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Fat grafting or autologous fat transplantation involves fat being removed – usually from the stomach, thighs or flanks – via liposuction; this fat is then processed to reduce unwanted blood products and transferred to another part of the body, via injection.
Fat grafting is most commonly used for breast, face, buttock and cheek augmentation, filling hollowing that has occurred due to weight loss, surgery, trauma or ageing.
For breast enlargement, Dr Sharp uses a combination of high quality implants and fat transfer.
He does not perform fat grafting alone where a noticeable size increase is desired in the breast, as multiple surgeries can be required when fat is used alone to achieve a noticeable change in breast size or shape.
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During fat removal, fat cells are suctioned out of the body using liposuction technology. Dr Sharp uses Vaser liposuction technology which efficiently removes fat with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
For fat grafting or transfer, this fat is then separated from blood and other liposuction fluids, and injected into other parts of the body, helping to achieve volume.
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All surgery carries risks but due to the nature of transplanting cells in the body, the outcome of grafting is not as predictable as other cosmetic procedure and therefore complications or unsatisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable. This may necessitate additional surgery. During the pre operative consultation process it’s important that you discuss any history of depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether your history is relevant, please mention it anyway. Although most patients benefit psychologically from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted if your surgery does not yield the results you were hoping for, and could possibly have a negative influence on your mental health.
You may experience some temporary oozing of fluid; sometimes drains will be placed during surgery and removed 1-3 days after when the oozing has reduced. Discomfort, a burning sensation, redness, swelling or bruising is common but usually well managed with the post operative care tools we provide. Swelling can take months to subside, so patience is vital while your results reveal themselves.
Infection, contour irregularities, delayed healing, chronic pain, fat necrosis (fat death) are the most common risks – but there are others, which will be provided to you in writing before undertaking surgery and discussed during your surgical consultations. Following your postoperative instructions closely, will help you reduce the chance of complications occurring.
While rare when performed under ideal clinical circumstances, fat embolism is the most serious complication of fat transfer. In extreme cases, it can cause death.
Most patients require 1-2 weeks off work after surgery, and 6 weeks of strictly no activity, pressure on the area or lifting over 2kg. If complications occur, healing and recovery periods can be extended. It’s important to consider how this may impact your work, leisure activities, exercise and mental health.
Possible complications of surgery in general include:
After 6-12 weeks you will begin to see your results emerge. Not all of the transferred fat will survive. If fat survives the first 6 months post surgery, it will be permanent. Remember fat cells can enlarge when you gain weight or shrink when you lose weight, but the number of cells does not change once the fat ‘takes’ to its new home.
During the early healing stage, some of the grafted fat will not survive, and your surgeon will discuss this with you during your pre op consultations.
It can be difficult to accurately predict how much fat will survive, and so this ‘unknown’ aspect of the surgery needs to be carefully considered before a patient undertakes the procedure, especially if they are seeking a specific outcome.
Fat survival rates can vary but it is important to remember that following your post op instructions, abstaining from smoking, using compression garments, undertaking lymphatic drainage massage and adhering to a healthy diet will provide an optimal recovery.
The fat transfer procedure may be performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the extent of the procedure.
The area from which the fat needs to be removed is known as the donor site. The recipient site is the area where the fat is injected back into the body.
Both donor site and recipient site are cleansed before surgery and numbed with a local anaesthetic. Fluid is injected into the area to help make the extraction of fat less traumatic for the area. A syringe with a small cannula is then used to extract the fat through a small incision in the donor site.
Once the fat is removed, it is separated from the fluid and re-injected into the recipient site – watch this process here. A pressure dressing and compression garment is applied to the donor site after the procedure.
When performed under the right conditions by a qualified plastic surgeon in an appropriate facility, fat transfer is considered to be a safe procedure. Fat necrosis and fat embolism are the two most serious complications of fat grafting; please talk to your surgeon about the steps s/he takes to reduce this risk and monitor your post operative recovery.
Complications from fat grafting may require further procedures to remove fat necrosis or treat contour deformities.
You will have some swelling, pain and bruising; the products we provide in your complimentary post operative care bag will assist with your healing. The area will be tender and pain relief will be prescribed to keep you comfortable.
Tenderness and unusual sensations can be experienced for weeks or even months after the surgery as your nerves regenerate and swelling subsides.
You might be required to wear compression or support garments for 6 weeks after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for 6 weeks; this includes exercise, spa baths and submerging the operative sites in public pools etc to reduce your risk of infection.
All surgery carries risks but due to the nature of transplanting cells in the body, the outcome of grafting is not as predictable as other cosmetic procedure and therefore complications or unsatisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable. This may necessitate additional surgery.
During the pre operative consultation process it’s important that you discuss any history of depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether your history is relevant, please mention it anyway.
Although most patients benefit from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted if your surgery does not yield the results you were hoping for, and could possibly have a negative influence on your mental wellbeing.
