How Do I Get Rid Of Lumps After Facial Fat Grafting?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had facial fat grafting six months ago with 30 cc of on each side of the face into the bottom of the cheeks, smiles lines, nasolobial folds and near the mouth! This has unfortunately lead to a very bad new look! Fat lumps develop in the above mentioned areas as fat was injected too superficially. I read a recommendation from Dr Eppley on RealSelf that fat can be surgically excised! Would like to know more about this procedure! is it done from outside the cheeks or from inside the mouth?

A: There are numerous methods to try and reduce excessive fat contours after facial fat grafting. Surgical excision is rarely used unless the fat is located in an area that is easily accessible through a facelift or blepharoplasty incisions. Small cannula or microliposuction is the most effective method near the central face and mouth areas. This is usually done through a small incision inside the corners of the mouth.

Other non-surgical options to get rid of fat grafting lumps include steroid injections (low dose Kenalog) and the use of deoxycholic acid solutions. (originally known as Lipodissolve injections and now under clinical trial investigation as ATX101 by Kythera)

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana