Swelling and bruising may occur after surgery, and how long they take to subside varies from person to person. Small scars may remain at the small openings through which fat is harvested and injected, and in rare cases bleeding, infection, inflammation, or left–right asymmetry may occur, which may require additional treatment. Part of the injected fat is absorbed, and how much takes varies from person to person depending on constitution and the area, so if the volume decreases more than expected or a left–right difference appears, additional grafting may be needed. The injected fat may clump so that it can be felt, or the surface may look bumpy, and fat necrosis, in which part of the fatty tissue becomes a firm lump, may occur. In rare cases, injected fat may enter a blood vessel and block it, causing a fat embolism; in that case, emergency treatment is required. The area where fat was harvested may also have swelling, bruising, or soreness, and its surface may look uneven or dented. Please tell us at your pre-surgery consultation about any medications you take, including blood thinners such as anticoagulants, as well as any medical conditions and whether you smoke. During recovery, please avoid alcohol and smoking and attend follow-up visits as scheduled. Please make your decision after you have been fully informed of the risks and of alternative options. Results and recovery vary from person to person.
