Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)
Natural tissue grafting using your own fat for facial rejuvenation and modest breast augmentation. No allergic reaction risk with permanent results.
Quick Facts
Type
Surgical (Local/GA)
Duration
~1 hour
Hospital
Day surgery
Time Off
Few days to 1 week
Exercise
4 weeks
Results
Permanent (once settled)
Cost
From £3,000
Technique
Coleman technique
Overview
Fat transfer (fat grafting) harvests fat from one area of your body (typically the abdomen or thighs) via gentle liposuction. The fat is carefully processed to remove blood and oil, then purified cells are injected into areas needing volume. Using your own tissue eliminates allergic reaction risks and provides permanent results once blood supply is established.
Our surgeons use the Coleman technique, a refined approach to fat transfer that maximizes graft survival. This versatile procedure is excellent for facial rejuvenation (restoring lost volume in cheeks, temples, and under-eyes) and provides modest breast augmentation (half to one cup size increase).
Note: The body naturally absorbs 10-30% of transferred fat. Your surgeon may slightly overfill the area to account for this natural loss.
Who Is This Procedure For?
- •Facial volume restoration (hollow cheeks, sunken temples, under-eye hollows)
- •Lip enhancement and definition
- •Fine line softening and natural rejuvenation
- •Modest breast augmentation (natural alternative to implants)
- •Those preferring natural tissue over fillers or implants
- •Patients with adequate fat reserves for harvesting
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Step 1: Harvesting
Fat is carefully harvested from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas with adequate fat deposits using gentle liposuction techniques. This also provides body contouring benefits to the donor site.
Step 2: Processing
The harvested fat undergoes careful processing using the Coleman technique to remove blood and oil, leaving only viable fat cells. This refined approach maximizes graft survival and results.
Step 3: Injection
The purified fat cells are carefully injected into the target areas using specialized micro-cannulas. Your surgeon may slightly overfill to account for natural absorption of 10-30% of transferred fat.
Multiple Sessions
Some patients may benefit from multiple sessions to achieve their desired results, particularly for larger volume changes. This is discussed during your consultation.
Risks & Considerations
- ⚠Bruising and Swelling: Expected and normal, resolves over several weeks
- ⚠Fat Reabsorption: The body naturally absorbs 10-30% or more of transferred fat
- ⚠Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry may occur, touch-up procedures can address this
- ⚠Infection: Rare but possible at injection or donor sites
- ⚠Oil Cysts and Fat Necrosis: Firm lumps may develop but typically settle over time
- ⚠Irregular Contour at Donor Site: The area where fat was harvested may have minor contour irregularities
- ⚠Need for Repeat Treatment: Additional procedures may be needed to maintain or enhance results
Recovery Overview
Days 1-3
Mild swelling and bruising at donor and recipient sites. Pain managed with medication.
1 week
Return to desk work. Continue avoiding strenuous activity.
2-3 weeks
Swelling and bruising resolves. Results beginning to become apparent.
4 weeks
Can resume exercise and normal physical activities.
3-6 months
Final results visible as transferred fat establishes blood supply.
Long-term
Results are permanent once the transferred fat is vascularized.
Patient Information
Download our comprehensive FAQ document to learn more about fat transfer, what to expect, and how to prepare for your procedure.
Fat Transfer Aftercare Guide
Already had your procedure? Visit our detailed online aftercare guide with recovery timelines, checklists, medication schedules, and when to contact us.
Alternatives to Consider
Dermal Fillers
Non-surgical option for facial volume restoration. Results are temporary (6-18 months depending on filler type) but require no downtime. Ideal for those wanting to test results before committing to fat transfer.
Breast Implants
For larger breast augmentation (typically 1-3 cup sizes or more), silicone or saline implants provide more predictable and consistent results than fat transfer alone.
Questions? Get in Touch
Our team is here to answer your questions about fat transfer and help you determine if this procedure is right for you.