Fat Transfer

What is Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting)?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a natural method of enhancing the breasts using your own body fat. Fat is gently removed from areas such as the tummy, hips or thighs and carefully injected into the breasts to improve shape, add volume and refine contours — all without implants.


Why Choose Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is ideal if you want a subtle, natural increase in breast volume and prefer to avoid implants. The procedure also offers the added benefit of contouring the donor areas through liposuction. It can help improve breast symmetry, restore soft fullness and enhance shape with results that look and feel very natural.

What to Expect After Surgery

You may experience swelling, bruising and mild discomfort in both the donor areas and the breasts. A supportive bra and, in some cases, compression garments are recommended for several weeks. Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4–6 weeks.
Final results develop gradually as the fat settles and the swelling reduces.

How the Procedure Works

The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and involves three steps:

  1. Liposuction: Fat is removed from selected donor areas.

  2. Purification: The fat is processed to prepare it for injection.

  3. Transfer: The purified fat is injected into the breasts in small, precise amounts to achieve the desired shape and volume.

Because only your own fat is used, the breasts remain soft and move naturally.

Important Considerations & Long-Term Information

Fat transfer typically provides a subtle enhancement - usually up to around one cup size per treatment session. Some of the transferred fat will naturally be reabsorbed by the body, and the final result reflects the fat that successfully integrates. Scarring is minimal, usually limited to tiny incisions from liposuction and injection points.
Fat transfer can be used alone or combined with other procedures, such as breast uplift or implant removal, to further refine breast shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

1What does surgery involve?
Under general anaesthetic small incisions less than 7mm in length are made and the excess fat you identified prior to surgery will be removed. Local anaesthetic is injected with adrenaline to control your discomfort and reduce bruising. The fat is then treated and reinserted at the location identified to increase volume through smaller incisions less than 5mm in length.
2How long will I be in hospital?
Most patients can go home the same day when they feel comfortable.
3How can I prepare for surgery?
You should purchase compression underwear prior to surgery and this will be put on before you go home. You should stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and follow any advice about your medication. Make sure you have supplies of simple painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen at home.
4What are the risks of surgery?
Patients often see bruising after liposuction and usually require simple pain killers for a few days. The other risks will be discussed in the clinic. 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 be healed within 1-2 weeks. You should continue to wear the compression underwear for 6 weeks to reduce the swelling.

Key Features To Be Aware Of:

  • Surgical time – 120 minutes
  • Anaesthetic type – General anaesthetic
  • Time off work – 1-2 weeks office work, 2-6 weeks manual work
  • Hospital stay – 0-1 nights
  • Shower – immediately
  • Reasonably mobile – day 1-2
  • Sleeping position – no restriction
  • Exercise including gym – 6 weeks
  • Bras and garments – compression garment for 6 weeks
  • Sexual activity – after 1-2 weeks depending on your comfort
  • Full recovery – 6 weeks
  • Driving – 1-2 weeks

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

  • 16 May 2024 C.A.  Verified patient
    I can not speak highly enough of the care I received under Philippa Jackson. From initial consultation, through surgery, follow up and beyond, my treatment has been exceptional. Any questions/concerns were explained and reassured and my results are far better than expected.
    16 May 2024 C.A. Verified patient
  • 16 May 2024 S.S.  Verified patient
    The care I have received from Miss Jackson is faultless. From the first consultation to the ongoing care after the surgery it has been amazing. She is always available to answer any queries I have and made me feel at ease and comfortable throughout.
    16 May 2024 S.S. Verified patient
  • 17 May 2024 J.M.  Verified patient
    Exceptional care throughout. Had some complications and was amazed at how many times Ms Jackson insisted on coming in to the hospital daily to insure progress and high standard of post op.
    17 May 2024 J.M. Verified patient
  • 19 May 2024 K.W.  Verified patient
    I can't fault Miss Jackson's care, consideration and expertise. Clinical treatment and administration were both excellent.
    19 May 2024 K.W. Verified patient
  • 11 June 2024 E.K.  Verified patient
    Philippa is so empathetic, professional and skilled. I felt listened to and knew I was in safe hands. She achieved an incredible outcome with my reconstruction - beyond even my most optimistic expectations. Philippa gave me back ownership of my body and I recognise myself again.
    11 June 2024 E.K. Verified patient
  • 15 November 2024 S.L.  Verified patient
    Miss Jackson was just brilliant in my consultation with her. She is compassionate and kind, actively listens and exudes calm professionalism. She laid out my options clearly and didn't try to influence me into a decision that I wasn't ready to make.
    15 November 2024 S.L. Verified patient
  • 30 January 2025 F.L.  Verified patient
    Philippa has been absolutely amazing throughout the whole surgery process, from initial consultation, to surgery day and post-op. She explained everything very clearly and was more than happy to speak to me outside of appointments to answer any questions I had.
    30 January 2025 F.L. Verified patient
  • 21 July 2025 A.C.  Verified patient
    Extremely informative and thorough, happy to talk through all procedures in detail and great after care. Very happy with surgery results. Thank you.
    21 July 2025 A.C. Verified patient
  • Miss E.S.
    Thank you so much for everything! You have given me confidence in my body that I never had before! I am truly so happy and cannot thank you enough!’.
    Miss E.S.
    Breast Reduction
  • Ms R.S.
    ‘A massive thank you for the amazing work you have done and for the end result. You have given me my confidence back and I cannot thank you enough. You’re an amazing surgeon and I’m glad I listened to your advice. Your kindness, support and knowledge and friendly smile put me at ease on every appointment. I feel like a new woman that can finally wear my summer dresses and go swimming with convince again. A massive, massive thank you’.
    Ms R.S.
    Breast Asymmetry Correction
  • Mrs A.D.
    ‘I just wanted to write a note to say a huge thank you for all your work on my reconstruction. Even though the journey was sometimes hard, you have always been so positive and supportive. Your skill is not only in the technical side of surgery but also in the psychological support and guidance you offer. The results of my surgeries are both physical and emotional - I am more confident and so pleased with the outcome. Thank you for all that you’ve done’.
    Mrs A.D.
    Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Further information on Miss Jackson's work and independent testimonials can be found on her TopDoctors profile.