Question:
What are the pros and cons of fat transfer vs. injectable fillers?
Answer:
The pro of injectable fillers is the precise nature of the filling obtained. The con is that they are all temporary and need to be repeated. Also, if large areas need to be filled the cost can get excessive. The pro of fat transfer is that the result lasts 10 years or longer and that it is your own cells. It is most useful for replacing overall facial volume loss. The con is that there is some variability in the percentage of fat transferred that will survive and be maintained. Therefore more than one transfer may be necessary. Also, fat transfer is not very reliable in the lip and perioral area. This area has such high mobility that fat has a difficult time becoming vascularized and surviving.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham