Fat is your own tissue and lasts for life — but only 60–70% survives, which is exactly why fillers still have a place.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are predictable, immediate, reversible with an enzyme and ideal for small precise volumes — lips, tear troughs, a nasal bump. Fat is better for larger volume: hollow cheeks, temples, overall facial deflation.
Grafted fat needs a blood supply. Roughly 60–70% survives the first three months and then stays for life; the rest resorbs. Good surgeons over-correct slightly and warn you that the two-week result is not the final one.
Fillers: none, minor bruising. Fat transfer: swelling for 1–2 weeks, plus a donor site that needs compression. That difference is often what decides for people with jobs to return to.
One session of fat transfer, €2,400, versus filler maintenance every 9–15 months at €250–€500 a session — one to two syringes, from €250 each. Fat wins on arithmetic; fillers win on precision and reversibility.
Not easily — that is the trade-off for permanence. Fillers can be dissolved within hours if you dislike the result.