Fat Transfer (Body)

Fat transfer has become a versatile procedure, popular for its effectiveness and naturalistic results. Initially used to restore youthful contours to the face, an area that loses volume and tightness as we age, it can now be used to optimize many areas of the body. Effects include adding curvature to the buttocks for a more voluptuous silhouette (Brazilian butt lift), enhancing the breasts without implants, and reviving the youthful appearance of hands.

This means that the procedure is very individualized. If you are interested in altering your proportions, consider which areas would most benefit from liposuction and augmentation.

Popular areas for sourcing excess fat include the abdomen and flanks. Fat harvested from these areas is ideal for transfer because it is easy to extract, due to its high density, and because the extraction simultaneously enhances the appearance of your midsection. Adipose tissue from the abdomen contains a rich supply of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), which have regenerative properties that can enhance the survival and integration of the transferred fat. Additionally, the fat from the abdomen tends to be more robust and resilient, which can improve the outcomes of fat grafting procedures.

The regions of the body that benefit most from fat transfers include the following:

• Breasts: For those seeking a subtle increase in breast size, or a more natural alternative to implants, fat transfer to the breasts can provide a gentle enhancement, improving shape and fullness.
• Buttocks: Transferring fat to the buttocks is known as a Brazilian butt lift (gluteal lift). The procedure helps create voluptuous curves, offering a more rounded, perkier appearance.
• Hips: Fat transfer to the hips can smooth and shape the area, providing a more feminine contour and helping achieve an hourglass figure.
• Arms: Fat transfers to the arms are more commonly done in men. The procedure adds volume to the arms and can create a more muscular, youthful appearance.
• Hands: Age-related volume loss in the hands can be reversed through a fat transfer, diminishing the visibility of veins and tendons, and restoring a plumper appearance.

To determine which sites make most sense for you, have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to discuss all risks and benefits of various strategies.

Fat transfer procedures, while offering natural and appealing results, carry inherent risks like any other surgery. During a transfer, the surgeon will begin by performing liposuction. This involves making small incisions and using cannulas (thin tubes) to extract fat, which is then purified and processed before being carefully injected to the desired sites. Results are designed to be permanent.

While the procedure is generally safe and complications are rare, discussing all potential risks with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial. The most frequently observed complication of the procedure is asymmetry or contour irregularities, reflecting variations in how the transferred fat settles or integrates into new areas of the body. Additionally, a percentage of fat may not survive, potentially leading to lumps or hardness. This effect often resolves on its own but is important for patients to consider.

Beyond these issues, there is a spectrum of less common but serious risks, including potential damage to surrounding tissues, nerves, or blood vessels, which can lead to blood clots, tissue damage and blindness, depending on where the fat is being injected.

Choosing an experienced surgeon who understands the delicate balance of the body’s anatomy is key to minimizing risks during large volume liposuction and fat grafting. Equally important is having an experienced anesthesiologist to ensure patient safety and comfort by carefully monitoring vital signs and administering anesthesia. As large amounts of fat and fluids are moved during the procedure, changes in blood pressure and fluid levels can occur, potentially leading to complications. Clear communication between the surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential to promptly address these issues, ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

Before you go

During a consultation for fat grafting to the body, your surgeon will assess your overall health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and examine areas for fat harvesting and transfer. They will explain the procedure, recovery process and potential risks. You should ask about the surgeon’s experience, success rates, and view before-and-after photos of previous patients.

It’s important to understand realistic outcomes and have an in-depth conversation about your expectations and possible complications. Additionally, the surgeon will review your medical history, including your current weight stability and any weight loss plans. If you are using GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic® or Wegovy®, inform your surgeon, as these medications can affect the procedure. Clear communication during this consultation ensures you are well-informed and confident about what to expect.

During the procedure

Transferring body fat typically involves minimal discomfort and is done under local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and patient preference.

The surgery can take anywhere from one to four hours. The timeline is affected by which areas of the body are involved in both extraction and receiving transferred fat. Once anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will begin by performing liposuction. This involves making small incisions and using cannulas (thin tubes) to extract fat, which is then processed before being carefully injected to the desired sites.

The most common ways liposuctioned fat is processed for fat transfer include centrifugation, in which the fat is spun to separate it from other fluids and debris, and filtration, which involves straining the fat through a fine mesh to purify it. Another method is decanting, allowing the fat to settle so that excess fluids can be removed. These processes help ensure that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for transfer.

Fat Transfer (Body) Aftercare 

Post-procedure care is key. Avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated areas for at least a week to prevent displacing the newly transferred fat. Rest is crucial — plan for a few days of downtime to allow your body to heal. Mild swelling or bruising is normal, but your doctor will advise on how to minimize these effects and speed up recovery.

Expect to return to all activity after two to three weeks. Final results may take several months to realize, as the healing process completes.