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Will I Lose My Facial Fat Grafting Results if I Lose Weight?

Facial fat grafting is a fantastic way for patients to get more definition in their facial features, particularly the cheeks, around the eyes, and the jaw while reducing the amount of fat in other undesirable donor areas.

However, it’s crucial patients understand the mechanisms behind facial fat grafting before committing to the procedure.

In this article, expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jose Barrera discusses facial fat grafting and the implications for weight loss on facial fat grafting results.

How Does Facial Fat Grafting Work?

Facial fat grafting works by taking fatty tissue from a donor site, usually the buttocks or thighs, processing and purifying these cells, and then reintroducing them to the desired area. This process adds volume, contours, and definition to the reintroduction site. It is particularly effective for giving patients a more defined cheekbone, a more chiseled jawline, and filling out sunken eye pockets.

The process works because when the fatty cells are reintroduced to the treatment area, they grow blood vessels and become living cells. They are subject to the same biological effects as all fat cells in the body.

What Happens When I Lose Weight?

When patients start using more calories than they consume, the body naturally turns to fatty cells for energy. This consumption of adipose tissue is how weight loss works.

When burning fatty cells for energy, the body uses fatty cells in all body parts, particularly the upper arms, lower back, lower abdomen, chin, buttocks, and thighs. As such, fatty cells in all these areas gradually reduce with a continued caloric deficit and weight loss.

Will Weight Loss Affect my Facial Fat Grafts?

The benefit of facial fat grafting is the natural results patients get from the procedure. However, this is also one of the concerns the procedure has because the fatty cells introduced to the face are subject to the same burning process as all fatty tissue if the patient loses weight.

So, yes, if a patient loses large amounts of weight after facial fat grafting, they will see a change in their results. It’s essential to be at or near your ideal weight before getting a facial fat graft so that you maintain the results for many years.

Facial Fat Grafting in San Antonio, TX

Facial fat grafting is one of the best ways to get long-lasting facial definition results but only if the patient is at or close to their ideal body weight before the procedure. The fatty cells introduced to the facial area during facial fat grafting are subject to the same biological processes as all fat cells, so they will disappear with significant weight loss.

Dr. Barrera prides himself on his patient satisfaction and the personalized, caring approach he takes when dealing with each and every patient. Simply call (210) 468-5426 or fill out Dr. Barrera’s online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.