Fat transfer surgery

What is Fat Transfer Surgery?

A fat transfer procedure is where fat is removed from one area of your body and injected into another. The fat is usually harvested from areas of your body that store excess fat, for example your abdomen, thighs or buttocks.

This fat is then re-injected into another part of your body in order to add volume or to correct a contour defect.

Fat transfer surgery can be used for cosmetic surgery, skin deformities, reconstruction surgery or traumatic defects. Common areas to have a fat transfer include the face, breasts and buttocks, though it is also suitable for a range of other areas.

Fat transfer surgery has the added benefits of rejuvenating skin and bringing in a new, healthy blood supply to the area operated on. The techniques of transferring fat have evolved significantly since the technique was first used and are constantly being developed.

Do I need Fat Transfer Surgery?

• There are a range of reasons why a person may need or want to have fat transfer surgery including:Cosmetic purposes such as breast augmentation
• Correction of skin deformities
• Reconstruction of an area of the body and defects caused by trauma to the body
• Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

What are the benefits of Fat Transfer Surgery?

Compared to other types of reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, the major benefit of fat transfer surgery is the fact that it's moving your own fat from one part to another. It is recycling your own fat tissue. It is not from animals or synthetic products and therefore has no risk of allergy or immune rejection. Once the fat has been taken it will remain in the area it has been placed forever.

Your initial consultation with a specialist

You can usually see a specialist for your initial consultation within 48 hours of booking your appointment with us. Give us a call or book online to find an appointment time that suits you. During this initial appointment, your consultant will ask about your general health and medical history. Depending on the site of your body the surgery will be performed, they may ask you to explain how you want the area to look, so they can attain the best results.

Your consultant will usually examine the area of your body where the fat will be placed as well as other areas where fat can be harvested from. They may also take photos, with your permission, which help them to plan and to get the best results from your surgery.

This consultation is a safe space for you to ask as many questions as you like. It's an opportunity to understand which techniques for surgery are available to you and discuss your preferences. You can ask any questions you have, including those about aftercare and your recovery.

Your consultant will give you a good idea of timelines during your initial consultation, after which they'll put together a fixed-price treatment package based on everything you have discussed together. Once you've agreed to the costs, we can get you booked in to have your surgery at a time that suits you.

How is Fat Transfer surgery performed?

The procedure is performed under either general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic, depending on the amount of fat required. The fat is harvested into syringes and cleansed to remove impurities before injecting it into the areas to be treated.Only a certain amount of fat can be injected into an area at one time to ensure the tissue is not oversaturated. Some of this fat (approximately 30%) is expected to reabsorb. Thus depending on the volumes you are looking to achieve, several sessions may be required.

Fat transfer surgery takes around two hours on average, however the time taken will vary depending on how much fat you are having transferred and which areas are being operated on. Your surgeon will give you all the details ahead of time.

Recovering from Fat Transfer Surgery

You should be able to go home on the same day that you have your treatment, although this will depend on the extent of the procedure and your individual circumstances. You won't be able to drive yourself home, so arrange for a loved one to pick you up. Alternatively, we can help you arrange a taxi. When you get home, you may be very tired for a while, and you are likely to have swelling and bruising around the affected areas for a couple of weeks. Most people take a week or two off work. Your consultant will be able to advise you on the expected recovery time based on your personal circumstances. This will include when you can go back to work, when you can drive again, and how soon you'll be back to all your usual activities.

It can take up to six months to see the final results of fat transfer surgery, as some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed into your body over this period. It's common to have small scars, which will fade over time. Where possible, any scaring is usually hidden in the natural crease of your body.

Risks and complications of Fat Transfer Surgery

There is often bruising, redness and/or swelling which usually resolve after a week. We would advise you to avoid any strenuous activity for a few weeks; your consultant will advise you on this. Risks associated with fat transfer surgery for breast reconstruction

If you are undergoing fat transfer surgery for breast reconstruction, some additional risks are associated with this type of surgery. One potential problem is the possibility of changes on the mammogram, which can mimic cancer.

Although changes can be seen on a mammogram, experienced radiologists are able to differentiate these from cancer. As an extra precaution, fat is not directly injected into breast tissue, but in the subcutaneous fatty layer above the breast gland.

Rare complications of fat transfer include:

• A small firm lump or 'fat necrosis'
• Contour irregularities
• Infection

All complications will be discussed with you in full by your consultant prior to the procedure. In interest of safety, patients who have this type of treatment must have been screened by mammogram and ultrasound before surgery and followed up with regular mammograms and ultrasound for several years.

You consultant will discuss any risks and complications with you before your surgery so that you feel fully informed before your surgery takes place.