Is Facial Fat Grafting Better Than Dermal Fillers?

Volume loss is one of the first visible signs of aging on the face. The signs of this loss occur in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, troughs beneath the eyes, and various other locations on the face. As these changes can affect the overall shape and contour of the face, they can, unfortunately, be much more noticeable than many people would like.

Both fat grafting and dermal fillers can restore facial volume, correct issues like facial creases and sunken cheeks They can even be used as an alternative to facelift surgery for patients who qualify. These less invasive procedures allow patients with a lesser degree of facial aging a chance for rejuvenation and to restore their youthful contours without undergoing invasive surgeries.

What is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is a two-step procedure that removes excess fat from a secondary location on your body, usually the thighs, stomach, or buttock. The fat is then put through a sterilization process, where it is purified. When the strongest fat cells are isolated, they are injected into various areas of the face where lost volume is the most noticeable.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm^® and Voluma^®, are hyaluronic acid-based fillers that can safely add volume to the face and provide smooth, more youthful-looking skin. These injectables can be administered in mere minutes and last for months.

The Benefits of Fat Grafting

Longer Lasting Results

Because dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid—a protein found naturally inside the body—the body readily absorbs them. This means injections will need to be repeated once a year to maintain the desired results. While transferred fat is also absorbable, the body does not absorb it nearly as quickly as dermal fillers. Fat grafting allows patients to enjoy their results for years rather than months.

No Risk to Allergies

Since fat grafting uses fat from your own body, there is no way for your body to have any kind of rejection to it.

What Are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Less Invasive

Dermal fillers require no surgery and can be completed in a one-step treatment. There is no trauma to the skin or any region of the body as there is with fat grafting. Patients typically recover from their dermal filler appointment within a few hours with only mild swelling or bruising.

Stimulates Collagen Production

Juvéderm^® products fill the facial hollows by attracting moisture to the area, which stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen to maintain stronger and more supple skin.

Facial Fat Grafting or Dermal Fillers in New Orleans, LA

At Être, one of our board-certified and clinically trained cosmetic dermatologists can help you decide which treatment is right for you and your aesthetic goals. As one of the only dermatology practices in New Orleans, LA, that exclusively offers cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers and facial fat grafting, we have developed a reputation for our excellent customer service and beautiful, natural-looking results.

To determine which volume restoring treatment is right for you, please call us at (504) 227-3973 or contact us through our website to schedule your personalized consultation. We look forward to meeting you soon!