Fat transfer is a modern technique for restoring lost volume in areas of interest, such as the face and body. It is achieved by extracting and reintroducing your excess fat to the desired area.
Depending on the purpose of the procedure, a fat transfer can be performed for aesthetic reasons, such as correcting asymmetries, depressions, or replenishing lost volume. It is also used for reconstructive reasons, such as treating areas affected by trauma, surgeries, burns, or congenital anomalies. Fat grafting offers permanent and excellent results when used in aesthetic surgery.
For Aesthetic Reasons
Fat transfer can be used in the buttocks to increase volume, enhance curvature, and lift the area. The thighs are another area of interest, especially for women, where the plastic surgeon can contour the area, improve its shape, and correct asymmetries, resulting in an enhanced feminine silhouette. The calves, due to their low natural fat content, do not “forgive” even the slightest asymmetries caused by trauma, surgeries, or natural anatomy. These can be corrected by injecting fat in strategic spots to restore harmony in the area’s appearance.
Ideal Candidates
It is important to understand that before opting for a fat transfer, thorough evaluation and preparation are required. This is a complex surgical procedure that involves extracting fat from one area of the body and transferring it to another area for enhancement or restoration.
- General Health: You must be in good overall health, without serious medical conditions that could increase the risk during the procedure or recovery.
- Medical History: The doctor will review your medical history, including any chronic illnesses, allergies, prior surgeries, or medications used.
- Smoking: Smoking can negatively affect recovery and healing. It is vital that you are prepared to collaborate with your doctor and discontinue smoking before and after the procedure.
- Indications: You must have clear indications for a fat transfer, such as the desire to improve body contours, lift or augment certain areas of the body.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients must have realistic expectations. Fat transfer can enhance your appearance, but it is not a guarantee of perfection.
- Communication with the Doctor: Be open and honest with your doctor about your medical history, expectations, and concerns. This will help your doctor create the best treatment plan for you.
It is important to understand that your doctor will assess your suitability for a fat transfer based on your individual health factors and needs.
Procedure (Before and After)
Fat grafting is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. In certain cases, it can be done under general anesthesia. It is considered a very safe method when conducted under strict medical standards. The results of a fat transfer are long-lasting and stable. Thanks to modern techniques that maintain the quality of the fat cells, results can be permanent. In some cases, the procedure can be combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (P.R.P), where blood is drawn and used to improve the survival of the transferred fat, yielding even better results. When performed with the right techniques, approximately 70–80% of the transferred fat survives and is naturally incorporated, making the results long-lasting and permanent.
Post-Operative Care
Patients are admitted to the clinic in the morning for a basic preoperative examination. If a large quantity of fat is required, for patient safety reasons, the procedure is performed in a medical facility. Otherwise, smaller amounts can be transferred safely in a doctor’s office. After the procedure, the patient can return home and must adhere to the doctor’s post-op instructions. Recovery involves rest for a few days, with sutures typically removed after 6–7 days. Some bruising and swelling are normal and will subside within 10–14 days. Avoid vigorous physical activity for at least three weeks. The doctor will closely monitor recovery during the first days and weeks, as this is critical for proper healing. Part of the doctor’s role is to help patients fully understand the procedure, its benefits, limitations, and potential complications.
Potential Complications
- Infection: An infection can develop in the treated area. Proper personal hygiene and following the doctor’s instructions can minimize this risk.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur during or after the procedure, especially when extracting larger amounts of fat.
- Thrombosis: The possibility of blood clots can be mitigated through early mobilization and prevention measures.
- Asymmetries: In some cases, asymmetries may arise in the treated area and require adjustment.
- Changes in Sensation: The procedure can affect the sensation in the treated area, although this is usually temporary.
- Healing: Healing can vary from patient to patient, and there is a possibility of hypertrophic scarring or delayed wound healing.
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References
- Kølle SF, et al. Enrichment of Autologous Fat Grafts With Ex Vivo Expanded Adipose Tissue–Derived Stromal Cells for Treatment of Patients With Aesthetic or Posttraumatic Soft-Tissue Deficiencies: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
, 2025
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)61410-5/abstract - Nasim S, Nasim H, Kauke M, Safi A‑F. (2024). Autologous fat grafting for cosmetic temporal augmentation: a systematic review. Frontiers in Surgery, 11:1410162.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2024.1410162 - Yang F, Ji Z, Peng L, Fu T, Liu K, Dou W, et al. (2021). Efficacy, safety and complications of autologous fat grafting to the eyelids and periorbital area: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 16(4): e0248505.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248505
