Is facial fat transfer better than filler?

Author: Prof. Sylvester Parisian I  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

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.

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 long does facial fat transfer last?

Once the transferred fat cells have established themselves with new blood vessels, they should be considered viable indefinitely, making the final results of your procedure permanent once the healing process is complete.

What is better than face fillers?

Fat transfer, where your own fat is injected to add volume, can last for years. Certain types of thread lifts can also provide more lasting results compared to fillers. However, it's important to remember that your face will continue to age, so maintenance treatments may be needed down the line.

Is facial fat grafting worth it?

Fat transfer to the face typically has a higher survival rate, especially in areas that don't move. The aging process continues after the procedure, but patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years. Touch-up procedures can extend the results.

FACIAL FAT TRANSFER VS. DERMAL FILLERS: Predictability? Cost?

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.

Which is better, fat grafting or fillers?

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.

What is replacing fillers?

To plump the face without fillers, consider non-invasive options such as topical hyaluronic acid for hydration, collagen-boosting skincare with ingredients like peptides and vitamin C, facial massage for improved circulation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How to fill face without fillers?

I Don't Need Filler—But Here Are My Favorite Face-Plumping...
  1. Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream.
  2. Dior Capture Totale Hyalushot.
  3. Shani Darden Moisture Boost Plumping Serum.
  4. Ourself Lip Filler.
  5. Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask.

Should I get fillers or Sculptra?

Since hyaluronic acid dermal fillers work produce immediate results, they can be the right choice if you desire a quick transformation. However, if you're also interested in long-term anti-aging improvement, Sculptra can be used with another filler. The results last longer since it grows your own collagen.

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 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.

Does fat transfer to the face make you look younger?

One of the added benefits of facial fat grafting is that it uses your body's own fat cells to boost volume and restore your youthful appearance.

Was fat transfer worth it?

Truth: While fat transfer offers a natural enhancement, it typically increases breast size by only one cup at most. Unlike implants, which provide a more dramatic change, fat transfer is best for subtle, natural-looking volume enhancement. If you're seeking a significant size boost, implants may be the better option.

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.

Is your face too full after fat transfer?

My face looks too full- this is normal. My cheeks feel very firm and hard- this will go away in a few weeks. My chin feels lumpy inside my mouth- this will go away in a few weeks. My face looks uneven or asymmetrical- this is normal and is due to swelling.

What are people using instead of fillers?

These alternative treatments include microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), laser therapy, ultrasound skin tightening, and radiofrequency treatments.

How to plump up face without fillers overnight?

You can whip up a natural skin-plumping mask at home by mixing together one egg with two tablespoons of rosewater and two tablespoons of glycerin. Adding glycerin to the mask serves as a natural humectant (a natural way to hydrate skin) to help with visible skin plumping.

What happens if you don't keep up with face fillers?

If you choose not to have a follow-up treatment, your face will gradually return to how it looked before your initial treatment. The change certainly won't happen overnight – you'll just slowly lose volume and gain back fine lines as time goes by.

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

What is the newest filler called?

Introducing SKINVIVE™ – The New Filler for a Hydrated Face. Facial fillers are becoming popular among people who want to obtain a more youthful look. JUVÉDERM® is especially sought-after due to its versatility, with many women and men using it for fuller lips, more defined cheeks, or fewer wrinkles.

What is an alternative to facial fat transfer?

Dermal Fillers

They're a common choice if you're not into facial fat transfer. These injectable substances, like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or synthetics, work their magic. They give you a temporary boost in volume and reduce wrinkles. Quick results and minimal downtime are some of the main advantages.

Is facial fat grafting expensive?

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.

Who is a good candidate for facial fat grafting?

You might be well-qualified for facial fat grafting if you possess the following characteristics.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Areas on your face that look gaunt or hollow.
  • Thin or flat lips.
  • Sufficient donor fat to use for grafting.
  • Overall good health.
  • Realistic expectations.

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