Lipofilling

What is Lipofilling?

Lipofilling - also called fat transfer - is a procedure that uses your own body fat to enhance or restore volume in areas such as the face, hands, breasts or buttocks. Fat is gently harvested from places like the tummy, hips or thighs and precisely injected where it’s needed to improve shape, smooth contours and create a natural, balanced result.

Why Choose Lipofilling?

Lipofilling offers a natural approach to enhancement because it uses your own tissue rather than implants or synthetic fillers. It can help restore youthful volume, improve symmetry, refine body contours and rejuvenate areas that have lost fullness due to ageing, weight changes or genetics. Many people like that the results feel soft and natural and that fat is removed from areas where you may want less volume.

What to Expect After Surgery

Following lipofilling, it’s common to experience swelling, bruising and mild tenderness in both the donor and treated areas. You may be advised to wear supportive garments to help with healing and contours. Most people return to light activities within a few days, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. The treated areas will settle gradually as swelling decreases, and the final results become clearer over time.

two women discussing a medical procedure

How the Procedure Works

The procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the areas being treated. Fat is gently removed from selected donor areas using liposuction and then processed to prepare it for transfer. Once purified, the fat is carefully injected into the target areas in small amounts to sculpt and enhance the desired shape.

Because the fat comes from your own body, it integrates naturally into the new location and can provide long-lasting results when done correctly.

Important Considerations & Long-Term Information

Not all of the transferred fat will survive - some will be naturally absorbed by the body. This means results can continue to improve over the first few months, and in some cases, additional sessions may be recommended to achieve optimal fullness. Scarring is minimal, due to the tiny incisions made for liposuction and injections. Every person’s body responds differently, so results vary based on individual anatomy, lifestyle and how much fat integrates.

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.

Key Features To Be Aware Of:

  • 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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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.