Many patients are aware that there are cosmetic treatments available to enhance or to replace lost volume in some regions of the face. However, they may not be aware of the differences between the two main options: fat transfer and dermal fillers. Read on to hear cosmetic surgeon Andre Berger’s take on fat transfers vs dermal fillers.
Dermal fillers, for the most part, are done through a micro-invasive technique. This is an injection or a series of injections using either the newer, more advanced blunt cannulas or a very small traditional needle. Many dermal fillers can be employed, and they are usually differentiated by the type of material they are made up of. This will define the areas in which they work best, as well as the duration of how long they will last.
With dermal fillers, the endpoint achieved is dependent upon the desired effect. Overfilling is never a good idea, but under-filling can be easily corrected by adding additional filler.
Different fillers will have different durations of effect. Hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero will last somewhere in the range of six to nine and up to 12 months. Juvederm Voluma is a filler that may last from 18 months up to two years, Radiesse up to 18 months, and Bellafill, up to three to five plus years.
Fat transfers can last for many years, though may require one or more additional injections of fat to achieve the desired effect. This is because the fat transfer is a graft, and it’s unlikely that 100% of the grafted tissue will survive. Usually, 70% to 90% of the tissue will survive in any one procedure. Commonly, fat grafts will evolve, and after approximately 90 days will reach a stable endpoint. That is a good time to decide on whether or not additional fat should be added to optimize the final result.
There’s a price difference between the use of dermal fillers and fat transfers to the face. The first difference has to do with the material. With fat transfers, the material is free. It is the patient’s material, and the cost includes the technique or procedure using the free material. The cost of dermal fillers involves both the cost of the material, which is manufactured synthetic, as well as the technique of injecting the filler.
If you are interested in facial fat transfers or dermal fillers, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon, Andre Berger, MD.
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