Hi Adele,
Thank you for your question. Fat transfers have an easier post op recovery and the injected area needs to be isolated for about a week. Healing of the affected area takes 1 month, and for implants, 3-4 months. So based on those criteria there seems to be a preference for fat transfer. There are steps you can take to make the recovery period easier on yourself after undergoing fat transfer: get your prescriptions filled before your surgery, take the antibiotics and pain killers only as prescribed by your doctor; avoid taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory compounds for 2 weeks before and after surgery. For smokers they should not smoke for 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery. The same goes for chewing tobacco and using e-cigarettes – they both inhibit circulation and can compromise surgical outcome. Consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon to help you decide which procedure is best for you.