How to maintain facial fat transfer?

Author: Zoie Monahan  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Lisa Donofrio offers to ensure your facial fat grafting procedure is an outstanding success.
  1. Feed the Fat Well. ...
  2. Sleep Right. ...
  3. No Smoking. ...
  4. Exercise (and at the Right Time) ...
  5. Stay Hydrated. ...
  6. Keep a Stable Weight. ...
  7. Use Platelet-Rich Plasma. ...
  8. Be Patient.

How to maintain fat transfer to face?

Tips for prolonging the effects of a fat transfer include staying hydrated, maintaining a stable weight, and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure.

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.

How to retain facial fat?

Drink plenty of water to keep skin plump. Use moisturizers & facial oils (like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid). Eat collagen-boosting foods (bone broth, citrus fruits) for skin elasticity. Try cheek puffing, jawline movements, and gentle face massages to improve circulation and give a fuller look.

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.

Dr. Benjamin Brown, Plastic Surgeon - Fat Transfer to the face -Recovery

How to retain fat after transfer?

4 Ways to Maximize Fat Survival After Fat Transfer
  1. Adjust your sleeping position. Putting pressure on the treated area (i.e., the area where the fat was re-injected) can prompt fat reabsorption. ...
  2. Avoid smoking and alcohol. ...
  3. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  4. Listen to your body.

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)

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.

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.

How to lose face fat surgery?

In cheek liposuction, fat is vacuumed out of the face using a narrow tube and a suction device. Buccal fat removal involves surgery to remove the pad of fat beneath the cheekbone. Your plastic surgeon can recommend the best method to address cheek fullness and contour the face.

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 so full after fat transfer?

This is a normal and temporary part of having a facial fat transfer. Some of the facial fullness is caused by swelling, which will subside after recovery. If you're considering facial fat grafting, Dr.

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 can I maximize my fat transfer results?

Sustaining long-term results requires continuing to maintain a stable weight, focusing on a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, and an active lifestyle including low-impact exercises. Select an experienced board-certified surgeon to help maximize your fat retention and get your desired result.

Why am I storing fat in my face?

Moon facies occurs when extra fat builds up on the sides of the face. It is often related to obesity but can be from Cushing's syndrome. That's why people sometimes refer to it as a Cushingoid appearance. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body is exposed for long periods to high levels of a hormone called cortisol.

Does caffeine affect fat transfer?

(Please also be aware that anything else that can constrict blood supply – even caffeine – has the potential to affect the survival of the fat graft.)

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

It takes about six months for the injected fat cells to develop a new blood supply and to see final results.

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 do I take care of my face after fat transfer?

After a facial fat transfer, follow your surgeon's instructions. This may include using cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated. Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and refraining from putting pressure on the treated areas are also important.

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 to keep facial fat pads healthy?

Making specific lifestyle changes, such as protecting your skin from the sun, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, can help support long-term facial volume restoration.

Will I regret buccal fat removal?

Despite the potential benefits, some patients experience buccal fat removal regret. Understanding these causes can help individuals make more informed decisions about the procedure. Overcorrection: Removing too much fat can lead to an excessively gaunt appearance, particularly as the patient ages.

What happens if you don't have enough fat for a fat transfer?

Ho offers several solutions to this challenge: Evaluating multiple donor sites: Fat can be harvested from various areas of your body, including the abdomen, thighs, and back. Combining donor fat: If necessary, fat from multiple sites can be combined to accumulate enough for the transfer.

Can you reverse facial fat transfer?

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 your body reject your own fat transfer?

Your body can't reject the transferred fat since it's your own tissue.

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