Fat transfer rate depends heavily on good surgical technique The available studies on the survival of fat grafts after fat transfer show that there are widely varying rates of survival of the tissue after transfer. These vary from 30% to 83% in the facial area.
Fat transfer surgery is safe. It's important to work with a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing fat transfer because it requires a high degree of skill.
Gluteal fat grafting is a popular aesthetic surgical procedure with a previously unknown incidence of pulmonary fat embolism and mortality. The three methodologies used to calculate the risk of death yielded estimates from a low of 1:6214 to a high of 1:2351.
It is permanent once the fat “takes”—meaning it is supplied with blood. This process takes about 6 months. 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.
Conclusions. Severe complications such as blindness, stroke, and death can occur due to AE after 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.
Major complications included hematomas/seromas, fat necrosis, dermatitis/cellulitis, and infection. Minor complications included asymmetry, altered skin or tissue sensation, and reported postoperative donor site or recipient site pain.
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.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, fat grafting is ideal for men and women of all ages. In fact, people from 18-70 years old may benefit from fat transfer therapies. You are a good candidate if you're in good health, are a non-smoker and do not suffer from medical conditions that may limit your ability to properly heal.
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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.
The cost of a tear trough fat transfer can vary significantly based on several factors. On average, you might expect to pay between $3,500 and $4,000 for this procedure. This price range accounts for the complexity of the surgery, the surgeon's expertise, and the location where the procedure is performed.
Blood Clots Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis; DVT) in the veins of the arms, legs, or pelvis may result from fat transfer if it is done as a surgical procedure. These clots may cause problems with the veins or may break off and flow to the lungs (pulmonary embolus; PE) where they may cause serious breathing problems.
NIGHT OF FAT TRANSFER SURGERY
Sleep: Sleep on your back with your head elevated about 30-40 degrees (2-3 pillows). Do not sleep on your side. Keeping your body more upright will minimize swelling. Continue this for one to two weeks.
(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.)
The survival rate of the fat tissue was defined as Augmentation Volume/(Grafted Fat Volume ×100), and the augmentation rate was defined as Augmentation Volume/(Required Fat Volume ×100) (13). Overall, a total survival rate of 65.7% could be detected 12 months postoperatively (13).
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.
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.
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.
The recovery period for facial fat transfer typically takes anywhere from 7-14 days. Remember: there are two areas that will need recovery.
Microfat transfer offers long-lasting results and a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers, as the transferred fat integrates seamlessly with existing tissue.
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.