Fat grafting

Fat grafting surgery, also referred to as fat transfer or lipofilling, is a procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body and transferring it to another area where additional volume is desired. This technique uses the patient’s own fat tissue.

How Fat Grafting Works
Fat grafting involves three main steps:

  • Harvesting: Fat is collected from areas with sufficient fat deposits, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using techniques similar to liposuction.
  • Processing: The collected fat is purified to separate viable fat cells from other fluids and tissue.
  • Injection: The processed fat is then carefully injected into the target areas requiring volume restoration or correction, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks.

Applications of Fat Grafting
Fat grafting may be used for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes, including:

  • Facial volume restoration: To address wrinkles, folds, or volume loss in areas such as the cheeks and lips.
  • Breast procedures: To increase breast volume or improve symmetry.
  • Buttock volume restoration: Often performed in conjunction with other procedures to increase fullness.
  • Correction of contour irregularities: To improve areas affected by scarring or tissue loss.

Benefits of Fat Grafting

  • Uses the patient’s own fat tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
  • Provides the dual benefit of removing fat from one area while adding volume to another.
  • Results may be long-lasting after the transferred fat stabilizes.
  • Generally involves less downtime compared to more invasive surgeries.

Recovery and Aftercare – Fat Grafting

  • Swelling and bruising are common in both the donor site (where fat is removed via liposuction) and the recipient site (where fat is injected). These effects usually improve over a few weeks.
  • Mild to moderate discomfort or tenderness may be experienced in treated areas and is typically managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.
  • Compression garments may be recommended for the donor area (e.g. abdomen, thighs) to support healing and reduce swelling. These are generally worn for 6 weeks full time and 6 weeks part time.
  • Ice packs may be used cautiously in the early phase to reduce swelling in the recipient area (if advised by your surgeon).
  • Sleeping position may need to be adjusted, especially if fat has been transferred to the buttocks or face, to avoid pressure on the grafted area.
  • Strenuous activity and exercise should generally be avoided for at least 2–4 weeks, or as directed by your surgeon.
  • Some volume loss is expected as not all transferred fat survives; this will be monitored during follow-up appointments.
  • Smoking and alcohol should be avoided, as they may interfere with fat graft survival and wound healing.
  • Results may take several months to stabilise, as swelling resolves and the grafted fat settles.
  • Follow-up appointments are important to assess healing and determine whether additional treatments may be appropriate.

Potential Risks – Fat Grafting

As with all surgical procedures, fat grafting carries risks. These include general surgical risks and those specific to the fat transfer process:

  • Infection at either the donor or recipient site, which may require antibiotics or further treatment
  • Bruising and swelling, which are common and usually temporary but can occasionally persist
  • Asymmetry or unevenness in the appearance of the treated area
  • Irregularities such as lumps, firmness, or contour changes at the injection site
  • Partial fat loss – a proportion of the transferred fat may not survive, which can affect volume or appearance
  • Need for revision – further procedures may be required to achieve the desired volume or correct asymmetry
  • Fat necrosis, where small areas of fat may harden or form cyst-like lumps
  • Oil cysts – small fluid-filled pockets may form in areas where fat cells break down
  • Changes in sensation in the donor or recipient areas (numbness, tingling, or sensitivity)
  • Scarring at the liposuction (donor) sites – usually small but variable depending on healing
  • Blood clots or haematoma, although rare, are potential complications of any surgical procedure
  • Calcification in the recipient area, which may occasionally be visible on imaging (e.g. mammograms, in breast fat grafting)

    Your surgeon will discuss your individual risk profile during consultation and provide detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

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