Fat Grafting vs. Fillers: Which Lasts Longer?

People often think about wrinkles when they think about aging, but there’s another notable way that your face changes. As you get older, you lose volume, which contributes to hollower under-eyes, sunken cheeks, sagging jowls, and deeper creases around your mouth. 

Fortunately, you have options to reverse those unwelcome changes. Both fat grafting and fillers give you a way to replenish volume wherever you need it. 

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD, FACS, provides both options at Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton. When you have questions about adding volume, our team can guide you toward the right choice for your desired outcome and your long-term aesthetic goals. 

Many people make their decision about which volume-replenishing option to choose based on how long it lasts, so let’s take a closer look. 

The longevity of fat grafting vs. fillers

To help you decide which procedure might be a better fit for your long-term goals, let’s look at how these two options hold up through the years. 

Dermal fillers

While you might think fillers are very similar to Botox®, which usually needs to be refreshed every few months, these cosmetic injectables work differently. Fillers tend to last longer, with many people reporting that their results last a year or more before needing another application. 

Fat transfer

Not all of the fat cells we harvest and inject survive the grafting process, although Dr. Cabrera can use treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to support their success. Once established, the transferred cells function just like any other fat cell, meaning they naturally expand or contract if the fat levels in your body fluctuate. 

The established cells last for several years. Some may even permanently thrive. 

So if you’re looking for the longest-lasting option, fat grafting beats fillers. 

Fat grafting and filler procedures: What to expect

Dermal fillers are pretty simple. The filler is pre-formulated, and our team knows the right amount to inject in strategic locations on your face for a natural, more youthful look. The injection process takes just minutes, and getting fillers comes with minimal recovery and downtime.

Fat grafting is more involved. First, Dr. Cabrera uses liposuction to collect fat cells from another part of your body, such as your abdomen or your thighs. He then cleans the fat and draws it into syringes to apply in the locations where you desire more volume.

Once transferred, the fat cells need to establish a new blood supply. That usually takes about six months, after which you’ll be able to enjoy your full results for years to come. 

So while fat grafting lasts longer, it takes longer, too. Fillers fade sooner, but getting them is a simpler process that delivers quicker results.

At Plastic Surgery Specialists of Boca Raton, we can help you decide which option is best for you. To schedule a consultation, call our team in Boca Raton, Florida, today.