Fat Grafting V/s Fillers: The best option for your face?
Aging is an inevitable phenomenon but modern facial rejuvenation treatment has allowed reversing the aging clock. While multiple options are ranging from non-surgical to surgical treatments, fillers and fat grafting remain a popular option. But which is better fat or fillers?
Let’s find out.
Facial Fat Transfer
It is a procedure to transfer fat from your tummy/thigh/hip to add or restore volume to face affected by aging. The fat used is autologous that is from your own body and therefore there are no chances of rejection.
| PROS | CONS |
| NATURAL: As the fat is from one’s own body there is no side effect unlike though rare can be seen with synthetic fillers. | LONGER OT TIME: As fat has to be harvested and then refined before the injecting procedure can take 1- 2 hours. |
| LONG LASTING: Unlike fillers which last for months, fat grafting results last for years. | LONGER RECOVERY: There can be bruising and swelling which can last from 7-10 days. |
| STEM CELLS: The fat cells are rich in stem cells which aid in facial rejuvenation inside out. | LUMPS: Lumps can be present after fat transfer which can take time to subside. |
| MULTIPLE AREAS: Fat can be harvested in good volumes and therefore can be used for multiple areas. | COSTLY: Although the one- time cost is higher but considering multiple sessions of fillers, the overall cost is much less. |
Facial Fillers
Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that forms collagen, the building block of the body. Fillers remain the top choice for facial rejuvenation across the globe.
| PROS | CONS |
| QUICK: The whole procedure takes 30 minutes. | TEMPORARY: Results are temporary and have to be repeated at 6-12 months. |
| DOWNTIME: Minimum downtime and you can return to work or home after it. | PRODUCT: Results depend on the quality and efficacy of filler |
| REVERSIBLE: Results can be reversed by the use of the dissolving product Hyaluronidase. | SIDE-EFFECTS: Bumps, asymmetry, and vascular occlusion (rare) are a possibility. |
Though both the procedures – Facial fat transfer and Dermal fillers have their pros and cons, it is important to seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetic procedures.
Dr. Anmol Chugh is an internationally trained plastic surgeon with extensive training at the Centre for Facial Plastic Surgery, Australia. To get a full facial analysis and comprehensive antiaging plan, click here.