Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat from one area of the body and then re-introduces it to another area of the body to create volume. 

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, allows a surgeon to sculpt more attractive contours and rejuvenate areas that have lost dimensionality. If you wish you were a little less plump in some places and a little rounder in others, a fat transfer can help you accentuate your best features! 

And you won’t be alone – fat transfer is one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures in England, and has been one of the most popular procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons since 1980! ⁽¹⁾ 

This procedure allows patients to turn unwanted fat into a natural alternative to implants and fillers. Who wouldn’t want to turn a flabby belly into a voluptuous set of breasts or a firm, round behind? Fat transfer can also be used to correct gynecomastia (male breast tissue) and previous lipo irregularities. Additionally, it can rejuvenate and restore the face and hands, turning back the clock on your appearance. Contact London’s Dr. Grant Hamlet today at 0207 127 4377 to schedule a consultation and get started on sculpting the body of your dreams.

About Fat Transfer

The idea of taking fat from one area of the body and moving it to another isn’t new. Doctors have used fat to correct congenital deformities and complex traumatic wounds since 1893. With the advancement of liposuction techniques, this process became easier for the surgeon to perform, and much more pleasant for the patient! 

In 1987, Dr Sydney Coleman introduced a new technique to improve the handling of fat during liposuction and ensure a successful transfer. His technique consists of three steps: low-pressure liposuction, centrifugation to purify the fat, and reinjection. This technique remains the “gold standard”. ⁽¹⁾ Dr. Grant Hamlet uses the Coleman Technique for this particular procedure and combines it with VASER Hi-Def Liposuction technology for optimal results. 

Procedure

Dr Hamlet will administer the appropriate anaesthesia, either general or local, before he begins the liposuction phase of the fat transfer. Fat for a fat transfer can be taken from any area of the body where there is an excess. The fat used for transfer is normally pulled from the thighs, abdomen, or love handles. ⁽²⁾ Dr Hamlet may need to take fat from more than one area to have enough to create the desired volume. After the fat is removed, it is then purified and treated to avoid infection. This same fat is re-introduced via small syringes into the area needing additional volume. The patient will be placed in compression garments to ease swelling, and then sent home to recover.

What Kinds of Fat Transfer Can be Performed?

Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer can improve the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles by filling in the lines. It can also be introduced to fill out gaunt or hollow areas of the face that have lost volume with age. A facial fat transfer can plump lips and cheeks, and even reduce the appearance of acne scars. 

Hand Rejuvenation

Our hands can be a dead giveaway of our age. Luckily, a fat transfer can turn back the clock on ageing hands. When fat is injected to the hands, it lessens the visibility of veins, tendons and improves the appearance of crepey aged skin. 

Breast Augmentation

A fat transfer is ideal for women who are looking for a subtle and natural-looking increase to their breast size. Patients desiring a more dramatic transformation should consider breast implants, however, a breast fat transfer does have its advantages over implants. While implants have to be removed and replaced every several years, a fat graft makes a lasting home in the new location. There is also little to no chance of an adverse reaction with a fat transfer because the material is not foreign to the body.

Breast Implants Combined With Fat Transfer

A fat graft can be applied in a layer over artificial breast implants. The implants can be placed at the same time as the fat transfer. Dr Hamlet can also perform a fat transfer for patients who have existing breast implants. A fat graft over a set of breast implants smooths any rippling or irregularities in the skin and leaves the patient with the shape and size they desire.

Breast Reconstruction With Fat Transfer

Women who have had a lumpectomy or mastectomy can regain a beautiful set of symmetrical breasts with a fat transfer breast reconstruction. Fat grafting is ideal for naturally correcting breast irregularities.

Buttock Augmentation

Buttock augmentation is also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift. This popular procedure uses fat from the lower back, abdomen, and thigh to increase the appearance of projection and a voluptuous hourglass shape.

Calf Augmentation

Calf Augmentation adds size and shape to the calves. This makes legs more contoured and well-proportioned. Just like any other fat transfer procedure, the doctor uses excess fat from another part of the body to strategically inject into the calves. Calf augmentation leaves patients feeling more confident, especially when they want to show a little leg.

Benefits of Fat Transfer

VASER liposuction is rapidly replacing the traditional liposuction technique thanks to its technological advantages. It improves the outcome and the recovery time for fat transfer procedures. VASER lipo uses ultrasonic technology which is tissue-selective. Unlike traditional liposuction, VASER’s ultrasound energy targets unwanted fat whilst preserving important tissues such as nerves, blood vessels, and collagen. It’s gentle enough to be performed under local anaesthetic. 

Some of the many benefits of this procedure include:

Because fat transfers use a patient’s own fat cells, there is no chance of allergic reactions or rejection from the body. The fat that is injected back into the specified area will gain its own blood supply and make a long-lasting home. This body sculpting procedure achieves the patient’s ultimate goal without the hassle of implants or short-term results of dermal fillers.

Candidates

The ideal candidate for a fat transfer procedure should:

Fat transfer is used to help an array of different issues and concerns that a patient may have with their body. Fat grafting can be used to diminish wrinkles, reduce the appearance of scars, and add volume to the face, breasts, hands, and/or butt while slimming other areas of the body. If a patient desires natural augmentation while contouring their body, they are encouraged to come in for a consultation with Dr Grant Hamlet and see if a fat transfer can achieve their goals.

Personal Consultation

Fat transfer consultations differ from one to the next because there are many different types of fat grafting, and every body is different. Dr Hamlet will use your personal consultation to get to know you and your body concerns. He’ll then make a unique treatment plan to help you achieve your individual aesthetic goals. Dr Hamlet will review your medical history and any health issues and conduct a thorough physical examination. Once he determines where and how much fat to extract, and where it will be injected, he’ll be able to give you an accurate estimate of the procedure’s cost.

Recovery

Dr Hamlet provides each patient with specific post-op instructions in order to ensure the best results. Dr. Grant Hamlet always recommends designating a recovery mate to help you after a surgical procedure. You’ll need a ride home after your fat transfer, and you may also need some assistance with daily activities during the early days of your recovery.

Within 2-3 days, your bandages will be able to be removed and you’ll be able to shower again. Redness and bruising are common symptoms during this time, and swelling can last a few weeks.

In addition to the VASER lipo healing and recovery process, you will also need to be aware of the newly transferred fat, making sure you do not apply any direct pressure on the area for a minimum of two weeks postoperatively. If you’ve had a buttock fat transfer, get off your butt! We recommend two weeks off work for buttock fat transfers to accommodate this.

Results

Fat transfer can achieve fantastic, natural-looking results for those people who have enough excess fat, and the desire to enlarge or re-volumise an area, or correct an imbalance in contour. A fat transfer lasts longer than fillers and provides a natural-looking correction to the area of choice. Most results are long-lasting because the fat cells are recognized and accepted by the body, whereas fillers and implants have the chance of the body rejecting them. The success of a fat transfer depends on correct fat harvesting, cleansing, and re-injection.⁽²⁾

Dr Hamlet’s experienced hand contours and corrects naturally and evenly.

References

1. Simonacci F, Bertozzi N, Grieco MP, Grignaffini E, Raposio E. Procedure, applications, and outcomes of autologous fat grafting. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017;20:49-60. Published 2017 Jun 27. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.06.059
2. Shiffman MA, Mirrafati S. Fat Transfer Techniques: The Effect of Harvest and Transfer Methods on Adipocyte Viability and Review of the Literature. Dermatologic Surgery. 2001;27(9):819-826. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.01062.x