You may experience some temporary oozing of fluid; sometimes drains will be placed during surgery and removed 1-3 days after when the oozing has reduced. Discomfort, a burning sensation, redness, swelling or bruising is common but usually well managed with the post operative care tools we provide. Swelling can take months to subside, so patience is vital while your results reveal themselves.
Infection, contour irregularities, delayed healing, chronic pain, fat necrosis (fat death) are the most common risks – but there are others, which will be provided to you in writing before undertaking surgery and discussed during your surgical consultations. Following your postoperative instructions closely, will help you reduce the chance of complications occurring.
While rare when performed under ideal clinical circumstances, fat embolism is the most serious complication of fat transfer. In extreme cases, it can cause death.
Most patients require 1-2 weeks off work after surgery, and 6 weeks of strictly no activity, pressure on the area or lifting over 2kg. If complications occur, healing and recovery periods can be extended. It’s important to consider how this may impact your work, leisure activities, exercise and mental health.
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Every procedure comes with the risk of complications, and specific risks may accompany certain procedures. The general risks of procedure may include:
When the body goes through a healing phase after a procedure incision, scarring is a common outcome. The way scars appear and their level of severity depends on various factors, including the type of skin, genetic factors, as well as the size and location of the cut. Certain individuals might notice their scars becoming raised or enlarged, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. In cases where a patient does not like the visual outcome of their scars, treatment options are available, but these should only be considered following advice from a surgeon.
Any procedure, plastic procedure included, carries the risk of infection. This occurs when harmful microbes invade the procedure site, leading to symptoms such as swelling, heightened pain, formation of pus, and wounds that don’t seem to heal. Surgeons follow rigorous cleanliness procedures to minimise this risk, but it is crucial for patients to follow all post-surgical care directions meticulously. Quick recognition of symptoms and immediate intervention with antibiotics are key in addressing and eliminating infections.
It is normal to experience pain following procedure procedures, with the intensity and length of pain differing based on the procedure method and the individual’s tolerance to pain. A certain level of discomfort is to be expected, but if the pain becomes severe or lasts for an extended period, it may be indicative of a complication and should be looked into without delay. Pain management strategies, including prescribed medications and guidelines for rest and recovery, will be provided by the surgeon.
Surgical procedures can sometimes result in bleeding, which can be external at the site of procedure or internal, leading to a condition known as hematoma. Signs of internal bleeding may include pain, pressure, and swelling in the area affected. It is critical to seek immediate medical help if you notice unusual bleeding or swelling after procedure.
A seroma is an accumulation of clear lymph fluid under the skin, which can happen after procedure. This is due to the procedure disruption of lymph vessels, causing fluid to build up. Symptoms to look out for include pain, a sensation of pressure, and a noticeable swelling or clear fluid drainage at the procedure site. Generally, seromas are minor complications, but they may necessitate drainage or further treatment to ensure proper healing.
Although anesthesia is crucial for managing pain during procedure, it does come with its own set of risks. These risks include allergic reactions, damage during intubation, malignant hyperthermia, as well as blood pressure or respiratory problems. Continuous monitoring during the procedure allows the procedure team to detect and deal with these complications quickly.
Despite the use of tried-and-tested medical procedures and the experience of a qualified surgeon, there’s always a risk of not achieving the desired aesthetic result after plastic procedure. This could manifest as unevenness, skin puckering, or outcomes that don’t align with the patient’s expectations. It’s imperative to maintain realistic expectations and to discuss potential results during consultation sessions thoroughly. While revision procedure may be an option, it doesn’t guarantee correction of the issue.
Although it’s a rare occurrence, nerve damage is a possible complication of plastic procedure, potentially resulting from the manipulation of tissues or accidental nerve injury during the operation. Signs of nerve damage can include numbness, a tingling sensation, or a loss of feeling in the affected area. While nerve function typically restores over a period of weeks to months, there are instances where changes could be permanent. Prompt reporting of any unusual sensations after procedure is crucial.
Bruising and swelling are typical responses of the body to procedure intervention. While these are normal parts of the healing process, excessive or extended periods of bruising and swelling require attention. Adhering to post-surgical care instructions, such as keeping the affected area elevated, applying cold packs, and refraining from intense activities, is essential. However, should you notice prolonged swelling or deep, extensive bruising, it’s vital to get in touch for a thorough evaluation.
Death is an extremely rare but real risk in any procedure. Causes could range from severe complications, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or pre-existing health conditions. Patient safety is paramount for surgeons and their teams, ensuring thorough pre-surgical screening and adherence to the latest procedure procedures and safety protocols. Being completely open about your medical history during consultations and following all given pre- and post-surgical instructions closely is of utmost importance.
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Dr David Sharp FRACS Plast is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). AHPRA registration number MED0000962857 | * All treatments carry benefits, risks and a recovery period. To learn more, visit the procedure page on our website. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. Book a consultation to determine whether a procedure or treatment is suitable for you and seek at least two opinions before proceeding.
