Just Had Your Fat Grafting Surgery?
This page contains all of your post-surgery instructions. Conveniently located in Jacksonville, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, offers fat grafting for men and women residing in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Lakeside and nearby areas in North Florida.
Thinking about a fat grafting?
Click here for pre appointment guidance.
Scheduled a fat grafting consultation?
Click here for pre surgery instructions.
Scheduled fat grafting surgery?
Click here for post procedure instructions.
Recovery is perhaps the most important step of the fat grafting process. After having your fat grafting surgery, you need to take great care in the following weeks to be gentle on your body and let it heal as needed. Most of this involves resting and following the post-operative guidelines provided by Dr. Garcia. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the fat grafting recovery process.
– Chris’ Before & After
Chris received Fat Grafting in addition to Facelift, Neck Lift, and Neck Liposuction.
Essential Surgical Document For You To Review
Please download this essential pre surgical document and list of supplies
FAT GRAFTING POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
What is Recovery from Fat Grafting Like?
The recovery process from fat grafting will involve activity restrictions as you recuperate from the effects of surgery. Swelling and bruising are common and may persist for several days to a few weeks. Any discomfort or pain can be managed with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to allow for proper healing. We may also recommend that you wear compression garments to reduce swelling. All things considered, some downtime from work and social activities is usually required, so you may want to take as much as 2 weeks off while you recover.
How Soon After My Fat Grafting Will My Before and After Photo Be Taken?
We will take your fat grafting before and after pictures three months after the fat grafting surgery. The fat grafting photo is an important part of your follow-up visit to Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. At that time, the fat grafting before and after photographs will be analyzed by Dr. Garcia and the patient.
A Post Surgery Message From Dr Garcia
Dr. Garcia reminds patients that the recovery process is the most important phase in the fat grafting journey. At this point, the final results are entirely dependent on the patient. We’re here to help you through the recovery process in any way we can, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along the way.
Educational Videos
Frequently Asked Fat Grafting Post-Surgical Questions
How long does it take to recover from fat grafting?
The recovery timeline after a fat grafting procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the patient’s overall health and the extent of the procedure. Generally, however, patients can expect to make a full recovery in as little as 6 weeks. Here is a typical timeline for fat grafting recovery:
- First Week:
- The first few days after the procedure, swelling and bruising are common, and discomfort or pain may be experienced. You should expect to wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activities as instructed by Dr. Garcia. Plan to take this time off of work and social activities.
- Weeks 2-3:
- After the first week, swelling and bruising will start to subside, and incisions will begin to heal. Light activities can be resumed gradually, but you may need to continue avoiding strenuous activities for a few more weeks.
- Months 1-3:
- After the first month, swelling and bruising should continue to heal and may completely resolve during this timeframe. As swelling and bruising heal, the results of your fat grafting procedure will become more noticeable. You’ll have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Garcia during this time to evaluate your results and check in on your healing progress.
- Month 3 and Beyond:
- After 3 months, most patients are fully healed and back to their normal routines. However, results may continue to finalize as residual swelling heals and the newly transferred fat settles into its new position. These results will be permanent, but they do not protect you from changes in appearance due to the natural aging process or changes in weight. As such, you may choose to receive maintenance or touch-up treatments to prolong your results over the years.
- First Week:
Is facial fat grafting permanent?
Yes, both the fat harvested from the donor site and the fat injected into the face create permanent changes to the body. The only exception is that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the initial stages of healing. After the initial healing stage, your permanent results will become visible. However, changes in the body due to fluctuations in weight or the aging process can still affect your results. Living a healthy lifestyle can help prolong your results as long as possible.
How long do you wear a compression garment after fat grafting?
The amount of time you’ll need to wear a compression garment after fat grafting surgery may vary depending on the specific instructions provided by Dr. Garcia. In general, compression garments are typically worn for 1-2 weeks post-surgery to help reduce swelling, promote healing, and optimize results.
How should I sleep after fat grafting surgery?
After fat grafting surgery, it is important to sleep in a comfortable and safe position that promotes healing and reduces swelling, while avoiding placing pressure on the treatment areas. You should start by sleeping on your back with your head elevated, as opposed to sleeping on your side or stomach. This prevents placing pressure on the face, and should also reduce pressure on the donor site. You can resume sleeping on your side after a few weeks, once the body has progressed through the healing process.
