What are the benefits and drawbacks of facial fat grafting?

Generally, facial fat grafting involves extracting autologous fat from areas of the body with abundant fat, processing it specially, and then injecting it into facial regions that require augmentation to achieve a fuller and firmer appearance. The typical reference price for facial fat grafting ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 yuan per session. Results are usually noticeable within 2–3 weeks after surgery, although complications such as fat liquefaction may occur. Benefits of facial fat grafting include natural aesthetics, long-lasting stability, high safety, improved skin quality, and enhanced self-confidence; drawbacks include uneven fat distribution, postoperative bruising, infection, fat embolism, and facial stiffness. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits

1. Natural Appearance

Facial fat grafting uses autologous fat as the filler material, which has excellent biocompatibility. After injection, the fat integrates well with surrounding tissues, resulting in a natural and harmonious aesthetic outcome.

2. Long-Lasting and Stable Results

Once the transplanted fat cells successfully survive in the target area, they can remain permanently, eliminating the need for repeated injections and providing durable, stable results.

3. High Safety

As autologous tissue, fat carries no risk of toxicity or side effects and does not provoke immune rejection. Additionally, the procedure is relatively simple with low surgical risk, making it highly safe.

4. Improved Skin Quality

Adipose-derived stem cells within the fat tissue promote cellular regeneration, stimulating skin cell renewal and repair, thereby improving skin texture and making it smoother and more refined.

5. Enhanced Self-Confidence

Facial fat grafting corrects issues such as facial hollowing and wrinkles, creating a fuller, more three-dimensional facial contour, thereby enhancing personal appearance and boosting self-confidence.

II. Drawbacks

1. Uneven Fat Distribution

Distribution irregularities may occur during surgery due to improper technique—such as over- or under-filling, or inaccurate injection depth—leading to an uneven appearance in the face.

2. Postoperative Bruising

Blood vessels in the face may be damaged during the procedure, resulting in bruising and discoloration after surgery.

3. Postoperative Infection

If strict sterile techniques are not followed during surgery, or if patients neglect proper hygiene and postoperative care, infections may develop. These can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.

4. Fat Embolism

If fat is inadvertently injected into a blood vessel due to improper technique, it may cause fat embolism—a serious complication that can lead to symptoms including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even coma.

5. Facial Stiffness

Excessive fat volume or inaccurate injection layers may restrict facial muscle movement, leading to facial stiffness. This can impair facial expressions and affect daily life.

When considering facial fat grafting, patients should fully understand the surgical principles, risks, and precautions, and choose qualified medical institutions and experienced physicians for the procedure.