Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

In the realm of plastic surgery, attitudes towards fat have shifted dramatically, transitioning from disliking it to appreciating its value. Perhaps “dislike” is too strong a term – it’s not that fat was ever truly despised, but rather that its potential is now more fully recognised when it’s situated in just the right spots. This has led to the increasing popularity of fat transfer procedures, such as facial fat grafting, breast augmentation with fat transfer, and Brazilian butt lifts. When fat is perfectly distributed, it becomes a highly desirable asset.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that fat can be somewhat unpredictable. Not all of the transferred fat will necessarily survive, and it does age, as it is a natural component of your body. Fat transfer procedures involve removing fat from one part of the body, processing it, and then injecting it into another area. This process requires the fat to adapt to a new environment within the body, which can occasionally be challenging.

Nonetheless, there are strategies to maximise the benefits of your fat transfer procedure and ensure that the results are preserved for as long as possible. By following appropriate pre-and post-operative care, selecting a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, maintaining a stable weight, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful fat transfer and long-lasting results.

Individual outcomes may vary, and not all patients will experience the same results. Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to discuss your specific needs, expectations, and to better understand the potential risks and benefits of fat transfer procedures. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can increase the chances of a successful outcome and enjoy the benefits of a well-executed fat transfer.

When considering a fat transfer procedure, selecting a clinic with a proven track record of success, advanced technological capabilities, and a commitment to patient safety and satisfaction is crucial. Centre for Surgery stands out as a premier choice for those seeking fat grafting services in London. Here are compelling reasons to choose our clinic for your fat transfer needs:

Extensive Experience and Expertise

Centre for Surgery is distinguished by its extensive experience in fat grafting procedures. Our surgeons are not just skilled; they are artisans who perform hundreds of procedures annually, sculpting and enhancing multiple parts of the body to meet the unique desires of each patient. This vast experience ensures that we are well-equipped to handle a wide range of requests, from subtle enhancements to significant transformations.

Specialisation in Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Breast Augmentation

Our clinic is particularly renowned for its unique and safe approach to using fat grafting for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and breast augmentation procedures. These treatments require a high level of precision, understanding of body aesthetics, and an ability to balance proportion and shape for natural-looking results. Our surgeons’ expertise in these areas has made Centre for Surgery a sought-after destination for patients looking to enhance their silhouette.

State-of-the-Art Liposuction Technologies

We leverage a myriad of advanced liposuction technologies and surgical techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. From Micro Liposuction to Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) and BodyTite, our arsenal of tools allows us to tailor the fat removal process to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring minimal invasiveness, reduced recovery times, and optimal results.

Customised Surgical Approaches

Understanding that every patient’s body and aesthetic goals are unique, we place a strong emphasis on customised surgical planning. During a consultation at our Baker Street clinic in the heart of Marylebone, our team takes the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and the most suitable surgical approaches for attaining your desired results. This personalised planning ensures that each patient’s journey is tailored to their individual needs and expectations.

Commitment to Safety and Patient Satisfaction

At Centre for Surgery, patient safety and satisfaction are at the core of everything we do. Our surgeons and support staff are dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment from the initial consultation through to recovery and beyond. Our unique and safe approaches, particularly in high-demand procedures like BBL and breast augmentation, demonstrate our commitment to achieving your aesthetic goals while prioritising your well-being.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re interested in enhancing your appearance with a fat transfer in London, Centre for Surgery offers the expertise, technology, and personalised care you need to achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact us to book a consultation at our Baker Street clinic in Marylebone, and take the first step towards a more confident and satisfied you.

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or lipofilling, is a transformative cosmetic surgery technique that reshapes and enhances one’s physique by relocating fat from surplus areas to regions desiring volume. This dual-purpose method not only carves and defines the areas from which fat is extracted but also volumises and accentuates the recipient sites for a harmoniously balanced silhouette.

The procedure unfolds through a meticulous multi-step process. Initially, fat is carefully harvested from areas marked by excess, such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and back, utilising the technique of liposuction. This gathered fat undergoes a purification process to eliminate any impurities, ensuring that only the highest quality fat cells are re-injected into the designated areas seeking enhancement. Common recipient sites include the breasts, buttocks, and calves, where the introduction of fat adds natural-looking fullness and contour.

