Facial Fat Transfer vs Fillers

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.

Collagen is the protein that gives our skin its youthful elasticity. Subcutaneous fat, that is fat stored just beneath the skin, gives the face a young, healthy ‘plumpness’. As we age, our collagen levels deplete, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag. We also lose this youthful fat from our face as we get older, which can result in sunken cheeks, making us look older and more tired. 

Although we are all ultimately at the mercy of the ageing process, certain lifestyle choices and environmental factors can help to accelerate this process. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, excessive sun exposure, poor sleep and exposure to air pollution. Although it is possible to control some of these factors, by quitting smoking for example, one thing we cannot escape from is our genes. Some people are more prone to sagging skin and wrinkles due to their genetics.

What is fat transfer to the face?

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 facial 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 facial fat transfer vs fillers, here’s a look at some of the key benefits and how each procedure varies.

Facial fat transfer benefits and differences:

• Natural results: As this procedure uses your own natural body fat, this results in a very natural appearance.
• Long-lasting results: Unlike dermal fillers, which will require regular maintenance, fat transfer produces long-lasting results.
• Improved contours: The area of the body where the fat is harvested from is left looking more slim and contoured. This is an additional benefit that you will not get with dermal fillers.
• Natural material: As fat is a natural substance and taken from your own body, it can be safely used on the face.
• Skin boost: Your skin will enjoy a natural boost due to the use of your natural materials in this treatment.

Dermal fillers benefits and differences

• Non-invasive: There are no incisions or anesthetic involved with dermal fillers.
• Minimal downtime: Because this is not a surgical procedure, there is very little, if any, downtime after dermal fillers.
• Immediate results: Patients will notice a difference immediately after treatment.

Fat transfer vs. dermal 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 for the face downsides

• Possibility of reabsorption: 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.
• Higher costs: 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.
• Final result takes time: 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.

Dermal filler downsides

• Not long-term results: 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
• More expensive in the long term: Although cheaper at the outset, long-term fillers may prove more expensive than fat transfer due to repeated treatments
• Higher risk of infection: 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. We would definitely encourage you to speak to one of our specialists at a private consultation to assess which would be best for you and your desired outcome.