Fat Transfer FAQs

Most people have some bit of fat tucked into some corner of the body that they’d rather be rid of. Many of these people wish at the same time that some other of their features were a little fuller and younger looking. Some will opt for fat transfer (a.k.a. fat grafting or fat injections) to take some of the excess fat from one spot of the body and place it in another. If you’d like to learn more about fat transfer, please browse this page of frequently asked questions that many people have concerning this relatively noninvasive procedure.

Are autologous fat transfer, fat grafting, and microlipoinjection the same thing?

These terms do in fact all refer to the same procedure. Fat transfer, fat grafting, and microlipoinjection are all names for the process of removing fat from one area of the body via needle and syringe, purifying the fat, and then injecting it back into another area of the body that needs a little smoothing or augmentation. The fat transfer procedure usually is designed to fill in facial creases caused by age. Lip augmentation with fat transfer is also possible. The amount of fat taken out of the donor area — usually the abdomen, rear end, or thighs — is significantly less than that removed in liposuction surgery.

Who is a candidate for facial fat transfer?

The typical facial fat transfer candidate has acquired some age lines or creases that he or she finds unattractive. Thus, most candidates are middle aged or approaching middle age; however, the procedure is very safe and available to people of all ages who would like to enjoy its benefits. The only requirement for candidacy is that the patient have the defects that fat grafting can correct.

Why should I choose fat injections over other dermal fillers?

Fat injections, which transfer the patient’s own tissue from an area of excess to an area in need of filling, have at least one major benefit over artificial dermal fillers: they have no chance of causing an allergic reaction. Anytime a substance from another organism (dermal fillers are often made from derivatives of bird tissue) is introduced into the body, there is the possibility of an adverse reaction from the immune system, which may perceive the material as a threat. Fat transfers avoid this problem, since the body will recognize the tissue at its own, even in its new location.

What is the average cost of facial fat injections?

Before fees covering use of the facility, anesthesia, medical tests, and other assorted costs, the cost of a fat transfer procedure will be a little over $1,000 on average in the United States. Depending on the surgeon, the geographical region, and a number of other factors, the cost may be higher or lower. Keep in mind that low cost should not be the only criterion for choosing a cosmetic surgeon, as the doctor’s skill level may have a great impact on your satisfaction and recovery time after the fat injections.

What areas of the body is fat typically harvested from?

One of the benefits of fat transfer is that it can address two problems at once. The fat for the injections may be taken from any spot on the body that contains a concentration of excess fatty tissue. The patient and the doctor will work together to decide which areas of the body are eligible, and which the patient would most like to see reduced.

Is the fat transfer procedure painful?

The pain from fat grafting should be minimal in almost all cases. Discomfort should be only short term and usually can be managed with oral pain medication. If you are concerned about the pain, you may discuss options for prescription medication to be taken after the fat injections.

What is recovery like after the fat injection procedure?

Recovery after fat transfer is relatively fast and easy compared to other cosmetic surgery procedures. Incisions are usually avoided, and discomfort is minimal. Most patients can move about and engage in normal activities the same day of the injections.

How long will transferred fat typically last?

There is no definite length to the amount of time that the benefits of a fat transfer will last. Over the course of a few months or a year, a portion of the injected fat will be reabsorbed and dispersed by the body. A fraction, perhaps around a third of the original volume, will remain in place. New fat grafting methods are always being developed, though, many of which offer longer lasting results.

Are multiple fat injections needed to achieve desired results?

Though it depends on the extent of change the patient desires, multiple fat transfer injections are very often recommended by the cosmetic surgeon performing the procedure. Splitting the procedure up into multiple installments allows for more tissue to be transferred with less damage to both the donor and injection sites. Your doctor can go over the pros and cons of various treatment options with you in detail.

What are the risks associated with fat transfer/injections?

As a minimally invasive procedure requiring only local anesthetic, fat grafting carries relatively little risk. The most common adverse results from fat transfer are under- or overcorrection, wherein the degree of change in the injection site is less or greater than the patient desired. These problems can be fixed with additional treatments or just the passage of time. Other potential complications include clumping of the injected tissue, damage to surrounding structures, bleeding, and scarring.

Learn More about Fat Transfer by Consulting a Cosmetic Surgeon

To find out if fat grafting via fat injections is right for you, it is important to speak with a skilled medical professional. Our directory can help you locate a cosmetic dermatologist in your area who performs fat transfers.