A significant number of patients exhibit a preference for fat transfer over synthetic implants due to the innate advantages it offers. Utilising one’s own fat cells mitigates the risk of allergic reactions often associated with foreign materials. Moreover, fat transfer yields results that are both visually and tactilely natural, offering a subtlety that synthetic implants struggle to match.

Beyond its capacity to augment and sculpt larger body areas, fat transfer proves versatile in its ability to address finer details. Smaller quantities of fat can be strategically relocated to diminish the visibility of wrinkles and age-related volume loss in areas such as the hands, face, and neck, further showcasing the procedure’s flexibility in enhancing natural beauty and youthfulness.

Fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting or fat injection, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another area to improve volume, contour, or appearance. This technique has gained popularity due to its various benefits:

Natural results

Since the procedure uses your own fat, it provides a more natural look and feel compared to synthetic fillers or implants.

Biocompatibility

As the fat comes from your body, there’s a lower risk of allergic reactions or complications related to foreign materials.

Long-lasting effects

Fat transfer results can be long-lasting, particularly when performed by an experienced surgeon. Although some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, a significant portion can remain and provide lasting results.

Dual benefit

The procedure not only enhances the area receiving the fat but also helps contour the area where the fat is harvested from, such as the abdomen or thighs.

Minimally invasive

Fat transfer is less invasive than some other cosmetic procedures, typically requiring only small incisions for fat harvesting and injection.

Quick recovery

The recovery time for fat transfer is generally shorter than more invasive procedures, such as implants or major surgery. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

Versatility

Fat transfer can be used for various cosmetic enhancements, including facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, and treatment of scars or other contour irregularities.

Reduced risk of complications

Compared to implants or other synthetic materials, fat transfer has a lower risk of complications such as infection, rupture, or displacement.

Fat transfer is a commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery and our surgeons are known for achieving excellent outcomes for their patients. The best outcomes after that transfer surgery depend on selecting the appropriate candidate at the outset. Ideal patients for fat transfer should:

• Be in a good state of physical and mental health with no uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes
• Patients should be at or near their optimum body weight
• Patients have realistic expectations of what results to expect with fat rafting to the body
• Patients are looking for a long-lasting natural alternative to volume enhancement that does not involve the use of hyaluronic acid filler or silicone implants
• Patients would like to improve their body shape without more invasive surgery using a combination of liposuction and fat grafting
• Patients are keen to improve their overall skin quality and enhance their appearance through natural rejuvenation with their own body fat

EVL (Expansion, Vibration, Lipofilling)

EVL (Expansion, Vibration, Lipofilling) is a cutting-edge technique in Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, which combines liposuction to remove unwanted fat from target areas and subsequent fat injection into the buttocks to enhance their shape and size. In the past, direct fat injection into the gluteal muscles was a common approach, but this method led to some serious complications.

Dr Simeon Wall Jr. in the USA pioneered EVL. This technique optimises shaping and increases the volume of fat that can be safely injected into the subcutaneous (fatty) tissue of the buttocks. By avoiding fat injections into the gluteal muscles, the risk of severe complications, such as macrofat embolism, is significantly reduced. Centre for Surgery was among the first clinics in the UK to adopt the EVL technique years ago, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation in this field.

EVL offers several benefits compared to traditional fat transfer methods. The technique is designed to minimise trauma to the harvested fat cells, increasing their chances of survival once injected into the buttocks. Additionally, the use of vibration during the procedure helps in evenly distributing the fat, leading to smoother and more natural-looking results.

When considering a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s essential to choose a plastic surgeon experienced in the EVL technique, as this can significantly impact procedure safety, effectiveness, and longevity. Consult with a certified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery who has demonstrated expertise in performing EVL-based Brazilian Butt Lift procedures to ensure the best possible outcome.

For those looking for more specific or targeted fat transfer options, we offer micro and nano fat grafting procedures at our London clinic.

