What is a pillow face after fat transfer?

Author: Jayme Toy  |  Last update: Thursday, October 23, 2025

“Pillow face” is a direct play on the puffy, unattractive result of using too much facial filler or transferred fat. Another term often used to describe this overfilled look is “chipmunky.”

How do I know if I have a pillow face?

What Defines the "Pillow Face" Look? Puffiness: The most obvious sign is excessive swelling, particularly in the cheeks and under-eye area. It's that "I just woke up and my face hasn't caught up yet" look, but like, all the time.

Why does my face look fat 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. Some of the facial fullness is caused by swelling, which will subside after recovery.

Does the pillow face go away?

Most types of fillers will be naturally dissolved within 6 to 12 months. Some fillers can last up to 2 years. If you just wait for your fillers to wear off, you will eventually be free from pillow face.

How much filler causes 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.

My Facial Fat Grafting Experience with Dr. Motykie

Did Angelina Jolie get fillers?

Of course, one way to emulate Angelina Jolie's enviable bone structure is through subtle cheek fillers. While there is no definitive evidence that Jolie herself has undergone significant filler injections, her naturally pronounced cheeks are a facial feature many admire.

Does Sculptra give you a pillow face?

The results develop over time as your skin regains volume, smoothness, and texture. With this treatment, patients can achieve a youthful, refreshed look without the “pillow face” effect sometimes seen with overdone fillers.

What happened to Ryan Gosling's face?

It's worth noting that his face has not changed much over the years and the only noticeable difference is the slight difference in his nose shape. Although Ryan Gosling has never confirmed or denied any rumors about plastic surgery. However, it's also possible that his good looks are natural.

Is it true that fillers don't dissolve?

Healthcare providers can dissolve fillers that contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic-based fillers are the most common type of filler. However, if your filler contains silicone or other substances, you can't dissolve it.

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.

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).

Does drinking water slim your face?

Drink More Water

It can even help you lose weight in your face. Studies indicate that drinking plenty of water can decrease your calorie intake and temporarily boost your metabolism. There's also evidence that water can prevent facial bloating caused by fluid retention.

How to avoid getting pillow face?

Here's how we practice pillow face prevention:
  1. Microdosing for Precision. Instead of using too much filler in a single session, we employ a less-is-more approach to enhance your features instead of overwhelming them. ...
  2. Gradual Layering of Fillers. ...
  3. Comprehensive Facial Assessment. ...
  4. Treatment Continuity. ...
  5. Use of Premium Fillers.

What gives you a pillow face?

Causes of Pillow Face

The primary cause of pillow face is the overuse or improper administration of dermal fillers. When too much filler is injected, or when it's placed incorrectly, it can lead to an exaggerated and unnatural appearance.

How to fix chipmunk cheeks after fillers?

Dissolve Cheek Filler with Hyaluronidase Injection

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme used in the body to break down hyaluronic acid. Once injected in the treated area, any effects of the cheek filler will be resolved, including the chipmunk cheeks, within 24 hours.

Did Cameron Diaz have face surgery?

Cameron had her facial plastic surgery for medical reasons. When the Along Came Polly, Charlie's Angels and Bad Teacher star had a nose job in 2006, she said it was to correct a breathing problem.

Did Ryan Reynolds have face surgery?

According to multiple reports citing an old interview with him, Reynolds underwent plastic surgery after he fainted in 2007. The actor was reportedly walking through the washroom in his house when he fell to the ground and smashed his head open with blood flooding everywhere.

Did Tom Cruise get fillers?

No invasive surgery for Cruise

Several other plastic surgeons told the publication that though the actor seems to have gotten fillers done, there are fewer chances that he did any invasive procedures that required going under the knife as the skin around his jawline appeared too loose.

What is the downside to Sculptra?

Sculptra Side Effects

Small bumps (granulomas) may appear under the skin 6-12 months after treatment. It's possible that you won't even notice these bumps. It's not known if the spots will go away on their own. Probable side effects include redness and swelling at the injection site.

Does Botox cause pillow face?

Too much Botox in the cheek area creates the effect known as ''pillow face''. When this happens, the eyes or the jawline can appear much smaller in comparison to the puffy cheeks. This asymmetry is difficult to fix with corrective follow-up treatments.

What happens if I don't massage Sculptra?

Massaging helps distribute the Sculptra evenly under the skin and prevents the formation of lumps or nodules. Regular massages throughout the day keep the product from settling unevenly, ensuring that it blends smoothly into your skin. This part of the rule is crucial because collagen production takes time.

What syndrome does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie revealed that she was diagnosed last year with Bell's palsy, a form of temporary facial paralysis caused by damage or trauma to the facial nerves.

Has Brad Pitt had fillers?

Lip augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses dermal fillers to plump and shape the lips. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Brad Pitt has undergone this procedure. Lip augmentation is usually done for those who want to have fuller and more defined lips.

What is a mini facelift?

A mini facelift tightens the face and jowls but does not do as much for your neck as a standard facelift. It may be a good option for: younger patients with mild jowls or. as a touch-up for someone who has already had a standard facelift.

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