Andrew is a copywriter and journalist who splits his time between Prague and his native England. He has worked as a reporter, writer and editor for publications including The Prague Post, Guardian, Dazed & Confused and Metro.
In the UK and Germany, a surgical fat transfer procedure will typically set you back between £2,000 (€2,400) and £6,500 (€7,800), depending on the level of fat being transferred and the size of the area being operated upon. You may also need to pay for consultancy and aftercare costs. In certain parts of Europe, however, fat transfers can be significantly more affordable.
What is a fat transfer?
A fat transfer – also known as a fat graft or lipomodelling – is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure which involves taking fat from one part of the body – such as the thighs or tummy – via liposuction, and then injecting it into another area, such as the breasts, buttocks or face. [1]
A fat transfer can be carried out throughout the body, but it is most commonly used in the facial area to enhance cheeks, fill out hollow eyelids, and cosmetically enhance areas that have lost shape and volume due to ageing.
What are the benefits of a fat transfer?
There are a number of benefits to having lipomodelling surgery, including:
-
The removal of fat from areas of your choosing
-
The use of your own natural tissue instead of implants
-
Increased sensation in the breast over artificial implants
-
Enhanced cosmetic features
-
Increased body confidence
Although a fat transfer is classed as a minor type of cosmetic surgery, depending on where you choose to have your surgery performed, it can be an expensive procedure and results cannot always be guaranteed. [3] Before going ahead with lipomodelling, please speak to a qualified surgeon who will be happy to discuss the benefits and risks of a fat transfer with you in further detail.
How does a fat transfer work?
A surgical fat transfer is carried out at a dedicated cosmetic clinic or hospital under general or local anaesthetic and involves three key stages:
-
Fat removal. Incisions are made in the skin and excess fat is sucked out using a small tube. These cuts are then stitched up.
-
Fat preparation. The fat is carefully separated from blood and any other bodily fluids.
-
Fat injection. A syringe and needle are used to inject the fat into the area of the body that is being enhanced via series of tiny holes of the skin’s surface.
This relatively painless procedure usually lasts up to two hours and most patients are discharged the same day. If a large area of the body is being treated, however, your lipomodelling surgery may be carried out over multiple sessions.
How long does it take to recover from a fat transfer?
As transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body during the weeks following your surgery, it can take up to six months for a surgical fat transfer to take full effect.
You can expect some minor swelling and bruising to last for a number of weeks – during this time you should avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise. And, depending on your line of work, it may also be advisable to take a short period of time off from your job. [4]
SOURCES:
[1] https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19962702/fat-transfer-cost/
[2] https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/autologous/fat-grafting
[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/surgical-fat-transfer/
[4] https://www.cadoganclinic.com/what-is-the-recovery-time-from-fat-transfer-to-breast-surgery