It has become exponentially easier to address the signs of aging in recent years. While there is still a role for plastic surgery in the area of anti-aging, numerous modalities have been developed to help us look and feel our best without going into an operating room. Injectables have become a primary way to achieve this. And even in this arena, we’ve seen several advances. The use of fat as a type of dermal filler is one of them. Here, we compare the two to help you decide which may lead you to your best outcome. 

The Difference Between Fat and Fillers

Dermal fillers are known for their ability to immediately reduce the visible signs of aging. Fat does the same, but with a different product, one that comes from the patient’s body. Facial fat transfer, known as fat grafting, moves fat from an area of the body to the face. Why? To fill in lines and creases and restore lost facial volume, of course! But when we already have proven dermal fillers to achieve this goal, why would a person consider switching to fat injections? Let’s take a look. 

Should I get fillers or fat transfer?

Generally, adults interested in smoothing away deep lines and creases or enhancing the contours of an area of the face seek dermal filler treatment. Dermal fillers come in an array of formulas these days, each capable of addressing a particular area. For example, some fillers are made more fluid and light to increase the shape and volume of the lips without causing firmness. Some are made to be more dense and structural for areas like the cheeks or nose. Fat does not have these variations, but is still commonly used in many of the same ways as dermal fillers. Some of the uses for fat injections include:

• Correct hollow or flattened cheeks
• Decrease dark circles or puffiness under the eyes
• Smooth the jawline and improve angular contours
• Add shape to a weak chin
• Erase lines and deep wrinkles

Where is the Difference?

With so much in common, fat injections and facial fillers may seem essentially the same. They’re not. The primary reason that our clients choose fat injections as opposed to dermal fillers is that they want lasting results. Dermal filler treatment is repeated every 9 months to 2 years, depending on the area treated, the product used, and the speed at which the body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid in the filler. Fat doesn’t get broken down. Where it integrates, it stays. That said, some of the injected fat gets absorbed and flushed. Also, the long term results of fat transfer do eventually show signs of aging, it just takes much longer for this to happen. 

At ReDerm MD in Denver, we make facial rejuvenation easy! Contact us at 720-550-6476 to schedule your consultation for injectable treatment.