Dear PDCC;
I have a couple of scars around my mouth that are getting deeper as I age. I'm wondering about fat injections vs. a dermal filler, both in terms of lasting effect and cost. Can you tell me how the two compare? K.
Dear K.
Thank you for your inquiry. The most important idea is for you to come in and we can do a consultation face to face to look at your scars. However, I can give you some information vial email. When working around the mouth (with wrinkles, or with scars), I am more likely to recommend a dermal filler (such as Restylane or Juvederm) over fat injections. Fat is a wonderful “volumizer” for the face. Non of the other fillers even come close to giving the results of a fat transfer when someone has lost volume in the upper face, or has dark circles or grooves under the eyes.
However, around the mouth, fat often is too bulky, and it does not have the ability to fill in fine lines or fine scars. The hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, can be placed very superficially under the skin to really fill in finer lines, or to fill in scar lines. There are other options for scar treatments – so we don’t want to rule those out until I see you in person.
Please call my office at your earliest convenience, 206.859.5777, either Melissa or Sara can schedule an appointment for you.
Thank you for the email. I look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle