last forever since it's your own natural tissue.

How long does fat transfer last in your face?

Unlike JUVÉDERM® and other synthetic dermal fillers whose longevity is relatively predictable, fat used as a filler can last indefinitely. The results of facial fat transfer after 5 years might be similar to those after 6 months if you maintain a healthy skincare routine.

What is the retention rate for fat transfer?

Fat grafting retention varied from 21% to 82%. We found filtration and centrifugation techniques could result in better retention outcomes. However, retention varied within each processing technique, with no significant difference among the 3 techniques.

What happens if you lose weight after facial fat grafting?

When you're experiencing body composition changes like weight loss, it can affect many areas of your body, including your facial fat grafts, as they behave the same as any other fat. If you plan on losing weight after your facial fat grafts, you may experience a significant impact to your results.

How much fat is needed for fat transfer to the face?

It really depends on the patient and the results the patient is seeking. Usually, a beautiful result can be achieved with just 30 cc of fat (about 2 tablespoons).

Does fat grow back after fat transfer?

Fat removal is permanent, and while fat cells removed with liposuction will not come back, it is possible to regain weight in that area. After a fat transfer, the fat cells will permanently stay in their new home. However, you may see a proportional change in the volume of fat if you have dramatic weight changes.

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).

Is face fat the hardest to get rid of?

Why does the face take longer than the rest of the body to shape up? Face fat is the biggest weight loss nightmare. What makes it worse is that you can't camouflage it with slimming clothes. Often, the face is the last to shape up, and the first to puff up.

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.

What not to do after face fat transfer?

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.

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.

Why is my face uneven after fat transfer?

While the results may look great initially, if weight fluctuates, the fat cells may change and the results change. This can lead to an asymmetrical result in the long term, a condition that is much easier to spot on a person's face than on their body.

How do you maximize fat survival after fat transfer?

Before and after the procedure, refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Both can compromise blood flow and hinder fat cell survival. Eat a healthy diet. Following your fat transfer surgery, we recommend you adhere to a nutrient-dense diet based on healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

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 does it take for fat transfer to settle in your face?

On average, patients can expect to see their final results in about four to six weeks, at which time the majority of swelling will have resolved, and the fat cells will have settled into their new location.

What is the success rate of fat transfer to the face?

Fat transfer rate depends heavily on good surgical technique

These vary from 30% to 83% in the facial area. This fat tissue will successfully develop a blood supply in its new location and will then remain, while the rest of the fat tissue will be reabsorbed by the body within the first few weeks.

How can I reverse fat transfer to my face?

No worries, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and are a candidate, you may reverse your fat transfer with VASER Liposuction. The excess fat deposits will be removed from your body and your frame will be sculpted to greatness.

When does fat transfer look the best?

So usually it takes between one to three weeks for the patients to really feel like they see the results of the fat grafting and they are not looking overdone or bruised up or weird. So I would say a week is the minimum. Four weeks is ideal.

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