Fat transfer in London

How fat transfer works

Fat is taken by gentle liposuction from an area such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs. It is then purified and injected in small amounts into the area being treated. Because it is your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection, and the area the fat is taken from is often slightly slimmed too.

Areas treated

• Face: restoring volume lost with age or weight loss, such as in the cheeks, temples or under the eyes

• Hands: restoring volume to the back of the hands, which can make veins and tendons less prominent

• Breasts: a modest increase in size, improving shape or symmetry, or combined with implants (composite augmentation).

• Buttocks: limited volume enhancement and contour refinement

Mr Oezdogan does not offer large-volume buttock fat transfer, often known as a “Brazilian butt lift”. Fat transfer to the buttocks is limited to modest amounts.

What surgery involves

Fat transfer usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the areas involved and the amount of fat transferred. It is carried out under general anaesthetic as a day case.

Not all transferred fat survives. Studies report survival rates of 20–80%. In Mr Oezdogan’s experience, around half usually survives. Most of the fluid and some fat are reabsorbed in the first four weeks, and after that it becomes clear how much has remained. For larger changes, such as breast enlargement with fat alone, two or three sessions may be needed.

Your consultation

At your consultation Mr Oezdogan will:

• discuss what you would like to change and why

• examine you and explain which options are suitable, including non-surgical alternatives or not having surgery

• explain the benefits, risks, recovery and the possibility of further surgery in the future

• give you written information to take away

You will be asked about your weight history, any weight-loss treatment, smoking and general health. Transferred fat can change in volume if your weight changes.

If you take weight-loss medication, weekly injections usually need to be paused 2–4 weeks before surgery and daily tablets 1–2 days before, to reduce anaesthetic risk.

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over. You will be given time to reflect before deciding, and a second consultation is offered before surgery is booked.

Risks and recovery

These are discussed in detail at your consultation and in writing. They include:

• bruising and swelling at both the donor and treated areas

• some of the transferred fat being reabsorbed, so further sessions may be needed

• firm lumps, oil cysts or areas of fat necrosis

• contour irregularities at the donor site

• infection

• asymmetry

• rarely, fat entering a blood vessel (fat embolism), which is serious. Careful technique and limited volumes reduce this risk.

A compression garment is worn on the donor site, and a supportive garment on the treated area. Most people return to desk work after 1–2 weeks.

Surgery aims to restore volume and improve shape, but individual results vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

Where surgery takes place

Consultations and body contouring surgery take place at Highgate Hospital (Nuffield Health) and The London Welbeck Hospital. Day-case procedures take place at Chase Lodge Hospital, Mill Hill.

Frequently asked questions

Is fat transfer permanent?

The fat that survives after the first few months is usually long-lasting, but it changes in size if your weight changes.

How do I arrange a consultation?

Send an enquiry through the Contact page.

Can fat transfer be used after breast surgery?

Yes. It is often used to refine shape after breast reconstruction or implant surgery.

Do you treat patients under 18?

Private consultations and surgery are offered to adults aged 18 and over.

Do you offer a Brazilian butt lift (BBL)?

No. Fat transfer to the buttocks is offered only in limited amounts.

How many sessions will I need?

Smaller areas often need one session. Larger changes may need two or three.

To discuss fat transfer, book a consultation with Mr Oezdogan.

Discuss your options