Fat grafting is a procedure that harvests small amounts of your own fat from areas such as the buttocks, abdomen or inner thighs and transfers the cleaned and minimally processed fat into other areas (e.g. the face, hands or body). The incisions are made with a blunt needle. Dr Vlad Milovic, our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, can use this technique to alter the look of the face, hands or body.
Quick Facts about Fat Grafting Procedures
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia or twilight sedation
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Typically outpatient
- Potential Benefits: Restored volume/fullness; enhanced facial or body contours
- Potential Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, redness, soreness; risks associated with all surgical procedures (see below)
- Recovery Time: Approximately two weeks, depending on areas treated
- Fat Transfer Risks
- Fat Transfer Benefits
- Fat Transfer Candidates
- Fat Transfer Process
- Fat Transfer Recovery
- Fat Transfer Side Effects
- Fat Transfer Results
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilises advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Poor wound healing
- Potential for an additional surgery
- Blood clots
- Specific risks associated with the liposuction component of the procedure
- The potential that most of the transferred fat cells may not survive after treatment
- Fat embolism
- Tissue necrosis
What Concerns Can Fat Grafting Treat?
Fat injections can be used almost anywhere on the face and body to add volume. Common treatment areas include the:
Fat grafting can be used to enhance the:
- Face
- Hands
- Body
- Buttocks
Dr Milovic will review your options and determine if fat grafting is right for you during your initial consultation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?
If you are in good health and you are a non-smoker (or you are prepared to give up smoking for at least six weeks prior to and after surgery) and have adequate fat tissue for harvesting, you may be a suitable candidate for fat graft injections.
How Is Fat Transfer Performed?
Fat is harvested using a special suction cannula using sterile technique. Once enough fat is obtained from the donor area, it is then purified. This often requires the use of a centrifuge which spins the fat and removes impurities. The fat is then placed into the areas requiring augmentation. The injection needle is usually passed in and out of the areas to be augmented multiple times. This creates a ‘grid’ of threads of fat graft. The areas that were injected may then be massaged to create a satisfactory contour, and a dressing is often placed over the injection site.
Fat graft injections are generally done as a day procedure under either local anaesthesia, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the areas being targeted.
What Is the 24K Fat Transfer System?
Dr Milovic is the first to use the next generation in fat transfer technology in Australia, the 24K fat transfer system. It is designed to use the patient’s own fat, which is harvested through liposuction from areas such as the midsection, thighs or wherever excess fat is located on your body.
What Does Recovery From Fat Transfer Entail?
Recovery after fat transfer can vary depending on the areas treated and the individual’s healing response. It is common to take approximately two weeks off work or social activities, depending on the extent of the procedure. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Moreover, Dr Milovic will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help support a smooth and safe recovery.
What Side Effects Can I Expect From Fat Transfer?
As with any surgical procedure, fat transfer carries the possibility of side effects and complications. Common side effects may include temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated areas; these symptoms typically resolve on their own during the healing process. Less common but potential risks include infection, nerve damage, blood clots and poor wound healing.
During your consultation, Dr. Milovic will explain all potential risks and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel informed and comfortable about proceeding with treatment.
How Long Does Fat Transfer Last?
While some fatty tissue will naturally be reabsorbed by the body (a fact Dr Milovic takes into account when planning your cosmetic program), the fat that remains once healed should not require retreatment. Some patients do need multiple fat transfer sessions to achieve their desired look, but once this fat integrates with the surrounding tissues, it should remain there for good. Weight loss and gain over time may alter your body or facial contours, however, which is why we recommend maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen to preserve your outcome.
More About Dr Milovic’s Facial Rejuvenation Options
On our sister website, patients can learn all about Dr Milovic’s plethora of facial rejuvenation procedures – from facial fat grafting to facelift surgery and rhinoplasty. For more information, visit milovicfaceandnose.com.au!