Fat Transfer vs Fillers: Which Option is Right For You?

Fat Transfer vs Fillers: Which Option is Right For You? This is a partnered guest post.

Fat Transfer vs Fillers: Which Option is Right For You?

You want to add more fullness to your face. Perhaps you have never had defined cheekbones. You may have lost volume with aging and now you are looking at hollows where there used to be fullness. In some cases, you may be a person who has always had an extremely thin face and you want to change your appearance.

Losing volume in your face is typical if you have lost a significant amount of weight. The face is often the most noticeable sign of weight loss before any other area of the body stands out. You can’t change the way your face looks on your own, but you can consider procedures offered by your plastic surgeon. Facial fat transfer and fillers are two popular alternatives that can give you the fullness you are lacking in your face. Weigh in on each option before you choose the right one for you.

Understanding Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer refers to a procedure in which your surgeon will access excess fat from somewhere on your body in order to use it as a natural filler for your face. Typical areas for fat grafting or fat transfer include the thighs, the abdomen, the buttocks, and the hips. Liposuction is used to harvest the fat. Once a minor incision is used in order to draw out the fat through a thin, hollow tube, the fat must go through a process of purification. The last step is to inject the fat into your face in the areas where you desire more fullness. Your plastic surgeon will target specific areas in order to make the most use of your facial fat transfer.

If you don’t want artificial fillers used to alter the amount of volume in your face, a facial fat transfer may be the preferred choice for you. Many experts in the field of reconstructive surgery recommend that any material that needs to be replaced in your body should be replaced with the substance that is most similar to the original.

If you have lost fat in your face, using your own fat as a filler is considered the wisest choice. It is versatile. It can be used for more than your cheeks. You can also use a facial fat transfer to plump up your lips or smooth away wrinkles. Your results will be instant. As soon as your procedure is over, you are going to see the difference. As an added benefit, you are unlikely to have any type of reaction to facial fat transfer because it is a substance taken from your body. You can also expect that your results will look and feel natural. When you choose facial fat transfer, living tissue is being transferred to an area where you can make the most use of it. It should continue to thrive and last for years to come.

What About Fillers?

If you choose fillers to add volume to your face, your plastic surgeon can choose from a variety of fillers that will be injected into the same areas that would be targeted during facial fat transfer. If you opt for fillers, you will not have to go through a minor surgical procedure or the downtime that comes with liposuction. This may play a role in your decision. You could schedule your treatment on your lunch break and get right back to work without a problem. You may have slight redness or minor swelling that will go away in the next few days.

Fillers are a good choice when you want temporary results. Depending on the type of filler your plastic surgeon chooses for you, your results could last anywhere from three months to a year. If you are not sure about how you will feel about your results, this is the way to go. You could begin with a small amount of filler that addresses wrinkles or the hollows in your cheeks to experiment with the final outcome.

If you are happy with your results, you can always come back for another treatment. You need to understand that this method will be more costly because it does not have long-term effects. There is the possibility of having a reaction after fillers are injected into your face. You should discuss any factors that may place you at a higher risk of experiencing issues with your fillers. If you experience severe allergic reactions or you tend to have extreme scarring, your plastic surgeon may advise against this approach.

If you are trying to get rid of sagging, excess skin, you are going to need to take another approach, such as a facelift. Fillers and facial fat transfer cannot eliminate sagging. They can help you when you are dealing with fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of volume.

What is Right for You?

The best filler for you, whether it is a natural type of filler that comes from your own body or you choose an artificial filler, can be determined after a thorough evaluation from a plastic surgeon. You can do your own research and form your own opinions about what you would prefer, but you need to seek expert advice before you move forward with any type of procedure in order to ensure that you have optimal results. Your plastic surgeon is your ideal source for information when you want to enhance the appearance of your face or body.

Dr. Mark Glasgold is a renowned facial plastic surgery expert practicing at The Glasgold Group in Highland Park and Princeton, NJ. Dr. Glasgold is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.