FAT TRANSFER VS DERMAL FILLERS

Fat Transfer Vs Dermal Fillers

In a recent article, we spoke about how to correct nasolabial folds & marionette lines using dermal fillers. (Read the blog here- Nasolabial Fold & Marionette Lines Using Dermal Filler).

In today’s article, we will help to educate you further on the difference between fat transfer and dermal filler treatment procedures.  

About fat transfer

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, fat injections, and lipo-filling is a cosmetic procedure that is conducted using the patients’ own fat to fill in any irregularities and grooves on different areas of the body. First, the fat is collected from areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. The harvested fat is then purified and injected without incisions, which naturally enhances the overall volume of the treated area. When the fat is injected into the facial skin, the overall skin tone and complexion appear more youthful, especially due to the stem cells that have also been harvested with the fat.

Fat grafting provides incredible, natural-looking results and works splendidly for correcting sunken cheeks, eyelid bags, jowling, thinning features, and general loss of facial fullness. It can also be used at any age to enhance facial contours, such as the lips, cheeks, or jawline.

(Also read: About Fat Injection For Lip Enhancement).

About dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are injectables that are completely biodegradable, biocompatible, and 100% natural. They are injected beneath the skin to restore the lost volume, smoothen lines, soften creases, or enhance the overall facial contours. The most commonly used dermal fillers are made from cross-linked hyaluronic acid (Teosyal, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Apriline, etc). They are temporary and reversible. With the advancement in medical science and technology, some of the fillers are even capable of lasting effectively up to around twelve months at a time.

Reducing the overall appearance of such age lines and wrinkles can be done by augmenting the soft facial tissues with the help of dermal fillers, which in turn stimulates the body’s natural collagen production over some time. This helps to restore the overall youthful rejuvenated appearance.

Dermal fillers are a good choice for patients who simply want to fill in areas of noticeable volume loss or smooth out the look of fine lines and wrinkles on their faces.

(Also read: Skin Booster Vs Dermal Fillers).

 Hand rejuvenation with dermal fillers

Difference between fat transfer and dermal fillers

1. Dermal fillers are reversible while fat transfers cannot be reversed.

If anyone does not like the outcome of their dermal filler procedure, and does not want to wait for the acid to naturally synthesize in the body, a counter injection is available to be administered. A doctor can inject hyaluronidase, which is an injectable enzyme that significantly accelerates the process of absorption. After doing so, the dermal filler is flushed out by the body within a few hours.

Whereas fat transfers are not reversible, they have to be performed in stages spaced several months apart. The subsequent treatment sessions should be tailored to the individual patient’s overall treatment goals.

2. Dermal fillers give more projection, while fat transfers are ‘softer’.

Dermal fillers have a firmer consistency than fat and are effective at projecting the chin and nose. On the other hand, fat is softer and needs to be spread evenly throughout, especially on the face. Fat cannot be used as dermal fillers. If fat isn’t evenly spread, it can result in necrosis because the blood supply can’t reach it. Facial fat transfers have proven to be the ideal anti-aging solution for patients with generalized volume loss.

3. Fat grafting gives longer-lasting results than dermal fillers.

A fat transfer can provide results that last years, although the full effects would not be visible for a few weeks until the swelling subsides. On the other hand, dermal fillers provide immediate results but are temporary and need to be re-injected every 12 – 16 months.

Both dermal fillers and fat grafting offer facial rejuvenation and contouring results in an injectable form. While dermal filler provides immediate results, it requires refilling at regular intervals. Fat grafting is a slightly more involved procedure because it is a two-step process and results take three to six months to take effect. Once the graft becomes established, it is permanent. One should consult a highly experienced aesthetic practitioner, who will ensure that you receive the best treatment based on your overall requirements.

About IIWAM training in fat transfer and dermal fillers injection procedures

It is prudent that all Aesthetic practitioners must undergo proper training in Aesthetic Medicine. The practitioner must balance between benefits & risks of the Aesthetic procedure, and steps to mitigate complications if it occurs. At IIWAM, we call it, understanding the procedure, the product, and the patient, and our trainers pay utmost attention to teaching the following subjects when it comes to fat transfer and dermal fillers injection procedures.

  • What are the layers of the skin?

  • What are the principles of the fat transfer injection procedure?

  • What are the principles of the dermal filler injection procedure?

  • What are fat transfer injection complications?

  • What are dermal fillers injection complications?

  • How to avoid fat transfer injection complications?

  • How to avoid dermal fillers injection complications?

Apply for the best trusted online international cosmetology course from IIWAM today.

About IIWAM Aesthetic Education

At IIWAM, we provide an International Aesthetic Certification program and also Advanced Online Aesthetic Courses for Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Aestheticians, and Spa Owners in the field of Aesthetic Medicine.

Our Institute is based in Malaysia and has international students from the Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia. With our insignia of “Be Certified, Be Recognized”, we develop knowledgeable, skilled, and confident Aesthetic practitioners of international repute. Our Aesthetic training focuses on teaching the principles of Aesthetic procedures before venturing into Aesthetic clinical skills. IIWAM training Programs are a combination of Onsite Training, LIVE Online Webinars, and Online Learning. IIWAM is the first Institute in the World to have its Programs assured by City & Guilds of London and certified by European International University. IIWAM is also a registered CPD Training provider with CPD Standards Office in the UK and by CPD Malaysian Medical Association.

Onboard is our Assoc. Prof Dr. Morthy, the lead trainer, medical director of the International Institute of Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (IIWAM), formerly known as Aesthetic Academy Asia (http://www.iiwam.ac/).

In the Aesthetic part of our Institute, we provide Advanced Aesthetic Medical Procedures that are Safe, Effective, and Affordable, offering a wide range of specialized treatments for All Your Aesthetic Needs.