Facial Fat Transfer vs Fillers

It is a fact of life that comes to us all. The day arrives when we catch a glance of ourselves in the mirror and realise that we’re looking a little bit older than we thought. It could be that we’ve spotted a few wrinkles.

It could be that gravity has done its thing and we have issues with sagging skin. Either way, people seek ways to correct these and have a younger-looking face. When not at the stage where a facelift is the solution, often the choice is between fat transfer or fillers.

When looking at fat transfer vs dermal fillers, both of these procedures have their advantages. The best way of knowing which could be the ideal solution for you is to book a consultation with one of our experts. If before taking that step you’d like to know more about fat transfer vs fillers, then read on.

What is fat transfer to the face?

Cosmetic Surgery

Fat Transfer to Face

Fat transfer (fat transplantation) uses processed fat from your own body to re-contour and restore volume to facial…

Before trying to decide between fat transfer or fillers, it is worth having a look at what each procedure actually is. Fat transfer is also known as fat grafting. It involves two procedures rolled into one. The first part of the process sees fat being removed from your body in places where it is unwanted. This is usually from the thighs, buttocks, or belly area. Once the fat has been harvested, it is then cleansed before being injected into the face.

Fat transfer gives results that look natural. It is an effective way of correcting some of the facial issues that we develop while ageing. Some of the areas where fat transfer has the best results are:

Correcting cheeks that appear sunken
Addressing eyelid bags
Correcting jowls
Adding a generally fuller appearance to the face

Fat transfer isn’t just used to fight back against ageing. It is used at any age and commonly it is used to enhance facial features.

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What are dermal fillers?

Dermal fillers are an injectable treatment used to address signs of ageing. They are a great option for those who are seeking a fast and effective treatment that avoids the need for surgery. Fillers contain hyaluronic acid. This is a natural substance that is already found within the body. This means that the way fillers work is by taking advantage of what nature has already created.

Although the effect is not permanent, fillers do provide long-lasting results. These are a great, non-surgical, option to address the signs of ageing. Some of the most common areas where these are used include:

Under-eye
Cheeks
Lips
Nose/mouth lines
Jawline
Hands

Dermal fillers are manufactured by many brands. At Cadogan Clinic, we only ever use the very best. The brands of fillers used by our specialists are Juvederm and Restylane.

Fat transfer vs fillers - what are the benefits?

When trying to achieve the best results and choosing fat transfer or fillers, the truth is that both procedures are working towards the same goal. However, they do this in different ways and each method has its own benefits.

When it comes to fat transfer vs fillers, here’s a look at some of the key benefits of each:

Fat transfer

As this procedure is using your own body fat the results appear extremely natural
The results of fat grafting are long-lasting
The area where the fat is harvested benefits from appearing slimmers and more contoured
As fat is a natural substance and from your own body, it can be used safely anywhere on your face
Fat cells contain cells which may also help to give your skin a boost

Fillers

A non-invasive solution to the appearance of wrinkles
Very little, or even no, downtime after the procedure
Most patients see immediate results

Words from our clients:

“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."

Courtney O'Sullivan

"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."

Gemma Stevenson

"There is nothing that I feel could be improved at Cadogan Clinic. I was treated and looked after very well the place was very clean. Perfect. Thank you."

Emma Grant

"The treatment was for my daughter and the aesthetic practitioner couldn't have been more helpful and informative all through the course of treatment, it was a great treatment with a brilliant outcome. The whole experience was very professional and any worries we went in with were soon taken away after the team greeted us and treated us."

Jessica Yates

"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."

Emma Davies

Fat transfer vs derma fillers - are there any downsides?

As with all cosmetic procedures, there are pros and cons to consider. A consultation with a specialist is the best way to be fully aware of these. Our team can assist you with making the decision that is best for you and that aligns with your goals. That being said, here are some of the potential downsides to be aware of:

Fat transfer

It is possible for some of the fat that has been transferred to be reabsorbed back into the body. This means that further treatments may be required. However, with a skilled surgeon, this is less likely to happen and this reduces the need for further treatments. The Cadogan Clinic is at the forefront of this technique.
The cost of fat transfer vs derma fillers is higher. This is because the procedure is more involved. However, as the results are so long-lasting it often proves the cheaper option in the long term.
The full benefits of fat transfer may not be seen for a few weeks due to the amount of swelling. However, there are still visible results that can be seen almost instantly.

Derma fillers

The results are not as long-lasting as fat transfer. Your body will gradually absorb the fillers. This could take between 6 months and 2 years
Although cheaper at the outset, long-term fillers may prove more expensive than fat transfer due to repeated treatments
Fillers are proven to be safe, but as the procedure involves a foreign substance entering your body, it is possible, although highly unlikely, that you could have a reaction

Fat transfer or fillers - which is the best overall?

Choosing fat transfer or fillers depends entirely upon the results that you are looking to achieve. Fat transfer is a great option when it comes to adding to the fullness of the face. It is a great solution to adding to the volume around the jawline, eyes, and cheeks. Fillers can add to the volume of your face, but their key benefit is in targeting deep wrinkles.

Fat transfer vs dermal fillers is often a choice that is difficult to make. In many cases, a combination of the two can actually provide the best results.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Hyalronic Acid and Sculptra are very popular, quick injectable treatments that can soften facial wrinkles, lines and fill out hollows to recreate the smooth contours of younger skin. Fillers are popular with those seeking a swift, non-surgical solution for ageing skin that has lost volume as the collagen that previously helped to shape and support it has disappeared.

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Injectables

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Hyalronic Acid and Sculptra are very popular, quick injectable treatments that can soften facial…

Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer to Face

Fat transfer (fat transplantation) uses processed fat from your own body to re-contour and restore volume to facial areas that have become sunken…

Fat transfer (fat transplantation) uses processed fat from your own body to re-contour and restore volume to facial areas that have become sunken with age, thereby rejuvenating your face and restoring a more youthful appearance. This may be achieved using the fat transfer technique.

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