Medically reviewed by Dr Josiah Gana, FWACS, Chief Consultant Plastic Surgeon · Updated 16 July 2026
What is a fat grafting?
Fat grafting (fat transfer) uses your own fat — harvested by liposuction from donor areas such as the abdomen or flanks — to add volume and improve contour in targeted areas. Because the transferred fat is your own tissue, results are natural-looking and long-lasting once the graft has integrated.
At Soulplace Surgery, fat grafting is used to enhance the buttocks (BBL), rejuvenate the face, restore breast volume, correct contour irregularities, and improve areas of scarring or indentation.
Fat grafting (fat transfer) harvests your own fat by liposuction from a donor area — typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — and injects it precisely where volume has been lost or is desired. Because the tissue is entirely your own, results are completely natural in both appearance and feel. Common treatment areas include the face (to restore youthful fullness), hands, breasts, and buttocks.
The harvesting, processing, and injection are all performed in the same surgical session. Processed fat is injected in small, precise parcels to maximise contact with surrounding tissue — the key factor in achieving the best long-term survival of transferred cells. The donor area simultaneously sees a mild contouring improvement comparable to targeted liposuction.
An initial reabsorption of 20–40% is normal during the first three months, which Dr. Gana accounts for by slightly overfilling at transfer. Fat that successfully integrates is permanent. For facial rejuvenation, fat grafting offers more durable results than temporary dermal fillers and can be combined with facelift or blepharoplasty for comprehensive restoration.
Areas treated
- Facial volume restoration (cheeks, temples, under-eyes)
- Buttock augmentation (BBL)
- Hand rejuvenation
- Breast enhancement
Fat Grafting at a glance
- Duration
- 1-3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- Local + Sedation or General
- Hospital Stay
- Day case
- Recovery
- 2-4 weeks
Times are typical. Your surgeon will give you a personal plan at consultation.
Is it right for you?
Likely a good fit if
- You wish to restore lost facial volume or enhance specific areas naturally
- You have sufficient donor fat available (abdomen, flanks, or thighs)
- You prefer a natural alternative to synthetic implants or fillers
- You are in good general health and at a stable weight
- You understand that some transferred fat may be reabsorbed over time
Not the right time if
- Insufficient donor fat available
- Active or recent smoker
- Significant uncontrolled health conditions
- Expecting large-volume augmentation (implants may be more suitable)
- Unrealistic expectations about fat retention
Your surgeon confirms suitability in person after an examination and pre-operative assessment.
What to expect
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01 Rest & Swelling Days 1-7
Swelling and bruising at both the donor and treatment sites are normal. Rest with light compression as directed.
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02 Initial Settling Weeks 2-3
Some transferred volume is absorbed in the first few weeks - this is expected. Bruising fades and swelling reduces.
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03 Returning to Routine Weeks 3-6
Most patients return to work and light activity. Avoid direct pressure on treated areas until the team clears you.
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04 Stable Volume Months 3-6
Fat that has survived integrates permanently. Final volume is visible at three months; further sessions can be discussed if desired.
Your surgeons
Risks & safety
Fat grafting carries standard liposuction risks at the donor site plus risks at the recipient site including fat necrosis, cyst formation, asymmetry, and variable graft take. A portion of transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed; touch-up procedures can refine the result.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fat grafting results last?
Fat that successfully integrates is permanent. An initial loss of 20–40% is expected in the first few months, which Dr. Gana accounts for by slightly overfilling at the time of transfer.
Is fat grafting painful?
Discomfort is mild to moderate and well managed with prescribed medication. The donor site often feels more tender than the treatment area initially. Both improve quickly over the first week.
Can fat grafting replace dermal fillers?
For significant volume loss, fat grafting offers more durable results than temporary fillers. Dr. Gana will advise which approach suits your goals and anatomy best — some patients benefit from a combination of both.
Where is the donor fat taken from?
Fat is most commonly harvested from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — areas with adequate fat deposits. The donor area also benefits from a mild contouring effect similar to liposuction.
How many fat grafting sessions are needed?
Most patients achieve their goals in a single session. Occasionally a touch-up session is recommended 6 months later if additional volume is desired in a specific area after the initial fat has settled.
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