An Overview of Fat Filler

Fat fillers are a popular short-term solution to hollow cheeks, thin lips, an aging forehead, eyes, wrinkles and scars. There isn’t any need to worry about introducing a foreign substance into your body as the collagen and fat used in the injection is taken directly from another part of your own body.

Fat fillers may be useful to anyone and at any age. Repeated treatments may be necessary in order to achieve your desired results. Also, to be a good candidate you must have excess fat in another part of your body to harvest the fat injection from.

The Procedure: What To Expect

The procedure is performed in the doctor's office under a local anesthetic. You might feel some discomfort from the needle injections themselves. The procedure may take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Patients can go home shortly after the procedure is finished.

Results of the injections are fully evident within a week. They never result in 100 percent improvement, and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.

Recovery from Fat Fillers

After the procedure, you might have substantial swelling and some bruising, which might last for weeks or even months. The treated area may be reddish for about 48 hours and scabs may form. Typically normal activities can resume immediately, with the caveat that you must stay out of the sun. Abnormal pain should be reported to the doctor immediately.

How Much Will Fat Fillers Cost?

Fat fillers can range in cost from $350 for minimal treatment to more than $5,000 if the entire face is treated. Additionally, the procedure may involve other areas of the body. Given variations in dosage and thickness of fat fillers required, this estimate is ballpark only. It is impossible for anyone but an examining doctor to give you a meaningful estimate of the cost.

Also, given the unpredictability of the treatment, you should consider the possible lifetime expenses when considering this treatment. Some of the cost may be covered by your health insurance if the procedure is related to a medical necessity, such as scars from injuries.

If the cost is too much for you, your surgeon may be able to offer a payment plan.

What Are the Risks of Fat Fillers?

Aside from the complications that may arise from any medical procedure, there are very few complications from fat fillers and they are not as risky as Botox. They might include uneven texture of the skin, infection, abscesses, and scarring.

Consult with a Plastic Surgeon near you to find out if you are a candidate for fat filler procedure.