Is Fat Grafting Better Than Facial Fillers?

2 Minute Read: 

For a more youthful appearance in the face, many surgeons are turning to fat grafting over injectables. But, is fat grafting better?

WHAT IS FAT GRAFTING?

Fat grafting (fat transfer) uses a patient’s fat to smooth wrinkles and fine lines in the face or add volume and plumpness to the breasts or buttocks. Fat grafting involves removing fat cells with liposuction and then transferring the cleansed fat to other parts of the body, such as the face.

Fat grafting is often safer than injectable fillers or implants, as there is less chance of rejection or an allergic reaction. Fat grafting also has regenerative properties, meaning that the fat cells keep populating and retain the shape of the area where injected.

This is due to the high concentration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in fatty tissue. Fat grafting stimulates these MSC cells, thereby restoring the affected tissue.

Fat grafting is very safe and can help you achieve the appearance you desire.

FAT GRAFTING OR INJECTABLE FACIAL FILLERS?

Injectable facial fillers are often promoted as a less-invasive alternative to a surgical facelift as they can give you a fuller, more youthful appearance. Many people are happy with the results of fillers, but these results are not permanent, requiring yearly touch-up treatments.

Fat grafting is an alternative to fillers. When used on the face, it can help reduce the appearance of scars and give more volume around the eyes, cheeks, and other areas of volume loss. Unlike fillers, the fat cells offer a more permanent solution to the decrease in volume and resiliency that aging skin experiences.

WHAT OTHER AREAS CAN BENEFIT FROM FAT GRAFTING?

For breast reconstruction and breast augmentation, adding the patient’s fat around the implants or in place of the implants can enhance and smooth the breasts’ appearance, giving a more natural look. 

When performed with traditional breast augmentation, the extra fatty tissue lends support to the implants and fills the chest area.

Fat grafting can also be an alternative for patients looking for more subtle breast augmentation, especially those who do not wish to have implants. Adding a patient’s fat to the natural breast tissue and fat already there allows the surgeon to shape the breasts carefully and to make uneven breasts more symmetrical.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

Dr. Pearce of Pearce Plastic Surgery Group is a leader in the field of fat grafting. Give our offices a call at (512) 764-9076, or visit us online for more information.