Surgical fat transfer
A surgical fat transfer is cosmetic surgery to move fat from one part of the body to another. It's also known as a "fat graft" or "lipomodelling".
The aim is to remove unwanted fat from an area of the body, such as the tummy or thighs, and use it to smooth or increase the size of another area, such as the breasts or bottom. A surgical fat transfer involving the bottom is often known as a Brazilian butt lift (BBL).
Having a surgical fat transfer is a big decision. It can be expensive, the results cannot be guaranteed, and there are risks.
It's a good idea to explore other options for losing fat such as weight loss plans before you go ahead. You may also want to read Is a cosmetic procedure right for me?
What does it involve?
A surgical fat transfer can be carried out under either general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic.
It involves 3 main stages:
▶ Removing the fat – small cuts are made in the skin and a thin tube is used to suck out small amounts of fat (similar to liposuction); the cuts are then closed with stitches.
▶ Preparing the fat – special equipment is used to separate the fat collected from any blood and other fluids.
▶ Injecting the fat – small amounts of fat are injected into the area being treated; stitches are not usually needed.
The procedure usually lasts a couple of hours. You may be able to go home soon after the procedure is finished, or you may need to stay in hospital overnight.
If a large area is being treated, your treatment may need to be carried out over 2 or more sessions.
You should not feel much pain during the procedure, but you may have some for a few days or weeks afterwards. You'll be given painkillers if you need them.
Recovery
You'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
You can start driving again when you're able to do so without experiencing any discomfort.
The treated areas will probably be quite bruised and swollen for a few weeks. You may want to take a couple of weeks off work.
It can take up to 6 months for a surgical fat transfer to fully take effect, as some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by your body during the first few months after the procedure.
