Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi Dr. Lam,

you've mentioned that fat grafting actually looks better with time in the months following the procedure, compared with the initial result once swelling and bruising has subsided. Can you please explain why the fat looks better in the long run?

Thank you

I wish I could explain it but it is hard to do so. People simply look better over time. I just recently uploaded an updated video testimonial of a lady 8 months after fat grafting who was elated but was crazily excited when i saw her 2 years later. She looked even better. (see the video testimonials section that has the red flagged words for UPDATED: 2 YEARS LATER).

Here are some speculations. Like hair transplantation, it takes about 6 to 9 months for the grafts to "take", i.e. have the proper blood supply to grow. Now, you don't look "bigger" but there is just a nice blending that occurs. The face looks more together. Hard to explain. I think some of the ideas that stem cells are playing a part to rejuvenate the skin over time could also be a factor but there is no conclusive studies to prove that. Nevertheless, I see so many people with brown spots fading, acne scars softening, wrinkles diminishing, etc. I obviously cannot make that promise but it really is quite amazing what starts to happen after 9 months or greater. At times even at 6 months, these changes can begin to be apparent.

Obviously, if you are aging rapidly, some of the benefits may be offset by a small amount a couple of years later. However, you still should look significantly better even in these rare cases.

Remember that the swollen look can look really young in the first few weeks but then it can dip a bit after 2 to 3 months until the fat "takes". It really is quite miraculous after 9 months or so. Now, of course, a few people don't have the robust blood supply (men, older people, smokers, etc.) who lose a little bit more and may require a few drops more fat. I have never had to put it all back in but in about 5 to 10% of people need to put a few cc's back in as a touch-up after 6 months.

Hope that answer helps a bit.