What should I avoid after face fat transfer?

Author: Dr. Eileen Roberts PhD  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Dietary salt should be limited in order to reduce facial swelling. No strenuous activity for one week after surgery including: exercise, heavy lifting, bending, yard work, cleaning or anything that includes straining or elevating your heart rate. You can apply makeup the day after surgery if needed.

What not to do after fat transfer to face?

Don't:
  1. Move or massage the treated area for a few days post-op to avoid disturbing the fat cells before they can “settle in”
  2. Smoke.
  3. Do any strenuous activity until Dr. Afrooz advises you that it's safe to do so.
  4. Wear cosmetics until at least the day after.
  5. Skip your post-op appointments!

What is the recovery time for fat transfer to the face?

Post-Procedure Care Instructions for Facial Fat Transfer. Most patients can resume daily activities within 2-3 weeks post-op, with the majority of swelling subsiding in 1-2 weeks. Full recovery typically occurs around the 4-6 week mark, though individual timelines may vary.

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.

What to eat after fat transfer to face?

After your facial fat transfer procedure, the fat cells must get sufficient nutrients to establish a blood supply in their new location. Eat foods rich in healthy fats and omega-3 oils like salmon, avocados, and extra-virgin olive oil.

How long should I expect the bruising to last after a facial fat transfer? | Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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.

What foods should you avoid after face surgery?

When healing from your cosmetic procedure, you may resume your vitamin and herbal supplement consumption after the third day. For a month after surgery, avoid salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and refined carbs. Of course, always follow your surgeon's instructions and advice for the best results.

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 caffeine affect fat transfer?

Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen) for 2 weeks before and after surgery. These medications may increase bleeding. Substances to Avoid: Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, for these will dramatically slow the healing process.

How much fat survives after fat transfer to face?

Following most facial fat grafting treatments, fat graft survival rate is 60%. This surviving fat is permanent, and as such, it responds just like any other bodily fat. If you experience weight fluctuations, you will notice changes in your fat grafting results.

When can I wash my face after fat transfer?

You may resume showering the day after surgery. Please gently pat your incisions dry afterwards and perform a light application of Vaseline twice daily. Cold compresses on your cheeks and eye region are recommended for the first 48 hours to decrease bruising and swelling.

When can I sit after fat transfer?

Typically, after six to eight weeks, patients can start sitting without cushions for short periods, gradually increasing as comfort and healing permit. It's important to listen to your body and the advice of your BBL surgeon during this phase to avoid any setbacks.

Should I ice my face after fat transfer?

Use ice packs liberally in the areas of the face where fat was transplanted for the first 3 days after surgery. This minimizes swelling. If you have any discomfort in the body area where fat was harvested, you can use ice packs for the first couple of days.

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 you help fat survive after fat transfer?

After Fat Transfer Surgery, Feed the Fat!

You will need to consume extra calories to provide those new fat cells with a good supply of blood. Eat nutrient-rich foods, including those with healthy fats, such as salmon, avocados, walnuts, and extra virgin olive oil.

What is the downside to 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.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after fat transfer to face?

Visibly apparent bruising and swelling in the face will typically resolve within 2 weeks following a fat transfer procedure. By the second week, most patients can get back out in public with a little makeup to camouflage any lingering swelling or bruising.

Can your body reject your own fat transfer?

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

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.

How can I reverse fat transfer to my face?

No worries, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and are a candidate, you may reverse your fat transfer with VASER Liposuction. The excess fat deposits will be removed from your body and your frame will be sculpted to greatness.

Why did my fat go to my face?

Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to weight gain, affecting the face. If you don't exercise, insufficient calories are being burnt to offset your food intake, and fat deposition results. Water Retention: This condition is often caused by high sodium (salt) intake, leading to facial puffiness.

What drinks to avoid after surgery?

Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can impede healing, so staying well-hydrated is important after surgery. Drink eight glasses of water per day or more if you're thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, alcohol, coffee, and tea.

Are bananas good after surgery?

Until you have a good appetite again — usually after a few days — it's important to eat as much as you can to help keep your healing on track. I tell my patients that if they're feeling nauseous: Try bland, dry, or liquid foods that are easy on the stomach, such as bananas, crackers, chicken broth, or plain toast.

What can you not do after facial surgery?

AVOID BENDING OVER OR LIFTING heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise the blood pressure and start hemorrhage. AVOID HITTING OR BUMPING YOUR FACE, HEAD AND NECK. It is wise not to pick up small children and you should sleep alone for one week after your operation.

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