A fat transfer to the face is a surgical procedure that harvests donor fat via liposuction and injects it into the face as needed. This may involve injecting fat into the cheeks, nasolabial folds, under-eye area, or other places where volume correction is helpful. Although minimally invasive, fat transfer procedures still involve a recovery period during which the transferred fat cells integrate into their new location, and the fat donor sites heal from liposuction.
Recovery usually happens on a fairly predictable timeline, but every body is different and so is every part of the face. If you add volume to multiple areas of your face during your fat transfer procedure, don’t expect them all to heal at the same rate. Some areas, such as the under-eye (tear trough) area, heal more slowly than others. While you should feel and look a bit better every day, some areas of your face may move along the path to healing a bit more slowly than others.
The speed at which you recover after a fat transfer to the face varies and is affected by several different factors. These factors include:
Sometimes the healing process can feel as long as the line at the DMV, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. That light is often easier to see when you have some landmarks along the way that confirm that you really are making progress. There are a few milestones that can help with this.
Swelling and bruising are normal during recovery from a fat transfer to the face, and they may get worse before they get better. Swelling typically peaks 48 to 72 hours after your procedure. Although residual swelling can linger for two to three weeks, you can rest assured you’re over the hump by day three. Bruising tends to resolve even more quickly.
Understand that the different parts of your body probably won’t swell evenly. If you had fat transfer to the cheeks, for example, one cheek may swell more than the other. While this makes your cheeks look asymmetrical now, they will even out as the swelling subsides.
Numbness and tingling are possible in both the recipient and donor areas. Although your plastic surgeon will avoid critical nerves, especially in your face, some minor nerve disruption can occur. This is temporary and usually resolves about three to four weeks after surgery. The sensation can feel odd, but it gets better.
As you recover from a fat transfer to the face, some of the transferred fat cells will die. This is normal and expected. Approximately 60 to 80% of the grafted fat will survive, and the rest is absorbed by your body. You may see some changes in your results because of this, but what you see after two to three months is generally what you get. Subtle changes can continue for up to six months, but the bulk of your body’s adjustments will be done after three.
A recovery timeline is helpful because it tells you what to expect and what you’ll have to do to take care of yourself. The first few days after surgery involve the most self-care. It can be helpful to recruit a friend or family member for help, however, as you may feel a bit tender at donor sites where you had liposuction.
Recovering from a facial fat transfer isn’t too daunting a task, but things get even easier after the first week. Here’s what things start to look like in the weeks and months as you put your fat transfer behind you.
Happily, most of our patients never need to use this information. It is important, however, to recognize the signs of complications that could arise while recovering from a fat transfer to the face, just in case. Knowing the signs allows you to contact your surgeon as soon as you suspect an issue, often allowing them to stop potential problems before they start or become larger issues. Signs it’s time to touch base with your surgeon include:
Your plastic surgeon absolutely wants to hear from you if you experience any of the above or have other concerns during your recovery. Please don’t hesitate to reach out because you fear you are overreacting or will be considered a burden. Your surgeon would rather you call over an issue that turns out to be nothing than neglect to call when you should.
Recovering from a fat transfer to the face takes a little time, but you’re not just a hapless passenger along for the ride. There are things you do (and avoid) to help the process along. The following tips help speed the healing process, ensure the best possible outcome, and make you feel more comfortable along the way. All of the following will help:
It depends. You will need to avoid placing pressure on your fat grafts for one to two weeks. If your grafts will be near the bridge of your nose or upper cheeks, consult with your plastic surgeon. They may recommend avoiding eyewear during this time if at all possible.
The under-eye area is more delicate and prone to prolonged fluid retention. This is normal and usually improves two to four weeks after surgery. If you have several areas of your face augmented, you should expect that they may heal at different rates.
Short flights are usually okay, but long flights should be discussed with your surgeon. Cabin pressure can temporarily increase facial swelling, and sitting for too long increases the risk of DVT. If they approve you to fly, your surgeon may recommend choosing an aisle seat so you can take an occasional stroll up and down the aisle to keep moving.
Small lumps beneath the skin after a facial fat transfer are not uncommon. They typically resolve on their own as the swelling decreases. Persistent firm lumps, however, may be a sign of fat necrosis and should be examined by your surgeon.
Perfectly! Swelling often happens unevenly, temporarily making your face look a bit asymmetrical. Fat survival rates can also vary slightly from side to side. Symmetry improves as healing continues. If you still feel that your face looks a bit asymmetrical after all is said and done, you can discuss a second surgery to even things out with your surgeon.
You should wait three to six months before making a final ruling on how you feel about your fat transfer results. It can take this long for all of the residual swelling to resolve and the transferred fat to fully integrate into its new home. If you’re still unhappy at that time, talk to your plastic surgeon about the possibility of getting a touch-up. Depending on what you’re unhappy with, a touch-up may involve more fat grafting, minor liposuction, or dissolving nearby HA fillers, if applicable.