Lipofilling

Fat transfer surgery is a procedure where fat is gently removed from one area of the body - usually the flanks, outer thighs or buttocks - and re-injected into another to restore volume or improve contour. The fat is carefully processed and placed using small incisions to achieve a natural result. This is often performed as a day case under general anaesthetic, with dissolvable stitches and minimal scarring. It’s important to be in good health and at a stable weight before proceeding, and more than one session may be needed to reach the desired outcome. Compression garments are usually recommended afterwards to support your recovery and enhance results.

The procedure is carried out under either general or local anaesthetic, depending on the area being treated and the volume of fat required. Fat is first harvested from a donor site, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, using gentle liposuction. This fat is then purified and carefully injected into the target area in small amounts, allowing it to integrate with the surrounding tissue. The process typically takes one to two hours and is performed as a day case, meaning most patients return home the same day.

Recovery is generally straightforward but does involve two healing sites - both the donor area and the recipient area. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal in the first week and gradually improve over two to three weeks. A compression garment may be recommended for the donor site to minimise swelling and improve comfort. Most patients return to light daily activities within a week, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for two to three weeks.

two women discussing a medical procedure

After surgery, follow-up appointments are arranged to check your progress. It is important to note that not all of the transferred fat survives - usually, a proportion is naturally reabsorbed by the body in the first few months. However, the fat that remains becomes a permanent part of the treated area. For some patients, repeat sessions are recommended to achieve the best possible result.

Over time, lipofilling provides natural and subtle improvements in contour and volume, with the added benefit of body shaping at the donor site. Scars are very small and fade quickly, leaving little trace of surgery. For women seeking an alternative to implants, or for patients wishing to refine and enhance existing results, lipofilling offers a safe, effective, and lasting solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How can I prepare for surgery?
This procedure is one not undertaken lightly and in order to reduce the risks of complications and optimise the outcome I recommend my patients have a BMI of 30 or less and are physically fit prior to surgery. Physical exercise such as pilates is helpful before surgery to strengthen your core which will aid a faster recovery.
2Where will my scars be?
This will be decided when you come to the clinic. You will be advised which placement is most appropriate for your goals. Implant registry – all implants are now recorded on a national database called the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry (BCIR). This is managed by NHS Digital and entry of your information onto the database is mandatory to allow you to be traced in the event of an issue with your type of implant in the future. For information on the Registry please click here.
3How reliable is Lipofilling?
We know when we perform fat transfer that around half the fat cells cannot survive and dissolve. Your body naturally processes these cells. Sometimes those fat cells which don’t survive form a lump and this is known as fat necrosis. It will usually improve with massage but if the fat transfer has been to the breast I may recommend review by the breast clinic for safety. In some cases it can appear no fat survives but in these cases we usually see an improvement in the scar tissue or skin quality at the least. This is more common after radiotherapy.
4What are the risks of surgery?
These will be discussed in the clinic. Please note a specific cup size cannot be guaranteed but you can express a preference. In order to reduce your risk you can make sure you eat healthily, are a healthy weight, and stop smoking.
5What is the post-operative recovery?
Your wounds will usually be healed in 2 weeks. Occasionally areas can take up to 6 weeks to heal. You will need to wear your post-surgical bra day and night for 6 weeks.
6What about breast feeding?
Most patients who have breast implants can still breastfeed. Please be aware some patients cannot breastfeed and if this is important to you then you may wish to consider delaying surgery. Also breastfeeding will change the result of your augmentation.
7What about mammograms?
When having mammograms in the future you should let them know you have had surgery. There is a higher chance you will be recalled to check an area in the breast but there is no increased chance of getting breast cancer after this surgery. You may be advised to get a mammogram prior to having surgery. This could be related to a high-risk family history or if you are due for a mammogram on the national screening programme. Miss Jackson will advise you when you come for your out-patient appointment. Something to note is that the fat cells can appear as speckling or calcification on a mammogram. This might mean you are more likely to be recalled for another mammogram or brought to the breast clinic for review. There is no good evidence that fat transfer to the breast increases the risk of cancer. However, in order to be as safe as possible, I aim to place the new fat cells around the breast tissue and not within it.
8Is this the right operation for me?
This may be the right operation for you if:
  • You want an increase in the size of your breasts
  • You have no objection to having silicone
  • You accept the long-term risks associated with breast implants such as rupture and BIA-ALCL
  • You understand that removing the implants in the future will result in residual loose skin
Not sure about breast augmentation? Consider Fat Transfer.
  • Surgical time – 60-90 mins
  • Anaesthetic type – General anaesthetic
  • Time off work – 1-2 weeks office work, 2-6 weeks manual work
  • Hospital stay – 1-2 nights
  • Shower – 48 hours after being discharged
  • Reasonably mobile – 2 days
  • Sleeping position – back or side
  • Exercise including gym – 6 weeks
  • Bras – front fastening post-op bra for 6 weeks day and night
  • Sexual activity – after 1-2 weeks when comfortable
  • Full recovery – 6 weeks 
  • Driving – 2 weeks
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