Micro Fat Grafting

Micro fat grafting is a tailored procedure designed to add small volumes of fat to specific areas that need a little boost. We obtain these fat cells through a liposuction process and then inject them through smaller incisions. The benefit of these smaller incisions is that they leave very minimal scarring. This type of fat grafting is great for addressing cosmetic issues like sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s especially useful for parts of the body where these concerns are more evident, like the hands, neck, and décolletage.

Nano Fat Transfer

Nano fat transfer goes a step further by mixing and breaking down the fat at the cellular level to harness the potential of the fat’s stem cells. These stem cells are crucial for skin rejuvenation. When injected back into the skin, they can enhance the texture, firmness, and overall appearance of your skin. This approach is also effective for targeting specific cosmetic issues such as scarring, providing a more holistic skin improvement.

Both these specialised fat grafting options offer unique advantages, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs and aesthetic goals.

When considering body enhancement options, many people find themselves deciding between fat transfer and implants. Here is a straightforward comparison of the two, to help you make a more informed decision.

RELATED: Breast Implants vs. Fat Transfer – Which Is Best For You?

Results

• Fat Transfer: Offers a subtle enhancement to one area of the body while also toning another area by removing excess fat.
• Implants: Provides a more substantial and dramatic enhancement to the treatment area.

Anaesthetic

• Fat Transfer: This can be carried out with IV sedation or general anaesthetic, although micro and nano fat transfers may use local anaesthetic.
• Implants: Always performed under general anaesthetic.

Scarring

• Fat Transfer: Leaves minimal scarring due to smaller incisions.
• Implants: Scarring is more noticeable as it is typically at the site of the larger incisions needed to insert the implants.

Recovery Time

• Fat Transfer: Typically requires a shorter 4-6 week recovery period.
• Implants: Generally requires around 6 weeks for full recovery.

Longevity of Results

• Fat Transfer: The results are permanent, although they may be influenced by significant weight fluctuations.
• Implants: They also offer permanent results but may require replacement or adjustment over time.

Price

• Fat Transfer: The cost is dependent on the area being treated but is typically less expensive than implants.
• Implants: Generally more expensive than fat transfer procedures.

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or fat injection, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and transferring it to the face to add volume, improve contour, and restore a more youthful appearance.

During the procedure, the surgeon will use a thin cannula to harvest fat from the donor site. The harvested fat is then purified and prepared for injection into the desired areas of the face, such as the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, and jawline.

Facial fat grafting is often performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery. It is considered a safe and effective way to enhance facial features, especially for those who have lost facial volume due to ageing, weight loss, or other factors.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer to breasts, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat grafting to the breast, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips, and transferring it to the breasts to increase their size and improve their shape.

RELATED: Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs – Q&A about Fat Transfer to Breast

During the procedure, the surgeon will use a thin cannula to harvest fat from the donor site. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into the breast tissue. The amount of fat injected depends on the desired outcome and the amount of available donor fat.

Fat transfer to breasts is often used as an alternative to breast augmentation with implants. It is considered a safe and effective way to enhance breast size and shape while providing a natural look and feel to the breasts. Additionally, fat transfer to breasts has the added benefit of reducing fat in the donor area, resulting in a more contoured appearance overall. However, it is important to note that the results of fat transfer to breasts may not be as dramatic as those achieved with breast implants and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired outcome.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to the buttocks to enhance their size, shape, and contour.

During the procedure, the surgeon will use a thin cannula to harvest fat from the donor site. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into various areas of the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and contour. The amount of fat injected depends on the patient’s body type, desired outcome, and available donor fat.

Brazilian butt lifts are often performed as a standalone procedure, but they can also be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, tummy tuck, or thigh lift, to achieve a more comprehensive result.

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Calf augmentation with fat grafting

Calf augmentation with fat grafting, also known as calf lipofilling or calf fat transfer, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves using a patient’s own fat to enhance the shape and size of their calves.

During the procedure, the surgeon will use a thin cannula to harvest fat from one or more donor areas of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into various areas of the calves to create a more shapely and defined appearance.

Calf augmentation with fat grafting is often recommended for individuals who have disproportionately small or thin calves, which can be a source of self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with their appearance. Compared to calf implants, which are silicone devices inserted into the calves to enhance their size, calf augmentation with fat grafting is considered a more natural and less invasive option.

