Recovery After Fat Transfer: Top Tips for Quicker Healing

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Many patients who are considering undergoing a procedure are often concerned about what the recovery period involves. Here, we will explain the process in detail and hopefully put your mind at ease.

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What does a fat transfer procedure involve?

The fat transfer procedure normally lasts between 1 and 4 hours and is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic. Fat transfer may be combined with other types of procedures, such as a , and the harvested fat can be used for . Our nurses will provide you with a list of instructions before you arrive. Generally speaking, you should wear comfortable clothes at our Baker Street clinic. Preferably clothes that can be buttoned or zipped. This will help to minimise discomfort when you get dressed after the procedure. You should arrange for a responsible adult escort to drive you home after you have had your fat transfer surgery.

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The fat transfer procedure takes place under TIVA anaesthesia. TIVA is a gentle, full general anaesthesia with a much quicker recovery profile and virtually no risk of post-operative sickness. Your surgeon will first perform to remove the fat from unwanted areas such as the , thighs, back or arms. This process involves a suction cannula through small incisions no more than 3-4 mm long. The next step is for the surgeon to purify and prepare the harvested fat tissue. Lastly, the fat is injected into the area you wish to enhance. 

How long do fat transfer results take to appear?

You will begin to see the procedure results within 6 or 12 weeks when the swelling starts to fade, revealing the sculpting effect of the procedure. The fat transfer volume usually takes 3 and 6 months to show. This is because it takes time for the body to connect the ‘new’ fat to the blood supply. often has a quicker recovery period compared with other types of fat transfer, such as .

You could lose 30-50% of the fat grafts, but there’s no need to be concerned as the surgeon accounts for this loss to deliver your desired results. Also, it takes a few more weeks for the skin to stretch to accommodate the new fat cells. It is this process that makes your skin feel ‘natural’.

You may experience some minor pain and discomfort as the wears off. You will feel this around the areas treated. You should be able to manage the pain and discomfort using the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Any pain and discomfort will normally peak within the first 48 hours before subsiding.

Complete recovery times will vary between each patient and the type of OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling transfer surgery. Usually, by the 6th month, most residual swelling should have faded, and the fat ‘grafts’ will have settled. This means that you can continue with your normal lifestyle . Your final follow-up appointment will be scheduled between 6-8 months. This is when your surgeon will assess the outcome of your fat transfer.

How long you need to take off work will depend on the nature of your fat transfer procedure. Most patients need 2 weeks off before going back. If you can work from home, however, you could feel well enough to do so the first week of your procedure.

Also, the aftercare instructions will be different depending on the type of fat transfer procedure, and you should consider this when considering your return to work. For instance, for a , you should know that you cannot sit directly on your bottom for at least three weeks following the and will need to use a BBL pillow when sitting down.

Top tips for the best fat transfer recovery

You will be pain medication by your surgeon to help you through the recovery period. Taking these as directed is important, and you should avoid consuming them with alcohol or on an empty stomach. Also, do not take any other medication while you are recovering – not without consulting your surgeon first.

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The fat grafts need to be given time and opportunity to stabilise and connect to the local blood supply. Your body may absorb 20-40% of fat cells during this process. The best way to protect the delicate fat cells and maximise fat cell survival during the early recovery period is to avoid direct pressure to the treated area. The required recovery period is usually the first three weeks of recovery.

The volume of fat transfer can be by keeping a stable body weight. Fluctuations in weight will alter the of the surgery the grafted fat acts just like other fat cells in the body. It is for this reason that our surgeons that should only have this procedure after they have reached their ideal weight and can maintain it for the long term with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Your body needs enough time to recover after the fat transfer procedure, so you should avoid activities for a few weeks. In addition, if you put too much pressure on your body too soon, it can harm fat cell viability, which may affect the you are looking for. We recommend taking short walks as soon as you feel well enough because this will help with blood circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and help minimise post-surgical risks.

What are the benefits of fat transfer?

The fat transfer procedure can provide many benefits. The main benefits of fat transfer are the extra volume given by the fat grafts and the of excess fat using liposuction. The surgery has many other benefits compared to treatments like fillers and implants. This includes reduced scarring, permanent results, and the fact that using your own fat is – avoiding the risk of allergic reactions.

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Is fat transfer worth it?

Many patients consider the fat transfer procedure a worthwhile solution for adding extra volume to the areas they want to enhance. Fat transfer is an entirely natural procedure without implants. Fat transfer surgery involves fewer risks compared with implant-based surgery. In addition to this, our surgeons can remove fat from most parts of the body using before it into other areas for volume enhancement. This makes fat grafting a highly versatile treatment for solving various cosmetic concerns.

If you want to learn more about fat transfer, please schedule a consultation with Centre for Surgery at our Baker Street clinic. To book a consultation with one of our fat transfer surgeons, you can either complete our contact form, or you can give us a call at . We look forward to speaking with you.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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