What is a fat transfer?
Fat transfer is performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure. The first step is liposuction to harvest fat from the agreed donor site. The fat is then processed to separate the healthy viable cells from fluid and other material, before being carefully re-injected into the target area using fine cannulas. The whole procedure typically takes one to three hours, depending on how many areas are being treated.
Fat transfer can be used to address volume loss in the face, including the cheeks, under-eyes and lips; to augment the breasts or buttocks as an alternative to implants; and to smooth contour irregularities elsewhere on the body. Results are long-lasting, though some reabsorption of the transferred fat is normal in the first few months. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations and likely outcomes during your consultation.
Who is fat transfer suitable for?
Fat transfer may be suitable if you:
- Want to restore volume to the face, hands, breasts or buttocks using your own tissue rather than implants or synthetic fillers
- Have sufficient donor fat available at the abdomen, hips or thighs
- Are at a stable weight, as significant weight loss after surgery can affect results
- Are in good overall health and are a non-smoker, or are willing to stop smoking before surgery
- Want to combine body contouring at the donor site with volume enhancement at a recipient site
Your consultant will assess your suitability and discuss the most appropriate approach during your initial consultation.
Consultants who perform fat transfer in London
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about fat transfer
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Most patients experience swelling, bruising and some discomfort at both the donor and recipient sites for the first one to two weeks. Most people can return to desk-based work within one to two weeks and resume light activity after three to four weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks. Final results become clearer as swelling settles, typically within three to six months, as a proportion of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed during this period
This depends on the extent of your procedure. Smaller fat transfer procedures can be performed as a day case, while more extensive procedures may require an overnight stay at our hospital in St John’s Wood. Your surgeon will confirm this during your consultation.
The cost of private fat transfer surgery depends on the areas being treated, the surgical approach and the extent of liposuction required. Please contact our team for a personalised guide price. Guide prices cover hospital charges and exclude consultant, anaesthetist and diagnostic fees.