Rejuvenating Ageing Hands: Micro and Nano Fat Transfer Solutions

The hands are not only crucial for daily function but also play a significant role in our social interactions and how we present ourselves to the world. Unfortunately, they are often the first area of the body to betray signs of ageing. Over time, the loss of subcutaneous fat leads to more pronounced veins, tendons, and a change in the skin’s texture and elasticity, resulting in a more aged appearance. At Centre for Surgery, we understand the importance of addressing these concerns to restore a youthful and revitalised look to your hands.

RELATED: Our Top Treatments for Hand Rejuvenation

Understanding the Ageing Process in Hands

As we age, our hands lose fat and volume, leading to flaccid skin and making veins and tendons more visible. This process is exacerbated by environmental factors, such as sun exposure, which can also affect the skin’s texture and elasticity. The hands can often give away a person’s age, even if the rest of their body and face remain youthful and vibrant.

Micro Fat Transfer: A Precise Volume Enhancement

Micro fat transfer is an innovative technique designed to address the volume loss in the hands. By carefully injecting small amounts of fat harvested from another area of the body, we can add volume to the hands, making veins and tendons less visible and giving the skin a plumper, more youthful appearance. This procedure is minimally invasive, offers long-lasting results, and has the added benefit of using the patient’s own body tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.

Nano Fat Transfer: Advanced Skin Rejuvenation

In addition to micro fat transfer, Centre for Surgery also offers nano fat transfer for hand rejuvenation. This technique involves processing the harvested fat to isolate the smallest fat particles, rich in stem cells and growth factors. When injected into the hands, these particles can improve skin quality, texture, and elasticity, leading to a more refined and youthful appearance. Nano fat transfer is particularly effective for improving the skin’s surface quality and can be used in conjunction with micro fat transfer for comprehensive hand rejuvenation.

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, is an innovative cosmetic surgery technique that enhances and rejuvenates areas of the body by transferring fat from one part of the body to another. This two-stage procedure involves liposuction to harvest excess fat and its subsequent transfer to areas requiring volume enhancement. At Centre for Surgery, we are at the forefront of employing advanced technologies to ensure optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Stage 1: Liposuction – The Foundation of Fat Grafting

Understanding the Liposuction Process

The journey to a more sculpted body begins with the administration of an anaesthetic, ensuring a comfortable experience for our patients. A small incision is made to introduce a thin cannula into the targeted area, marking the start of the liposuction process. This crucial first step is not only about removing excess fat but also about reshaping and contouring the body to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette.

Advanced Liposuction Technologies 

At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on utilising a spectrum of cutting-edge liposuction technologies to cater to the unique needs of our patients. These include:

• Micro Liposuction: Ideal for precise fat removal in delicate areas, ensuring minimal invasiveness.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Enhances the efficiency of fat removal through a mechanised cannula, offering smoother results.
• BodyTite: A radiofrequency-assisted liposuction technique that not only removes fat but also tightens the skin, providing a dual benefit.

Our commitment to employing the latest in liposuction technology underscores our dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients, with an emphasis on safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Stage 2: Fat Transfer – Sculpting with Precision

Purification and Preparation of Fat Cells

Once the fat has been harvested, it undergoes a meticulous washing and purification process. This critical step ensures that only the highest quality fat cells are selected for reinjection, maximising the potential for successful grafting.

Innovative Techniques for Fat Injection

Before reinjection, small, strategic incisions are made in the recipient areas. This is where the purified fat cells will be carefully and precisely injected to enhance volume and contour. At Centre for Surgery, we utilise an ultrasound-guided fat placement technique to ensure the precise delivery of fat cells, enhancing safety and improving the longevity of the results. This method significantly reduces the risk of complications, such as fat migration or leakage, by providing real-time visualisation during the procedure.

Closing the Chapter: Final Touches

After the fat has been successfully transferred, the incisions are meticulously closed with medical-grade sutures, marking the end of the procedure. Our surgeons at Centre for Surgery take great care to ensure that the incisions are as inconspicuous as possible, minimising any potential scarring and promoting a smoother recovery.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Your Fat Grafting Procedure?

