Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is an ideal choice for individuals who desire to enhance specific areas of the body, such as the face, breasts, hands or buttocks, using their own natural fat. This procedure allows for the transfer of excess fat from one area of the body to another, providing volume enhancement, improved contour, and a more balanced aesthetic. Fat transfer offers a natural, long-lasting alternative to implants or fillers by introducing an enriched concentration of fat and regenerative stem cells.
Fat transfer involves two main steps: harvesting fat from a donor area and then injecting the purified fat into the desired area. Fat contains a number of regenerative stem cells that are enriched in the processing stage to enhance longevity and rejuvenation. Our laser liposuction system is utilised for the harvesting step. The laser energy gently and precisely breaks up and removes the fat cells, allowing for a more efficient and minimally invasive extraction process, while preserving the valuable adipose-derived stem cells. The harvested fat is then carefully processed and injected into the target area for natural volume enhancement and rejuvenation.
Harvested fat can be processed in different ways to produce macro, micro or nanofat depending on the goals of the procedure. Sometimes a combination of the different sizes of fat particles will be used, especially in facial rejuvenation.
Fat transfer offers several benefits, including enhanced volume and contour in the target area, improved symmetry, and a more natural-looking outcome. Since the transferred fat comes from your own body, the risk of adverse reactions or complications is minimised. Fat transfer can provide long-lasting results, and as the transplanted fat integrates with the surrounding tissues, it can create a harmonious and balanced appearance. In addition to the volumising effect, stem cells promote repair and rejuvenation.
On the day of the procedure, you will arrive at our clinic, and our caring staff will guide you through the process. You surgeon will confirm the details of the procedure and the areas to be treated and together you will complete a consent form. The surgeon will mark the areas to be treated and take preoperative photographs for your records. The surgical team will perform the fat transfer surgery according to the personalised treatment plan. Laser-assisted liposuction will be used to harvest the fat from the donor area. The harvested fat is then purified and carefully injected into the target area for volume enhancement.
Following the recovery period, you can expect enhanced volume and contour in the treated area, improved symmetry, and a more natural-looking outcome. Fat transfer using laser-assisted liposuction supports good fat retention and long-lasting results. The transplanted fat integrates with the surrounding tissues, providing a harmonious and balanced appearance. Although fat retention is generally good, inevitably some fat will not survive the transfer process and initial results can diminish over the first 3 months. This is normal and expected. Further fat transfer can be performed to top-up the volume if required. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of your enhanced contours and volume for many years.
Yes. All surgical procedures involve some scarring. Our goal is to position scars in the least noticeable places and use careful closure techniques to support good healing. We’ll explain what scar maturation typically looks like, how long it takes, and what you can do (such as sun protection and appropriate scar care) to optimise the final appearance.
Fat transfer is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, avoiding general anaesthetic, and takes about 1–2 hours. Afterwards it’s normal to feel swelling and bruising in both the donor and treated areas for the first week or two – this is well controlled with a clear, personalised pain-relief plan, and discomfort settles steadily over the following weeks.
Some of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed, so the final result settles over about 3 months. Most patients take around 1 week of downtime and 1–2 weeks off work, and should avoid exercise, sport and heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks. You may wear a compression garment over the donor area. You’ll have follow-up appointments at 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months.
Time off work is typically 1–2 weeks, depending on how physical your job is. Driving is usually possible again after 1 week, once you are in full control of the car – able to wear a seatbelt and steer without discomfort, and comfortably perform an emergency stop. Gentle walking is encouraged early, but exercise, sport and heavy lifting are avoided for up to 6 weeks while you heal.
All surgical procedures carry risks. Common risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, wound healing issues, and the possibility of needing additional treatment or refinement. Some procedures have specific risks related to the area treated. We’ll talk you through the risks and how we minimise them, and you’ll have time to ask questions before deciding.
The first step is a consultation. We’ll assess your concern, discuss what’s realistic, explain your options (including non-surgical alternatives where appropriate), and outline recovery and pricing clearly.