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Is Fat Grafting Better Than Dermal Fillers?

Posted August 06, 2024 in Fat Grafting | 3 minute read

close up of model looking straight and touching her face with a hand

Many patients desire a contoured, plump facial appearance that looks youthful and rejuvenated. Facial fat grafting and dermal fillers are popular options when adding volume to the face. However, facial fat grafting is known for providing longer-lasting, more natural results. This blog discusses the fat grafting procedure, who is a good candidate, what your fat grafting options are, and why choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is essential for the best possible results.

What Is Facial Fat Grafting?

Losing volume in the face can cause your skin to sag, creating a tired and worn-out appearance. Facial fat grafting is an increasingly popular procedure that utilizes the patient’s excess fat to plump, contour, and sculpt the face for a long-lasting, natural result. During the procedure, the body area with the unwanted fat is numbed, and a tiny incision is created to remove the fat. This incision does not leave a scar or need to be stitched up. The removed fat is cleaned and reinjected into the face wherever the patient desires more volume. 

As you age, it’s natural to lose facial volume, yet many people dislike the hollow and droopy look that occurs with the loss of volume. Fat grafting is an option that many people turn to as a way of combating signs of aging. Additionally, some people naturally have less facial volume than they would like. Fat grafting can be a great option to add fat and restructure facial contours to better fit the patient’s aesthetic goals. 

Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers 

For people looking to add facial volume, deciding between fat grafting and dermal fillers may be one of the first steps. Dermal fillers are a non-surgical option that provides minimally invasive treatments with diverse applications. However, these injections provide temporary results and can look unnatural when performed by an inexperienced technician. Additionally, sometimes patients experience allergic reactions to dermal fillers, as their bodies reject the ingredients. 

Many patients prefer facial fat grafting because it uses their own body fat. Using the patient’s body fat eliminates issues of possible allergic reactions and also provides longer-lasting results while eliminating some fat in an unwanted area. Dermal fillers typically last for months, while facial fat grafting can last for several years. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Grafting?

Ideal candidates for this procedure will have a sufficient amount of unwanted body fat to use as the donor site for the fat transfer. Fat grafting patients should also desire more facial volume and long-lasting results. 

What Are My Fat Grafting Options?

For facial fat grafting, the fat can be transferred anywhere the patient wants more volume or different contours.  Popular treatment areas include the cheeks, chin, lips, nasolabial folds, under the eyes, hollows of the eyes, and forehead. When the fat is transferred to the face, your surgeon will reshape and sculpt your facial contours to look natural and fit your goals. 

Why Choose Dr. Lee for Fat Grafting? 

Dr. Harrison Lee is a triple board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has dedicated his career to perfecting his facial plastic and cosmetic surgery results. He is highly experienced and well-known for his facial procedures, making him an excellent choice for anyone interested in fat grafting. 

Have More Questions About Fat Grafting? 

To learn more about facial fat grafting, call +1 (310) 777-2627 (Beverly Hills office), +1 (212) 988-9769 (Manhattan office), or +971 56 511 5999 (Dubai office). You can also fill out our online contact form to request a consultation.