Fat Transfer

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is an innovative cosmetic procedure that offers a natural approach to enhancing and rejuvenating your appearance. This technique involves transferring fat from areas where you have excess fat, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, to areas that may be lacking in volume, like the face, hands, breasts, or buttocks. The result is a more balanced and harmonious body contour, achieved using your body’s own natural resources.

Also known as: fat grafting, autologous fat transplantation

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Everything You Need to Know

Fat transfer is a multifaceted procedure that offers both cosmetic enhancement and contouring benefits by utilising your body’s own fat. This process not only aids in achieving a more desirable silhouette but also revitalises areas that have lost volume over time. The procedure encompasses three main steps: the extraction of fat through liposuction, the purification of the fat to prepare it for transfer, and the precise re-injection of the fat into the target areas. This meticulous approach ensures a natural and harmonious result, enhancing your inherent beauty.

The versatility of fat transfer lies in its ability to address multiple areas of concern in a single procedure. Whether it’s restoring youthful fullness to the face, augmenting the breasts or buttocks, or smoothing out irregularities, fat transfer can provide a tailored solution that respects your body’s proportions and your personal aesthetic goals.

Before Surgery

Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled plastic surgeons. During this session, we’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, evaluate the areas you wish to enhance, and determine the best approach for your needs. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and express any concerns you may have. Our priority is to ensure that you feel confident and informed about your decision.

Health Assessment

Ensuring your health and safety is paramount. Prior to the procedure, you’ll undergo a thorough health assessment, which may include blood tests and other necessary evaluations to confirm your suitability for the procedure. This assessment helps us to tailor the procedure to your specific health profile, ensuring the highest safety standards.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

To ensure the best possible results and a smooth recovery, we will provide you with detailed pre-procedure instructions. These may include guidance on:

Adjusting your medication regimen, especially if you take blood thinners or other medications that could affect the procedure’s outcome.
Recommendations for eating, drinking, and smoking in the days leading up to your surgery.
Preparing your home for a comfortable recovery, including arranging for assistance if needed during the initial recovery period.

During Surgery

Our state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centred approach ensure that your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

Anaesthesia

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Depending on the extent of the fat transfer and your specific needs, we will administer either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. Our anaesthetic team will closely monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free.

Fat Harvesting

The first step in the fat transfer process is the harvesting of fat from the donor site, which has been previously agreed upon during your consultation. Using liposuction techniques, fat is gently extracted with minimal discomfort and disruption to surrounding tissues. This part of the procedure not only contributes to the fat needed for transfer but also sculpts the donor area, enhancing its appearance.

Purification and Preparation

Once the fat is harvested, it undergoes a careful purification process. This step is crucial for separating the healthy, viable fat cells from the liquid and other components extracted during liposuction. The purified fat is then prepared for injection, ensuring it is in the optimal condition for grafting.

Injection into the Target Area

The final step involves the meticulous injection of the purified fat into the target areas. Our surgeons use specialised techniques to ensure the fat is distributed evenly and in a way that looks natural and enhances your desired contours. The amount of fat injected and the specific techniques used will vary depending on your goals and the area being treated.

Monitoring and Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area where our nursing team will monitor your progress. Once you are awake and stable, you will be provided with post-operative care instructions and support for managing any discomfort.

After Surgery

Recovery and aftercare are pivotal components of your fat transfer journey at St John & Elizabeth Hospital. Our comprehensive care doesn’t end when your procedure does; we are dedicated to supporting you through your recovery to ensure the best possible outcomes. Here’s what you can expect after your fat transfer procedure:

Immediately following the procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient sites. These are normal reactions and generally subside within the first few weeks. Our medical team will provide you with pain management solutions and detailed care instructions to help minimise discomfort and support your healing process.

Your follow-up appointments are a crucial part of the recovery process. During these visits, we will monitor your healing, assess the results of the fat transfer, and provide any additional care or advice needed. These appointments are also an opportunity for you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.

Appointment and Treatment Plan

Initial Consultation

Your journey starts with a consultation to discuss your goals and assess suitability for fat transfer. This step ensures you’re fully informed about the procedure.

Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on your consultation, a tailored treatment plan will outline the procedure details, including donor and recipient areas.

Pre-Op Assessment

A comprehensive assessment confirms your fitness for surgery, including necessary tests to ensure optimal care and safety.

The Procedure

Your procedure will be performed by our skilled surgical team, focusing on achieving your aesthetic goals through fat transfer.

Aftercare and Recovery

Detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments support your recovery, ensuring a smooth process and the best possible results.

Top Tips for a Successful Recovery

Recovery after a fat transfer procedure is a critical phase where careful adherence to post-operative instructions can significantly impact the outcomes. Here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and effective recovery process: