Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a procedure in which fat is harvested from one area of the body and transferred to another for improvement or augmentation. Liposuction is performed to extract fat from a donor area, after which the fat is purified and injected into the treatment area.

Am I a good candidate for fat transfer in Houston?

You may benefit from our Houston fat transfer surgery if you want to add long-lasting volume to areas such as the face, lips, breasts, or buttocks. Volume loss in these areas can be a normal part of aging. Fat transfer can also be used in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation procedures where some added volume may be needed to camouflage the implants. Fat transfer to the buttocks is performed with our Brazilian butt lift.

What can I expect with fat transfer surgery?

Fat transfer is typically done under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. It is an outpatient procedure and takes approximately two to four hours to perform, depending on the extent of liposuction and fat grafting.

Liposuction is first performed to harvest fat.
The fat is purified and prepared for injection.
After the fat is prepared, tiny incisions are made in the areas to be fat grafted. These incisions are very small and well-hidden.
After the appropriate amount of fat has been added to the treatment areas, the small incisions are all closed.

Before & After

What is recovery like after fat transfer?

You will be wearing a compression garment when you wake up after the procedure. The garment is typically worn for six weeks to prevent fluid accumulation in the areas where liposuction was performed. Medication will be prescribed for post-operative pain control. A prescription for an antibiotic may also be given. Your liposuction incisions may leak fluid for the first several days, which is considered normal. You can expect some swelling and bruising.

You will have your first follow-up appointment between five and seven days after your fat transfer in Houston. Sutures usually do not need to be removed, as they dissolve on their own as the incisions heal.

Most patients can return to light-duty work in one week, although some swelling may remain. You can expect to return to full activity and exercise six weeks after the procedure.

FAQ

Will I need more than one fat transfer session?

Under-correction or over-correction can occur in fat grafted areas. Although fat grafting is considered permanent, it is well known and documented that not all of the fat will survive in its new location. Typically, approximately 70% will survive, but this can vary from patient to patient. In some cases, multiple fat transfer sessions are needed to achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

What should I do to prepare for fat transfer?

If you are a smoker, you should stop at least two months before a fat transfer procedure. All medications that can cause bleeding should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery if approved by the prescribing doctor.

Fat Transfer