At Centre for Surgery, we are dedicated to providing our patients with personalised care, utilising state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to ensure optimal results. Our experienced plastic surgeons are experts in the art and science of fat grafting, committed to enhancing your natural beauty and confidence.

Whether you’re looking to add volume to the face, breasts, buttocks, or any other area lacking in fullness, fat grafting offers a natural and effective solution. We invite you to contact us to learn more about how fat grafting can help you achieve your aesthetic goals in a safe and effective manner.

When performed by specialist plastic surgeons with expertise in body contouring, fat grafting is a very safe procedure with a favourable risk profile. Nonetheless, all types of cosmetic surgery carry risks, and fat grafting is no different. There are several side effects which patients should expect to experience after the lipofilling procedure, including:

• Temporary numbness or paraesthesia
• Bruising and swelling, which is temporary in nature and will resolve after the first 5 to 7 days
• A minimal degree of scarring thanks to incisions that are no longer than 3 to 4 mm in length
• A small amount of fat reabsorption, which is a normal phenomenon that occurs with all fat transfer procedures and most commonly occurs during the first couple of weeks
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fat necrosis
• Haematoma or seroma
• Contour abnormalities which may necessitate a further fat grafting procedure

At your consultation, your surgeon will cover all the risks and complications associated with fat grafting and the precautions that are to be taken to minimise such risks. We encourage all patients to carry out as much research as possible so that they are fully informed about all aspects of the procedure.

The cost of fat transfer surgery in London, UK, can vary depending on several factors, including the specific procedure, the surgeon’s experience and qualifications, the location of the clinic, and the complexity of the case.

At Centre for Surgery, a leading cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic based in London, the cost of fat transfer surgery starts from £3,900. This includes a comprehensive consultation with a specialist surgeon, the surgery itself, anaesthesia, and post-operative care.

However, the exact cost of fat transfer surgery will depend on the specific procedure being performed, the amount of fat to be transferred, and other individual factors. For example, fat transfer to the face may be less expensive than fat transfer to the breasts or buttocks, as it requires less fat to be transferred and less time in the operating room.

Choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon for your fat transfer procedure is the top priority for any surgical endeavour. Apart from ensuring the best results and longevity, prioritising your safety is of utmost importance.

When it comes to procedures like the Brazilian butt lift, which involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the target areas of the buttocks, the surgeon’s technique and experience play crucial roles.

Generally, only about 50% of the transferred fat survives in any fat transfer procedure. This is entirely normal, and a proficient surgeon will take the loss of fat cells into account. However, to maximise fat cell survival in the new area, your surgeon must possess the expertise to know precisely where and how to inject the fat cells.

Furthermore, fat cells must be carefully harvested and purified before being injected. It’s essential that your surgeon utilises the most advanced and efficient harvesting tools available.

While you may desire fat removal from specific areas with excess fat, the healthiest fat is often found around the abdomen and thighs. Consequently, an experienced surgeon will typically harvest fat from these regions for optimal results.

Centre for Surgery is a leading cosmetic and plastic surgery clinic based in London, UK. There are several reasons why someone may choose to undergo fat transfer surgery at Centre for Surgery, including:

1. Highly qualified and experienced surgeons: All of the surgeons at Centre for Surgery are  GMC certified and have extensive experience in performing fat transfer surgery. They use the latest techniques and technologies to achieve the best possible results for their patients.
2. State-of-the-art facilities: Centre for Surgery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology at our Baker Street clinic to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality for patients.
3. Patient-centred approach: At Centre for Surgery, the patient’s needs and goals are always the top priority. The team of experts takes the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and work with them to develop a customised treatment plan that meets their unique needs and expectations.
4. Comprehensive aftercare: Centre for Surgery provides comprehensive aftercare for all of its patients, including follow-up appointments and ongoing support to ensure the best possible outcome and recovery.
5. Excellent patient reviews: Centre for Surgery has an excellent reputation and has received numerous positive reviews from satisfied patients who have undergone fat transfer surgery and other cosmetic procedures at the clinic.