Fat transfer is a body contouring procedure that involves liposuction to remove excess fat from unwanted areas, followed by injection into areas that require volume enhancement. The fat transfer procedure is not painful. Your surgeon injects local anaesthetic into the areas that need liposuction and fat transfer whilst you are asleep under a general anaesthetic. Fat transfer can be carried out with a local anaesthetic, such as for the face, or under general anaesthetic for the body, including breast fat transfer and the Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
Types of fat transfer procedures
- Fat transfer to the face
- Fat transfer to breasts
- Fat transfer to the body
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Fat transfer to calves
After the fat transfer procedure is complete, you’ll be given prescription painkillers, which include paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory to control any mild discomfort you may have after the procedure.
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Is fat transfer to the face a painful procedure?
Fat transfer to the face is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic when performed alone, but under general anaesthetic when combined with facelift surgery. The procedure is well tolerated, with only mild bruising and swelling, which lasts up to 1 week after the procedure. Any discomfort experienced will vary based on several factors, including a patient’s individual pain threshold, the size of the needles and cannula used, and the surgeon’s expertise in performing the facial fat transfer procedure. The surgeon always takes excellent care to inject a local anaesthetic into all treatment areas to ensure a comfortable procedure throughout.
How long does the fat transfer procedure last?
The length of fat transfer surgery depends on the procedure being performed. Fat transfer to localised areas of the face may take no more than 45 minutes. Large-volume fat transfer to the buttocks or breasts may take 3 to 4 hours to perform due to the additional liposuction required to harvest the fat.
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Our specialist fat transfer surgeons at Centre for Surgery in London will assess you at your consultation and give you an accurate idea of how long the fat transfer procedure could take. To learn more about fat transfer, please call 020 7993 4849 to speak with one of our friendly, knowledgeable patient coordinators and book a fat transfer consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon in London.
What are the side effects of fat transfer?
Fat transfer side effects generally include the following:
- Temporary numbness
- Bruising and swelling affecting the area of fat injection
- Visible scarring, although this can be significantly improved with silicone gel
- A small degree of fat reabsorption from the area that has been grafted, which is most noticeable during the first 12 weeks after fat transfer
It is normal to expect the above side effects, which will all settle down over the first 4 to 6 weeks. If you are experiencing any side effects that persist beyond what is expected, please contact our postoperative support team for further information and advice.
Can the body reject fat transfer?
Fat that has been injected as part of a fat transfer procedure is not rejected by your body. Fat is a natural material that does not cause an immune reaction when transferred to other areas of the body. Any grafted fat requires a rich blood supply to ensure fat cell survival. This is why following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions in the vital first few weeks is important to maximise fat cell survival. Any fat reabsorbed by the body should not be seen as fat rejection, as fat cell absorption is a normal side-effect of any fat transfer procedure.
In most fat grafting procedures, fat cell survival rates of 60-80% are expected. These survival figures can be affected if patients smoke, with a much lower rate of fat cell viability in patients who actively smoke.
What is the fat transfer recovery period like?
Fat transfer recovery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, allowing bruising and swelling to fully settle, with full healing evident by the six-month mark. Any patient who has had a fat transfer procedure will have restrictions on the everyday activities they can carry out, including the ability to drive a car, until their surgeon says it is safe to do so.
How to choose the best surgeon for fat transfer in London?
Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London. It has experience in all types of fat transfer surgery, including BBL, breast augmentation with fat transfer, and fat transfer to the face. Our surgeons are all fully GMC-registered cosmetic surgeons, and we perform hundreds of fat transfer procedures each year, with an over 95% patient satisfaction rate, as shown by our hundreds of verified five-star Google and Trustpilot reviews. Our post-operative aftercare program was described as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission in our most recent inspection. If you are keen to book a fat transfer consultation in London, please get in touch with our friendly patient coordinator team to arrange a face-to-face consultation with an expert plastic surgeon.
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