Oil Cysts After Fat Transfer
FOS 30-60★★★☆☆Revision DifficultyDead fat cells rupture and release lipids that pool into fluid-filled cysts under the skin. Feels like sliding, squishy lumps that may persist for years.
Why It Happens
Bolus injection (too much fat in one spot) causes core cells to die from insufficient blood supply. Lipids pool and become encapsulated in fibrous tissue, forming oil cysts.
Severity
Moderate. FOS 30-60.
Treatment Solutions
Ultrasound-guided puncture, drainage, and capsule wall removal to prevent recurrence.
Why Traditional Treatment Fails
Waiting doesn't help — cysts persist indefinitely. Aspiration alone fails because the capsule wall reforms and refills. Steroid injection only risks tissue atrophy around the cyst.
The Liusmed Approach
Ultrasound pinpoints the cyst location and distinguishes it from healthy fat. Through a micro-pinhole, the cyst is punctured, contents drained, and the fibrous capsule wall is scraped out to prevent reformation.
Dr. Liu's Perspective
"Oil cysts are like water balloons trapped in your face. You can poke them and drain the fluid, but if you leave the balloon wall intact, it fills right back up. We remove the wall."
Recovery Timeline
5-7 days. Minimal swelling. The squishy lump disappears immediately after drainage.
Related Conditions
Related Symptoms
FAQ
Can oil cysts become cancerous?
Oil cysts themselves are benign, but they can be confused with other masses on imaging. Proper ultrasound evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis. They do not transform into cancer.
References
- Coleman SR. Clin Plast Surg. 2001;28(1):111-119
- Khouri RK, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;133(6):1369-1377
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical diagnosis. Please consult a qualified physician for proper evaluation.