Facial fat grafting is a relatively less invasive cosmetic surgery procedure. Therefore, the risks involved are minimal. Swelling and soreness in the injection sites may occur, but not every patient will experience them. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks to the patient.
The first goal of the surgeon will be to help the patient make an informed decision. Perspicacious, outstanding, and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin provides facial fat grafting to patients in West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and surrounding communities and towns in this region of The Golden State.
Possible Risks
The most significant downside of facial fat grafting is that the lips or the face may simply reabsorb most of the fat delivered through injections. There is no way to predict the chances of this occurrence in a patient, but it may happen to anyone who goes through this treatment.
Other possible risks involved in facial fat transfer cosmetic surgery include an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic, permanent discoloration caused by a ruptured blood vessel at the treatment site, calcification, a distorted look if overcorrection is done, peri-operative bleeding, and a blood clot at the treatment or donor site.
Other risks include a blood borne infection, which could occur due to another dental or cosmetic procedure, formation of scar tissue, and a fat embolism caused by a fat injection mistakenly directed into a blood vessel.
Aesthetically Inferior Results
In a few cases, the patient may experience disappointment with the cosmetic results of a facial fat transfer surgery. The placement of the fat transfer may be inadequate; the duration of the effect of the fat injection may not last as long as the patient may have expected; or the patient’s body may not accept the fat transfer.
The new shape of the face or lips may not look exactly as the patient had envisioned. In any case, to minimize this risk of disappointment, the patient should review before and after photos, discuss carefully about the risks and potential results during the initial consultation, and have realistic expectations.
Common Surgical Risks
Facial fat grafting will involve liposuction of the fat from the donor areas in the patient’s body. This will involve certain risks that are typical to any surgical procedure. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries, including facial fat grafting include:
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Poor reaction to anesthesia
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Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
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Infection
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Changes in sensation or numbness in injection sites
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Unfavorable scarring
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Allergic reactions
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Damage to underlying structures
Scarring Risks
Scars in case of facial fat transfer may occur due to liposuction, which is used to remove fat from the donor site. However, the liposuction may be performed using very small openings, which can lead to small scars.
Experienced and astute cosmetic surgeon Dr. Lin receives patients from West Covina, Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, Pasadena, Diamond Bar, and other parts of this area of the country for facial fat transfer.
Click here to learn more about all the plastic surgery procedures and treatments cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Lin performs for patients in and around Pasadena, Chino, Rowland Heights, Baldwin Park, Whittier, Brea, Arcadia, West Covina, Inland Empire, and San Gabriel Valley. Call today to schedule a consultation 626.810.6165 or click here.
