This section of the forum is dedicated to discussions on various surgical techniques for facial rejuvenation, including fat transfer/fat grafting, browlift, blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery), facelift, etc. Also, this category includes questions on hand rejuvenation via fat grafting. (Of note, Dr. Lam does not perform body rejuvenation except for hand fat grafting)
hi im 23 and had thermage done to my face its only been about 6 months & already iv got alot of fatloss on my face which i was told would NOT occur. I dont know what to do about this I very upset and wish i never tried it? i heard fat grafting is good to correct fatloss ? can i stil have this procedure after having had thermage ? any advice would be helpful thanx.
fat grafting can be done to correct thermage. i would wait until everything is stabilized before considering it.
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
That is always a difficult question to answer. I would wait until you see that everything is stabilized. That could be 3 months, 6 months or a year. Hard for me to say. Also, remember that when I do fat grafting in a young person there are two very important considerations:
1. future weight gain
2. weight gain during pregnancy
Fat grafting is permanent and also affected by the two above. Weight gain during pregnancy should only cause any distortion (if it does happen) during the weight gain of pregnancy. However, weight gain of over 20 pounds or so can lead to an undesirably fuller face.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
I have to disagree here. As someone who had an extraordinary amount of fat loss after a procedure, waiting is not what you need to do. I have had 3 fat grafting surgeries to correct pretty much every inch of my face. I am finally looking quite normal and pretty again thanks to a wonderful surgeon here.
Telling someone to wait until the damage stops is like a doctor saying to wait until the cancer ravages their body until seeking treatment.
Your skin will thank you if you start the process of healing now.
Okay, that is a valid opinion. However, I don't want her to pay the procedure then lose the fat, especially when you have to fly in for my work. Just trying to make it easier for her.
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
Yes I know, we are both trying to help her and that's why I think both sides are important.
She will not lose the new fat. In fact after having 3 full face fat transfers in under a year, I can say that when a face is starving for fat, like fat loss victims, I think the retention rate is higher because the fat "takes" and when enough is put in, the skin responds so dramatically that is amazing.
Okay, whatever she should decide is fine with me. Thanks for your input.
best,
sml
Samuel M. Lam, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery