Fat Transfer & Fat Grafting Sydney

Fat transfer is a cosmetic medical procedure also known as 'Fat Grafting', 'Lipo Filling', and 'Lipostructure', that involves the removal of fat from areas of excess (abdomen/thigh) via liposuction.

Fat Transfer & Fat Grafting Sydney

Fat transfer is a cosmetic medical procedure also known as ‘Fat Grafting’, ‘Lipo Filling’, and ‘Lipostructure’, that involves the removal of fat from areas of excess (abdomen/thigh) via liposuction. Removed fat is prepared, then fat and stem cells are re-injected to attenuate certain wrinkles (nasolabial fold), as well as to rejuvenate and enhance all areas of the face. This includes the lips, cheeks around the eyes, chin, nose, neck, jawline, marionette lines, brow, upper eyelids, temples, correcting hollows and defects.

What physical concerns can fat transfer surgery help to address?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Facial Volume: Fat transfer can assist with restoring volume to areas of the face, such as the temples or cheeks. It's important to note that results may vary based on individual circumstances.

Lip Size: Some individuals may opt for fat transfer to alter the size of their lips. The outcome will depend on factors such as the individual's anatomy and the surgeon's technique.

Scarring: Fat transfer can help reduce the appearance of facial scars, although results can depend on the nature and severity of the scarring, and the individual's healing process.

Post-Liposuction Irregularities: In some cases, fat transfer may be utilized to address irregularities following a liposuction procedure. However, the outcome will depend on the individual's unique circumstances.

Buttock Contouring: Fat transfer can be used to alter the size and shape of the buttocks. It is important to note that results will depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's anatomy and the surgeon's technique.

Hand Rejuvenation: Some may consider fat transfer to address the appearance of aged or thin hands. Please note that results can vary based on individual circumstances and healing response.

Breast Enhancement: Fat transfer can be used as a method for moderate breast enhancement, but outcomes are subject to the individual's original breast size, anatomy and the quantity of fat available for transfer.

Body Contouring: Fat transfer may be utilised to improve body contour in certain areas. As with other procedures, outcomes will vary depending on factors such as the individual's anatomy and the surgical technique used.

What to expect

Consultation

The initial step in the fat transfer and fat grafting process is a detailed consultation with our experienced surgeon. During this meeting, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and current body shape will be evaluated. The surgeon will assess your skin elasticity, fat distribution, and the areas where augmentation is desired. This consultation is an ideal opportunity for you to voice any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Preparation

Once you and the surgeon have agreed on the surgical plan, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your fat transfer and fat grafting surgery. These may include dietary guidelines, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, specific instructions about medications or supplements, and skincare recommendations.

Surgery

Fat transfer and fat grafting surgery usually takes two to four hours and is typically performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves two main stages: liposuction and fat grafting. During liposuction, fat is harvested from areas of your body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. This harvested fat is then purified and prepared for transfer. In the fat grafting stage, the purified fat is meticulously injected into the desired areas to enhance volume and shape.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a short period. Most patients can go home the same day, though an overnight hospital stay may occasionally be recommended. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal but will begin to subside after a few days.

Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities within a week or two, while more vigorous activities should be avoided for about two to four weeks. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

The final results of your fat transfer and fat grafting surgery will be noticeable within a few weeks once the swelling has completely subsided, but the full effect may not be apparent for several months as the treated areas continue to heal and settle into their new contour.

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.

Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.

Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.

Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.

Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.

Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.

Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.

Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Fat transfer surgery risks and complications include:

Fat Absorption: A certain amount of the transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body, which can diminish the results and require additional procedures.

Asymmetry: Uneven results may occur due to different rates of healing or fat absorption in the transferred areas.

Over or Under-Correction: There may be too much or too little fat removed or transferred, leading to an undesirable aesthetic outcome.

Oil Cyst Formation: Fat necrosis, or the death of fat cells, can lead to oil cyst formation, which may require further treatment.

Irregular Contours: Skin may appear wavy, bumpy, or have irregularities due to changes in the body's fat layers or uneven fat removal or injection.

Fat Embolism: There is a rare but severe risk of fat embolism, where injected fat enters the bloodstream and can cause life-threatening conditions.

Changes in Skin Sensation: There may be temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation in the areas where fat was removed or injected.

Infection at the Harvest Site: Though it is covered under general infection risk, it's worth noting the donor site specifically may get infected, requiring additional treatment.

Meet Our Fat Transfer & Grafting Surgeon

Dr Michael Zacharia

Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist

Combining the latest medical, surgical and health techniques, Dr Zacharia strives to deliver the best outcome for each and every one of his patients.

How Much Does Fat Transfer & Grafting Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

Fat transfer surgery, also known as fat grafting, is a procedure where fat is removed from one area of the body and then injected into another area to enhance its shape and size.

The procedure typically involves three stages: extraction of the fat (often from areas like the abdomen or thighs), processing and purifying the fat, and then reinjecting it into the desired area.

Fat can be transferred to various areas of the body depending on the patient’s needs and goals. Common areas include the face (for volume and wrinkle reduction), the breasts, and the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift).

Post-procedure, patients typically experience some swelling and discomfort in both the extraction and injection sites. Detailed post-care instructions will be provided by the medical professional, and regular follow-ups will be scheduled to monitor the recovery.

Key considerations should include the availability of sufficient fat for transfer, your overall health status, and your expectations from the procedure. A consultation with a medical professional will provide a more personalized advice.

Fat Transfer & Fat Grafting Sydney