Facial Rejuvenation With Fat Transfer vs. Fillers
When it comes to facial rejuvenation treatments, don’t they all do the same thing? Does it really matter which treatment you undergo? The short answer is yes, it does matter. Each treatment and product is specially designed to rejuvenate the face in a different way, and you should choose your treatment based on the benefits it can offer you with your specific aesthetic needs and goals. Fat transfer and injectable fillers are two popular treatments that each have their own unique benefits for facial rejuvenation.
Facial Rejuvenation With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is the process of harvesting fat from elsewhere on the body and reinjecting it into the face. The procedure begins with liposuction of the abdomen, hips, thighs, or another area with surplus fat. Once the fat is extracted, it is purified and prepared to be reinjected into the face. Finally, the fat is injected into areas of lost volume to produce a more youthful facial appearance. Fat transfer can also fill out wrinkles and leaves long-lasting results.
Facial Rejuvenation With Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are biocompatible substances that can be injected into the skin to temporarily diminish signs of facial aging. There is an increasingly lengthy list of dermal fillers, all made of substances such as hyaluronic acid, poly-L-lactic acid, or calcium hydroxylapatite. When injected into the face, fillers add volume, improve contour deficiencies, and fill in shallow to deep facial wrinkles. Dr. Stevens uses fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC, Restylane®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic for facial enhancement.
Interested in Facial Fillers or Fat Transfer?
If you’re interested in facial fillers or fat transfer, click here to schedule a consultation.
Fat Transfer vs. Fillers
- Wrinkle Reduction: Both fat transfer and facial fillers can minimize wrinkles in the face. Some types of wrinkles, such as those found in the brow and forehead, should be treated by another type of injectable known as a neuromodulator (BOTOX® Cosmetic).
- Volume Enhancement: Both fat transfer and facial fillers can enhance lost facial volume.
- Side Effects and Risks: Minor side effects such as swelling can occur with both treatments, though they are usually shorter lasting for fillers than fat transfer. However, fillers present the unique risk of an allergic or adverse reaction, whereas fat transfer has minimal risk overall.
- Downtime: Fat transfer requires one to two days of downtime, whereas fillers usually have no downtime.
- How Soon You See Results: Fat transfer produces immediately noticeable results, but the final results are not visible for several weeks until the swelling has subsided and the body has reabsorbed some of the fat. For fillers, the immediacy of the results is mixed. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC and Restylane® instantly enhance volume, while Sculptra® Aesthetic gradually enhances volume.
- Length of Results: The results of fat transfer can last indefinitely, making it an essentially permanent form of treatment. The results of fillers are temporary. Some fillers offer results that can last up to six months, but the longest-lasting fillers produce results that can last up to two years.
- Number of Treatments Needed: Fat transfer may require more than one treatment to achieve your desired results, but future treatments are rarely needed or may not be needed for years. Fillers need to be administered regularly to maintain the results.
If you are not certain which treatment is best for you, schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Leslie Stevens. While some doctors argue in favor of fat transfer over fillers or vice versa, Dr. Stevens understands that the choice should be made on an individual, case-by-case basis. Dr. Stevens can evaluate your needs and goals to identify the best form of treatment for your facial rejuvenation. To request your consultation, call 310.556.1003 or contact us online today.
