Fat Transfer vs Fillers: Which One is Right For You?
Where These Injections Are Used
Fat transfer injections and dermal filler injections can be used in different areas around the face for different purposes. Not all dermal fillers do the same thing and not all fat transfer injections do the same thing. For example, some fillers are designed to add more volume to the face while others add more hydration to the skin.
There are several areas around the face where both dermal fillers and fat transfer injections can be used. Both are used to combat wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. Both can be used to add volume around the cheeks and jaw to add a healthier fullness to your face or improve your facial contouring.
Fat transfers are a little more versatile because they can be placed anywhere around the face. They can even be used as alternatives to injectables like Botox and Dysport to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the forehead or eyes.
Surgical vs Non Surgical
Dermal fillers are a less invasive option because they are nonsurgical, which generally makes them more desirable for patients. You can go in for your appointment, have the injections, and walk out when the procedure is over. Dermal fillers don’t need any incisions or general anesthesia, so there are no recoveries associated with those factors. There may be a topical anesthetic used to prevent any pain or discomfort during the injection period, but that will wear off shortly after the procedure. There may be a bit of swelling after the injection period as your body adjusts to the filler, but this will also go away soon after the procedure.
Even though the fat transfer procedure also involves injections, there is a surgical element to it. The fat used in the transfer injections has to be harvested from somewhere else on your body in order to be moved to your face. The fat is harvested from your buttocks or thighs using liposuction. A small incision is made in your buttocks or thighs and then a small tube is inserted through the incision. The tube is carefully moved back and forth to break up the fat deposits under your skin. Then the fat is removed through the tube and harvested. Once enough fat has been removed, it will be prepared and treated for injections.
Because the fat transfer is a surgical procedure, it requires a little more recovery time than dermal fillers. The incision site will be closed with stitches or medical tape following the procedure, and there will likely be some swelling or discomfort around the fat harvesting and injection sites. It will take about a week for you to resume your regular activities, but the recovery should be relatively mild.
How Do the Results Compare?
Both fat transfers and fillers provide results effectively and immediately, though the swelling may make it more difficult to see your results from the fat transfers. Your body will absorb some of the fat deposits that are transferred into your face, so surgeons will usually transfer more than is necessary. As a result, your face may appear more puffy or swollen than you expected. Once you have recovered from the procedure, however, your results from the fat transfer will be more apparent.
In terms of longevity, the results from fat transfers are longer lasting. The fat will stay in place once it has been transferred to maintain consistent in shape and appearance. Dermal fillers have to be repeated to maintain your results. How often you have to get the dermal filler injections will vary depending on the type of filler and how your body reacts to it. Some fillers have to be repeated every three or four months while others only need to be repeated once or twice a year. Some patients are able to maintain their results for even longer, though it isn’t as common.
What About the Different Costs of the Procedures?
This is one area where it can be difficult to compare the two procedures. When you look at them individually, dermal fillers are far and away less costly than fat transfers. The actual cost of the injection will depend on which injection is used. For example, Radiesse injections cost about $625 while hyaluronic acids like Juvederm and Restylane cost about $590. Some injections are even more expensive; for instance, Sculptra costs almost $800.
The cost of a single fat transfer procedure also varies depending on the doctor, but on average the procedure costs about $2500. The total cost will also have fees associated with the surgical aspect of the procedure, including the initial recovery immediately after the procedure.
When you are looking at how much the procedure will cost you, it’s important to consider additional factors. Some doctors will charge more for a procedure, but they could also be a more experienced and qualified surgeon. Fat transfer injections and dermal filler injections may be less complicated than other procedures, but they still require the appropriate knowledge and training to be done safely and effectively. A less expensive surgeon will save you some more money on the procedure, but they could also cause you problems that will cost more money down the line.
Choosing Your Procedure
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of how fat transfer injections and dermal filler injections compare, but you can learn more about which procedure is most appropriate for you by talking with a plastic surgeon during a patient consultation. You can schedule a patient consultation with one of the highly trained plastic surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA. When you meet with your surgeon, you can discuss your goals for your appearance and ask any questions. Your surgeon will then help you determine the best procedure to get you the best results.
To schedule a patient consultation with a doctor at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery, or to learn more about these procedures, contact our office at (310) 275-2467.