Fat transfer
As your grow older some areas of your body may flatten or lose volume. Fat transfer surfery is a viable method to enhance these areas.
What is fat transfer surgery?
Fat transfer surgery, also known as fat grafting, is the process of transferring a patient’s own fat cells to enhance and rejuvenate other parts of the body. Fat transfer surgery can:
- Minimise facial scars such as those caused by acne
- Assist with facial deformities such as hemifacial atrophy
- Plump up sunken cheeks and wrinkles
- Enhance and improve body contours
- Provide volume to areas such as the bust and buttocks
Fat can be transferred from most parts of the body where there is an excess of fat cells.
Benefits of fat transfer
Many patients prefer the idea of fat transfer to synthetic implants or fillers as it is a natural alternative, removing the risk of immune rejection. As the process utilises the body’s own fat cells, this also removes the risk of allergic reactions so some patients feel it is safer.
Once the fat has been transferred, it provides long lasting results and a boost in circulation to this part of the body.
What happens during fat transfer surgery?
Fat transfer surgery can be performed under general or local anaesthetic depending on the area being treated. Your surgeon will use a very thin needle (called a cannula) to harvest fat cells from an area of your body and inject these cells into the area being augmented. A dressing may be applied just after the procedure.
Going home after fat transfer surgery
Fat transfer surgery is usually done as a day case meaning you should be able to go home the day of your procedure. You should arrange for someone to drive you home. You may be given antibiotics and medication for pain relief.
It is normal to feel swollen and bruised for about one week following fat transfer. You should avoid any strenuous activities for the first few weeks but you are encouraged to walk to prevent blood clots.
You should discuss your return to work with your surgeon. The treated area may remain swollen for several weeks.
You will need to return for a follow up appointment with your surgeon 7-10 days after fat transfer. During this appointment any sutures will be removed.
You may not see the full effect of fat transfer for up to 6 months after your surgery.
Sometimes the body does not retain all of the injected fat. In this case it may be necessary to repeat the transfer procedure.
Most people are pleased with the results of their fat transfer surgery. As with any cosmetic procedure there could be complications:
- Pain
- Infection
- Scarring
Specific complications of fat transfer surgery:
- Bleeding under the skin
- Numbness or nerve damage
- Excessive resorption of fat (meaning the procedure must be repeated)
Select a region to find a hospital
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Bournemouth
01202 29186667 Lansdowne Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1RW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Brentwood
01277 695695Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8EH
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Brighton
01273 624 488Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6DX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Bristol
0117 906 48703 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BN
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Cambridge
01223 370 9224 Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AF
CQCOverall ratingOutstanding -
Cheltenham
01242 246574Hatherley Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6SY
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Chester
01244 680 444Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Chichester
01243 53060078 Broyle Road, Chichester, PO19 6WB
CQCOverall ratingOutstanding -
Edinburgh
0131 447 234040 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5BT
HISOverall ratingGood -
Exeter
01392 276 591Wonford Road, Exeter, EX2 4UG
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Glasgow
0141 334 944125 Beaconsfield Road, Glasgow, G12 0PJ
HISOverall ratingGood -
Guildford
01483 555 800Stirling Road, Guildford, GU2 7RF
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Haywards Heath
01444 456999Burrell Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1UD
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Hereford
01432 355 131Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DF
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Ipswich
01473 279100Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP4 5SW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Leeds
0113 32272512 Leighton Street, Leeds, LS1 3EB
CQCOverall ratingOutstanding -
Leicester
0116 276 9401Scraptoft Lane, Leicester, LE5 1HY
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Newcastle upon Tyne
01912 816 131Clayton Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 1JP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Oxford
01865 307777Beech Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7RP
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Parkside
020 8971 800053 Parkside, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5NX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Plymouth
01752 775 861Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Taunton
01823 286 991Staplegrove Elm, Taunton, TA2 6AN
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Tees
01642 360 100Junction Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1PX
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Tunbridge Wells
01892 531 111Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Warwickshire
01926 427971The Chase, Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa, CV32 6RW
CQCOverall ratingGood -
Wolverhampton
0300 1311406Wood Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 8LE
CQCOverall ratingGood -
York
01904 233225Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
CQCOverall ratingGood
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