What are the disadvantages of facial fat grafting?

Author: Ms. Fanny Gleichner V  |  Last update: Sunday, August 24, 2025

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.

What are the long-term side effects of 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 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.

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.

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.

Problems with Facial Fat Grafting | Dr. Ben Talei | Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Can fat transfer to face go wrong?

However, it also carries with it some risks that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure. The most common side effects include swelling and bruising, infection, necrosis, complications from anesthesia, fat embolism syndrome, calcification of grafted fat, nerve damage, and unsatisfactory results.

Does losing face fat make you more attractive?

A slim face with pronounced contours makes you look much more attractive than a chubby face. So, you should consult professionals on weight management and facial aesthetics if you want to get rid of your chubby cheeks and double chin. They can give you a slimmer face with no side effects.

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.

What are the alternatives to facial fat grafting?

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.

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.

What age do you lose the most face fat?

Love or hate your facial fat, time will eventually whittle it, without your input or permission. In fact, after age 30, we lose around three cc's of facial fat per year, Chang says. This isn't always a bad thing, mind you.

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.

Can you put fat under your eyes?

This nonsurgical facelift can perk up tired-looking eyes, making you look younger and more energized. During an under-eye fat transfer, cosmetic surgeons use liposuction to remove fat cells from your body. Then, they inject the purified fat cells into the skin below your lower eyelids.

What is the most common complication of fat grafting?

In a review of 22 articles including 3565 patients, Groen and colleagues7 identified that the most common complications of autologous fat grafting in cosmetic breast augmentation included induration, persistent pain, and hematoma occurring at 33%, 25%, and 16%, respectively.

Can your body reject a fat transfer?

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

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.

Are facial fat transfers 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 is the best surgery to remove face fat?

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.

Can dermatologist do fat grafting?

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer is a world-renowned facial sculpting expert who provides facial fat grafting for patients in Beverly Hills. With his customized, combination treatments and artistic eye, Dr. Emer consistently exceeds his patients' expectations.

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 is better fat graft or face lift?

Facial fat grafting can provide a more youthful appearance and greater facial fullness, but it will not eliminate stubborn fat deposits that cause turkey neck or other undesirable appearances. Similarly, a facelift can eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, but it does not add more volume to the face.

How much do you have to weigh for fat grafting?

20) What weight should patients be for fat grafting? a: There is no minimum weight. Patients just need to have enough reserve fat to harvest and graft.

Does losing 20 pounds change your face?

Amount of Weight Lost

Likewise, the amount of fat you lose will also affect whether or not your face changes. If you only need to lose 20 pounds, you probably don't have enough excess weight to cause a noticeable stretch to your skin.

What is the Ozempic face?

Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.

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