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.

The post How Do Fillers and Facial Fat Transfer Compare? appeared first on Greenwald Plastic Surgery.

Buccal Fat Removal   

The buccal fat pads, located in the cheek hollows, rest between the jawbone and cheekbone. They cushion the buccinator and masseter muscles, necessary for chewing and speech. Removing these pads results in a more highlighted bone structure.  

During the surgery, the patient receives either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth on the inside of the cheeks. After buccal fat pad removal, the incisions are closed with sutures.

Patients must follow a liquid diet for at least several days. Full recovery occurs when the swelling disappears. (That usually takes several weeks.) Expect to see full results after three months.

Buccal fat removal is permanent.  That’s why patients must know the possible long-term effects. Young people, who are TikTok’s primary audience, tend to live in the now and not consider the consequences of buccal fat removal.

Risk Factors

As with all facial surgeries, buccal fat removal poses potential risks. Because the buccal fat pads are adjacent to the buccal facial nerves, any change could affect the appearance of the smile.  

Long-Term Effects 

When it comes to buccal fat removal, it’s essential to consider the long-term effects. Most older people wish they had more volume or fat in their faces. While removing buccal fat in a young person provides facial slimming and contouring, as time passes, they start to look gaunt.

A gaunt appearance makes someone appear older than their years. No one wants to look haggard. It’s the fat in the face that promotes youth.

With aging, the lack of buccal fat pads can also make chewing more difficult.

Alternatives    

Facial liposuction provides many of the same results as buccal fat removal without some of the concerns of overcorrection. Using liposuction to remove cheek fat is a more precise way to slim the face. Liposuction offers permanent results as long as the patient sticks to a healthy diet and exercise program.

If facial fullness results from the overdevelopment of the jaw muscles, Botox can relax these muscles and improve facial aesthetics.   

Contact Dr. Greenwald

If you want to know more about options for contouring your face, Dr. Greenwald invites you to schedule an informational consultation. Please contact our office today to request an appointment.

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