Is Fat Better Than Fillers? Which One will Benefit Me the Most?

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Even though aging is normal, there’s no reason why you need to show the usual aging changes of your face. Having a subtle procedure, such as fat injections or dermal fillers, can erase years off your appearance and give you more confidence in your professional and personal life. One of the signs of aging is loss of volume in our cheeks. In addition, as we lose fat in one part of our face, the unwanted fat can show up in different areas.  

But what should you choose: fat injections or fillers?

What Are These Injections Made Of?

Fat injections and fillers restore volume to the face to plump your contours and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Fillers are made from chemical compounds (such as hyaluronic acid) that add plumpness to the lower levels of the dermis, smoothing out surface-level lines and wrinkles while restoring fullness to facial hollows. 

Fat transfer involves removing body fat from an area of surplus and injecting it into your face to plump out the skin. This procedure is also known as “Structural Fat Graft.” This procedure is more involved than injecting “off the shelf” fillers such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane®. It requires numbing the donor areas, carefully processing the fat, and then injecting it in a very specific time-involved fashion.

How Long Will My Filler or Fat Injection Last?

Depending on the treatment, fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years. Evidence suggests that, over time, repeated filler injections will stimulate the body to produce its own collagen, meaning that less filler will be needed to achieve the same results.

Alternatively, the body does not absorb fat as readily as it does filler. Therefore, fat injections will last longer than fillers, and, ultimately, some of the fat will remain for a long time. Most commonly, fat injection to the face is done at the time of the facelift, although it is also done as a “stand alone” procedure.  

Are There Allergy Risks For Fillers or Fat injections?

Fat injections do not pose an allergy risk, as it’s part of your body. Even though hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, dermal fillers can create an allergic reaction. Fortunately, these reactions are quite rare, and if they do occur, they can be readily treated. 

Why Should I Consider a Filler or Fat Injection?

Fillers or fat injections can restore a more youthful appearance and boost your self-confidence. Dermal filler injections are done in the office, and most patients can apply makeup and return to work or other social activities immediately after the treatment.  

Fat injections are done in the operating room, but under local anesthesia with hardly any discomfort. There could be some minor swelling and bruising lasting a few days, therefore the patients most likely will not be able to return to work or other social activities right away.

Enhance Your Appearance Today!

A consultation with Dr. Ackerman can help you determine the right treatment for you. Everyone’s goals are different, so your consultation will help establish your goals and define the results you can expect. Visit us online or give us a call at (949) 759-3284 to schedule your consultation today!