What is Fat Transfer?

This new process is an original and exciting way of balancing out the removal of fat in undesirable areas and making use of it in preferred areas. We all have areas with surplus fat and to improve your appearance would benefit from it being transplanted. Using your own fat is hailed as being a far more natural method compared to using artificial fillers. The cosmetic surgery industry is really sitting up and taking note over this innovative process, it can also be referred to as ‘fat grafting’ or ‘fat injection’.

So how does it work?

The fat is taken via the straightforward process of liposuction from areas that have excess fat, for example the buttocks, stomach and thighs. The fat is then processed to split the healthy cells from the damaged cells via purification. Then the fat can be added back into the desired area via injection. To avoid damaging the fat during removal a particular suction cannula is necessary. When transferring the live fat cells to the selected area, again a cannula is used but a fine one this time. The fat creates layers to add shape and bulk where required and has a survival rate of up to 60%. The procedure leaves minimal scarring, of approximately 5mm, which is not obvious with fat inserted into this area.

What areas of the body can benefit from Fat Transfer?

In the search for a voluptuous figure, the buttocks are one area patients are choosing to augment. The procedure is also successful when fat is added to the breast area, it can create a very natural looking shape which can be preferable to breast implants, not to mention a less invasive procedure.

There are many other areas that could receive fat transfer such as the face and hands, adding it to the face is an excellent way of dealing with anti ageing and veins that may be apparent without the use of dermal fillers. The results are extremely durable with the transfer remaining in place for up to ten years. With this durability it is understandable that fat transfer is proving very popular for patients and taking over dermal fillers.

What are the benefits of Fat transfer?

There are several benefits from having fat transfer, patients can benefit from a less invasive procedure compared to some treatments which results in a faster recovery time and no need for any overnight stay. Full recovery could be possible within just a few days. The only pain relief required is a local anaesthetic and the procedure can be completed with VASER liposuction. Another benefit is that fat transfer can increase the fleshiness of the area it is applied to, adding to the volume. This can lead to an improvement in the skin quality and structure.

Fat transfer appeals in particular to patients wishing to augment their breasts but with a subtle increase rather than by cup sizes. They also do not have to receive items into their body which are not natural, which could lead to complications such as rejection. Unfortunately, fat transfer does still have some risks, similarly to liposuction. There could be some resulting skin scarring, bruises or sagging skin. Some patients may be unable to undergo this procedure if they do not have areas with sufficient fat reserves in areas from which it could be harvested.

For some patients the fat unfortunately may reabsorb which would result in a slightly less fleshiness in the desired area. Further procedures are possible to add to the fat – and when the liposuction is conducted the fat may be frozen at some clinics. This can then be used to top up the treated area if required.

What are the typical costs for most sought after area’s of Fat Transfer?

Compared to standard breast implants having fat transfer is more cost effective starting at approximately £3k in the UK. However, it is recommended that you should not commit to any surgery with a full medical consultation with an appropriate professional.

Moving forward this procedure will certainly be in the limelight more and more over the coming months and years, it has many benefits as it’s effective, safe and less invasive meaning really positive recovery times, which appeals to many patients.