What Is Fat Transfer (Lipofilling)?
Fat transfer — also called lipofilling or autologous fat grafting — takes fat from one area of your body through liposuction and injects it into another area that needs volume. Because the material is your own tissue, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection, and the results look and feel completely natural.
Where Can Fat Be Transferred?
- Buttocks (BBL): The most popular fat transfer destination, creating fuller, rounder buttocks
- Breasts: A modest size increase (one cup size) using fat instead of implants — ideal for patients who want a subtle, natural enhancement
- Face: Restores volume to hollow cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, and nasolabial folds — a surgical alternative to temporary treatments
- Hands: Replaces lost volume on the back of the hands, reducing visible veins and tendons
The Fat Transfer Process
- Harvesting: Fat is removed via liposuction from a donor area (abdomen, thighs, flanks)
- Processing: The fat is purified to concentrate healthy fat cells and remove blood, oil, and debris
- Injection: The purified fat is injected in small parcels throughout the recipient area, layering it to maximise blood supply contact and cell survival
Fat Survival Rates
Not all transferred fat survives. Typically, 60 to 80 percent of transferred fat cells establish a blood supply and become permanent. Dr. Saba accounts for this by slightly overfilling the area during injection. Over the first three months, the body reabsorbs the non-surviving cells, and the final result stabilises.
Advantages of Fat Transfer
- Uses your own tissue — no foreign materials
- Natural look and feel
- Dual benefit: removes unwanted fat from one area while augmenting another
- Long-lasting results once fat cells survive
- Biocompatible — no allergic reactions possible
Limitations
Fat transfer requires sufficient donor fat. Very lean patients may not have enough harvestable fat for significant augmentation. The final volume is less predictable than implants due to variable reabsorption rates. For patients wanting a substantial breast augmentation, implants remain the more reliable option.
Discuss fat transfer options with Dr. Saba Al Marush.