Fat transfer to the body and legs

Fat transfer moves fat from an area of the body with excess fat to another area, to change shape, replace lost volume, or correct a defect from trauma or previous surgery.

The procedure combines liposuction, fat processing and fat injection. It is also known as fat augmentation, autologous fat transfer or fat grafting. Me Clinic's plastic surgeons have been performing fat transfer procedures for decades.

How it works

Harvesting. Fat tissue is removed from a donor area by liposuction.
Processing. The harvested fat is prepared for grafting.
Grafting. The fat is injected into the area requiring augmentation.

Because the tissue is the patient's own - autologous - it complements the fat already present and provides volume that looks and feels like the surrounding tissue. There is no foreign material involved.

What it is used for

Sunken or hollow areas of the chest.
Contour irregularity in the legs and calves.
Post-surgical defects, where previous surgery has left a depression or asymmetry.
Post-traumatic or post-injury reshaping.
Atrophic ageing of the hands, where volume loss makes tendons and veins more prominent.

It has both cosmetic and reconstructive applications, which is why it is used after trauma and previous surgery as well as for appearance.

Graft survival - the key limitation

This is the most important thing to understand before considering fat transfer.

The survival rate of grafted fat varies for every patient. Some of the transferred fat is absorbed by the body, and how much cannot be predicted in advance. Some patients retain volume long term; others see the volume reduce as fat is absorbed.

Results vary, and while some patients see longer-lasting results, this is not guaranteed. More than one procedure is sometimes needed to reach and maintain the desired volume.

Because of this unpredictability, it is worth discussing more predictable alternatives at your consultation - volumisers or implants give a more defined and reliable volume increase, at the cost of introducing a foreign material. Each option should be considered on its merits for your particular case. Your surgeon will set out the trade-off.

Suitability

You need sufficient fat at a suitable donor site to harvest. If you are very lean, there may not be enough fat available to achieve a meaningful result.

A stable weight matters, because grafted fat behaves like the fat it came from - significant weight loss after the procedure can reduce the transferred volume. Smokers have an increased risk of complications, and smoking can affect the survival of grafted fat.

A good candidate is in good general health with realistic expectations, particularly about graft survival.

What the procedure involves

Fat transfer is a surgical procedure performed by a specialist plastic surgeon. It involves both a liposuction component at the donor site and a grafting component at the recipient site, so it carries the considerations of both.

Anaesthesia is local or general depending on the extent of treatment. Major surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited private hospital. See local or general anaesthesia.

Costs

Fat transfer is quoted individually after assessment, as the cost depends on the volume of fat harvested, the donor and recipient sites, and whether other procedures are performed at the same time.

For reference, liposuction surgeon's fees are $4,000 to $8,000 for one area. Hospital, theatre and anaesthetist fees are additional; anaesthetist fees range from $800 to $1,200 per hour. As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350.

See liposuction costs.

Medicare

Fat transfer performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by Medicare. Where it forms part of reconstruction following trauma, injury or previous surgery, a Medicare item number may apply where the strict criteria are met and you hold a valid GP referral. Confirm current item numbers on MBS Online. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider.

Recovery

You need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours where a general anaesthetic is used.
Compression garments are generally required for the liposuction donor area.
Expect swelling and bruising at both the donor and recipient sites, settling over the following weeks.
Avoid exercise for the first two weeks; gentle walking is encouraged.
Most people return to work after two to three weeks and to their usual exercise routine by around six weeks.
Wait six to eight weeks before international flights and before swimming.

The final result becomes clearer over three to six months as swelling resolves and the body absorbs a portion of the grafted fat. Do not judge the result in the first weeks. Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications. Fat transfer involves both a liposuction component and a grafting component, each with its own risks.

Unpredictable graft survival - the volume achieved may be less than hoped, or reduce over time, and further procedures may be needed.
Fat necrosis - grafted fat that does not establish a blood supply can die, sometimes forming firm lumps or oil cysts that may require investigation or treatment.
Calcification - areas of fat necrosis can calcify.
Asymmetry - particularly where absorption differs between sides.
Infection, bleeding, bruising and swelling at both sites.
Contour irregularity at the donor site from the liposuction component.
Changes in sensation from nerve damage.

General surgical risks include pain, scarring, seroma, haematoma, anaesthesia complications, and blood clots. Liposuction can be traumatic for internal organs, and visceral perforation, while uncommon, is a recognised risk.

Risks are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

See breast augmentation with fat transfer, liposuction, or all body procedures.