How Do Fillers and Facial Fat Transfer Compare?
Losing facial volume is just one of those unfortunate aspects of aging. While we all face the same issue sooner or later, it doesn’t mean you’re helpless in maintaining your youthful appearance.
Multiple treatments to restore and maintain facial volume are available today, and they’re more accessible and easier than you may think.
In this blog, we discuss two leading approaches — fillers and facial fat grafting — with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald, a “Best of Westchester Doctor” for over a decade.
While both treatments add volume, they work differently and offer unique benefits. With his artistic approach and precise technique, he helps patients achieve natural-looking, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Dermal Fillers and Facial Fat Transfer: The Differences
Fillers and fat transfer restore lost volume but differ in procedure, longevity, and material used.
- Dermal Fillers are injectable gels. They’re typically crafted from hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible substances. Fillers provide immediate volume enhancement and smooth out wrinkles.
- Facial Fat Transfer involves using fat harvested from another body area to restore facial volume. Dr. Greenwald purifies the fat before injecting it into the face for natural, long-lasting results.
Pros and Cons of Fillers
Some of the main pros of dermal fillers include:
- Nonsurgical
- Quick office-based treatment
- Instant volume boost in the cheeks, smile lines, or lips
- No downtime
- Reversible if hyaluronic-acid based
However, fillers have some drawback as well.
- Temporary (last 6-24 months)
- Requires repeated treatments for maintenance
- Potential for slight swelling or bruising after injection
- It may not feel as natural as your fat
- Potential for allergic reactions
Facial Fat Transfer Pros and Cons
Fat transfer offers some big advantages, including:
- Your fat provides a very natural feel
- Very natural look: The fat moves with your face
- Longer-lasting results – can last for years
- Can improve skin quality by boosting collagen production
- No risk of an allergic reaction
- Treats areas that fillers cannot for a true full-face rejuvenation
Fat transfer has some potential drawbacks, such as:
- Requires liposuction to harvest fat (However, many patients see this as a pro – most of us have spots of fat we’d love to get rid of!)
- Longer recovery time compared to fillers (usually a couple of weeks to resume most activities)
- Some fat may be reabsorbed by the body, requiring touch-ups in some cases.
Facial Fat Transfer and Fillers in Harrison, NY, and NYC
Considering facial rejuvenation? Dr. Joshua Greenwald offers liposuction and facial fat grafting tailored to your facial rejuvenation goals. Call 914-421-0113 to book your consultation in Harrison or NYC.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.