Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer (also known as fat grafting, autologous fat transfer)

What is Fat Transfer?
This is a procedure that takes fat from one part of the body and transfers it to another. The amounts involved can vary from a few drops just below the eyes, to volumes large enough to enlarge buttocks. Advantages of using your own fat to increase volume are: there is no chance of allergic reaction to your own tissues, it looks and feels natural, is cheaper than using large volumes of synthetic material, and can be safely stored frozen and later re-injected for further treatments.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?
A wide range of people may benefit from fat transfer. Those who are undergoing normal ageing and dislike like the hollow, deflated appearance that parts of the face can take. Those who have small buttocks they wish to enlarge using their own tissue.The cheek bone area and tissues around the mouth are frequently the most obvious areas of fat loss and therefore of advancing years. The skin sags partly because of a reduction in fat holding it out and up, causing deflation. The lost volume can be replaced with fat from another part of the body.

Other than the face, backs of hands may be treated with a fat transfer to help the problem of thin skin that shows the tendons and veins.As mentioned before, buttocks can also be treated with a fat transfer, however the volumes harvested and injected are much larger than in other areas and therefore a longer operation time and more anaesthetic are required.
A controversial area is fat transfer to the breasts, as there has been concern that the transplanted fat may obscure breast cancers or make them harder to detect. There are no firm scientific evidence to support this theory but to err on the side of safety the breast itself is not an area that should be treated. It is safe, however, to treat the tissues behind the breast which may push the breast forward - though this is not a replacement for silicon breast enlargement because relatively small volume increases are achieved.

What is the procedure like?
Under sedation and local anaesthetic, the area to be harvested is injected with a special solution that makes the fat easier to remove. A 2mm incision is made in the area through which a cannula is inserted and used to remove the fat. The harvested fat is concentrated and then injected into the desired treatment areas.The procedure usually takes around an hour and patients can go home soon afterwards.

How long is the recovery time?
Most patients have swelling in the area (especially the face) for 2 or 3 days but can usually return to work after 5 to 7 days.No special dressings or sutures are necessary. Antibiotics are taken to reduce the chances of infection.Pain is usually minimal and controlled with simple pain medication (Panadeine type).

How long do the results last?
Some of the fat injected is absorbed by the body. The amount that remains varies between individuals but on average about half of the injected fat remains in the long term (after 3 months).After that time the volume that remains is permanent. If more volume is required then any stored fat can be utilised for further volume enhancement.Because the amount of fat retained by the body varies, some people need 2 or 3 treatment sessions to get the effect they desire.

Are there visible scars?
For most people the scars from the removal process heal very well and cannot be seen after a few months of healing as remodelling of the tissues in the area takes place. The small injection site wounds heal after approximately a week.

Are there any special blood tests required?
For most healthy people no blood tests are required.

What if I have more questions?
Not all patients are suitable for this procedure, and a consultation is required to assess your suitability, medical history and general health & fitness, and to allow you to discuss the procedure including risks and complications with Dr David Topchian. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second medical opinion.

Consultations can be arranged by appointment by calling the Endless Solutions on (03) 9681 7311 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .