There are several variables that can impact how long a facial fat transfer lasts. The procedure is considered permanent since fat cells that integrate into the facial tissue stay there. The aging process continues after a fat transfer to the face, however, and it can change your facial dynamics and appearance. You can expect your facial fat transfer results to last for many years at a minimum, and they could very well stay with you for life.
The look you see when you get home from your surgery is in no way your final result. Swelling makes early results look fuller than they will be in the long term. Accommodating for the fat cells that won’t survive can have the same effect.
About 60 to 80% of the fat cells transferred into the face will survive. The remaining cells will die and be absorbed by the body as you heal. This is normal and expected, so your plastic surgeon will likely transfer a bit more fat than you need to account for this reabsorption. You’ll notice visible improvements to your facial contours about three months after a fat transfer to the face and enjoy your final results in about six months.
The transferred fat cells that establish themselves in the face and survive continue on as living tissue and can last many years. Unlike dermal fillers, these cells don’t dissolve over time. As mentioned above, however, facial fat transfer doesn’t stop the aging process. You may find that the fat cells seem to shift downward a bit over time thanks to gravity, and you could still lose some facial volume as you continue to age. Areas like the cheeks tend to retain fat better than the lips or nasolabial folds, but you can expect to enjoy your fat transfer results for many years no matter where donor fat is injected.
Two patients who undergo the same facial fat transfer procedure may not get identical results. Factors like genetics, skin elasticity, age, and fat harvesting techniques influence patient outcomes. So does the surgeon’s approach to injecting the fat, with fat layering using microinjections being the preferred technique. Patient compliance with post-op instructions also plays a large role in final results and fat longevity.
There are several variables that can help or hinder the longevity of grafted fat cells. But it’s important to note that a good outcome starts with being a good candidate for the procedure.
Individuals with a very low BMI may not have enough donor fat for effective fat harvesting. Further note that metabolic and circulatory problems can hinder the ability of fat cells to establish adequate blood supply in their new home, and a personal history of unsuccessful fat grafts or extreme weight fluctuations can also be problematic.
You and your plastic surgeon may decide together to try a fat transfer even in the face of these adverse conditions, but your fat graft may not take or last as long as desired.
The way donor fat cells are harvested, handled, and injected all play a role in how much of the grafted fat survives. Injected fat can’t survive without establishing a blood supply, and microinjection techniques support this. Injections placed too superficially or too deeply may reduce survival rates. A clean, sterile environment is vital to a successful graft too, as is gentle harvesting and handling of fat cells.
These factors aren’t controlled by you but by your plastic surgeon. That fact, and your personal safety, are why it’s vital to choose a qualified, experienced, and caring plastic surgeon like those at Mia Aesthetics to perform a fat transfer to the face.
It’s human nature to seek out shortcuts and easy ways to do things, but plastic surgery isn’t one. Patients often believe that plastic surgery can fix body issues in lieu of diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, but these things are all components that help maintain plastic surgery results. Positive habits will help your facial fat transfer results last longer while negative ones may shorten their lifespan. It’s likely that none of this information will come as a surprise to you, but it always bears repeating.
Although easier said than done, you should try to limit your facial movements during the healing phase of your facial fat transfer. Overuse of expressive muscles during the healing phase can reduce fat retention. Dynamic areas like the mouth may lose more volume than static zones. Plastic surgeons sometimes administer Botox during recovery to limit muscle movements, and this is certainly something you may wish to discuss during your free virtual consultation.
As you recover from a fat transfer to the face, know that you’re not a hapless victim of the healing process. You are an active participant, and the more closely you follow these tips and your post-op instructions, the better your results are likely to be.
There are some important things you can do in the first few days following your facial fat transfer to help the newly grafted cells survive and thrive. Immediate post-op tips include the following:
There are always exceptions, but most patients seek a fat transfer to the face due to signs of aging. You can help minimize the signs of aging and prolong your facial fat transfer results with a good skincare routine. Make sure you:
There are several non-surgical options available to help fight the signs of aging, and these can often be used alongside a facial fat transfer to help maintain your results. Most will require you to wait until your fat transfer is fully healed, however, so tread carefully and talk to your plastic surgeon before trying them. These maintenance options include:
Sometimes a revision or touch-up surgery is necessary after a facial fat transfer. This is because many plastic surgeons prefer intentionally under-correcting during a fat transfer to the face and then performing a touch-up to risking an over-correction. A second fat grafting session usually requires less donor fat than the original procedure, and recovery tends to be shorter. Here are a few signs that it’s time to seek a correction or perhaps go in another direction:
Yes. Dermal fillers dissolve over time, typically in six to 12 months, and require ongoing maintenance. Fat that survives the initial recovery period can last years—and sometimes permanently—with proper care.
No! You should avoid exercise, especially anything high impact, for two to three weeks to allow the fat cells to establish a blood supply. Your plastic surgeon will tell you when you’re cleared for exercise and what types of exercise you can do when.
A balanced diet rich in healthy fats (like avocados and nuts) and high in protein will support tissue healing and fat survival. So will staying adequately hydrated.
Surgeons often slightly overfill the face initially, knowing that some fat will not survive. The amount of fat you need is calculated based on area, retention rates, and balance.
Please don’t. Massage can displace the delicate fat cells before they integrate. Only perform massages if explicitly advised by your surgeon. Even then, it may be wise to consult a professional who specializes in post-op massage practices. Many clinics have a qualified masseuse on staff.
Yes. UV damage can break down both collagen and fat over time. Consistent sunscreen use helps prolong both your skin and graft quality. Many of the moisturizers and skincare products on the market today contain sunscreen and can protect you without clogging your pores or making your skin feel greasy.
If you’re considering a touch-up after a fat transfer to the face, most plastic surgeons recommend waiting six months to a year before considering a second procedure. This allows your surgeon to get a clear analysis of where you are after your initial facial fat grafting so that the second procedure generates better results. Getting a second procedure while the results of the first are still settling in can result in continued dissatisfaction after the second surgery.
Kind of. Technically, weight loss doesn’t make your fat cells go away or die, but it can make them smaller in size. If the fat cells transferred to your face shrink too much, you could alter the symmetry of your face or find yourself looking hollow even in places where you had fat injected. The same is true if you gain a significant amount of weight. The fat cells will grow in size and could make your face look round, puffy, or overfilled. Maintaining a stable weight is vital to protecting fat graft results.
Fat cells can shift as they are adapting to their new home in your face, which is why it’s important to avoid touching or putting pressure on your face early on. Once you are fully healed and the fat cells are integrated, however, the fat will stay where it is.