What is the downside to fat transfer?

Author: Dr. Jerry Bernier  |  Last update: Sunday, November 16, 2025

Side effects to expect significant bruising and swelling. temporary numbness. small scars – these will fade, but will not completely disappear. loss of some of the fat from the injected area during the first few months.

What are the long term effects of fat transfer?

Long term, changes may occur in the shape, appearance, or texture of the area where the fat was removed or replaced. This can result from age, weight gain or loss, and other circumstances. More surgeries will have to be done if you want to maintain the body type you strive for.

Is a fat transfer worth it?

Is Fat Transfer Worth It? Fat transfer is a method that can create natural-looking enhancements to the body's contours. Many patients consider this a worthwhile procedure in achieving their ideal shape that cannot be done through diet and exercise alone.

What happens to fat transfer when you lose weight?

The fatty cells introduced to the facial area during facial fat grafting are subject to the same biological processes as all fat cells, so they will disappear with significant weight loss.

Can your body reject a fat transfer?

Your body can't reject the transferred fat since it's your own tissue.

Facial Fat Transfer 101: Everything you need to know about getting a fat transfer to the face

Can fat transfer go wrong?

A surgical fat transfer is generally a safe procedure, but it can occasionally result in: a collection of blood underneath the skin (haematoma) death of fat tissue (fat necrosis) a blockage in a blood vessel caused by a piece of fat (fat embolism)

Does fat grow back after fat transfer?

Fat removal is permanent, and while fat cells removed with liposuction will not come back, it is possible to regain weight in that area. After a fat transfer, the fat cells will permanently stay in their new home. However, you may see a proportional change in the volume of fat if you have dramatic weight changes.

How much should I weigh for fat transfer?

There is no specific weight requirement for fat transfer procedures; however, patients should ideally be within a healthy weight range; it's also acceptable for fat transfer patients to be slightly overweight.

Why do I weigh more after fat transfer?

The transferred fat cells continue to live in the area where they were injected. If a patient has significant weight gain or loss, these fat cells could expand or shrink, affecting the overall results of the procedure.

Does insurance cover fat grafting for breast reconstruction?

When a fat transfer is performed purely for cosmetic purposes, it's generally not covered by insurance. However, if the procedure is part of a breast reconstruction, coverage may be available.

What is the best age for fat transfer?

Generally speaking, fat grafting is ideal for men and women of all ages. In fact, people from 18-70 years old may benefit from fat transfer therapies. You are a good candidate if you're in good health, are a non-smoker and do not suffer from medical conditions that may limit your ability to properly heal.

How much is a fat transfer?

Fat Transfer - Associated Costs

Be sure to ask your surgeon what the approximate cost will be for your specific fat transfer surgery during your consultation. The average cost for a fat transfer is $2,085*. *The above statistic comes from the 2021 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics.

How does a BBL look after 10 years?

Year Ten. Ten years after your BBL surgery, you can expect to have the same desired butt from your cosmetic procedure. However, you should stick to a healthy weight and avoid any drastic changes to ensure your butt stays plump and perky and your body remains proportional.

How bad does fat transfer hurt?

You may have pain, bruising, swelling and discomfort in your breasts and liposuctioned areas for up to three weeks. Swelling may persist for up to six months. These steps can ease your recovery: Sleep on your back to keep pressure off of your breasts.

How do you keep fat alive after fat transfer?

Before and after the procedure, refrain from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Both can compromise blood flow and hinder fat cell survival. Eat a healthy diet. Following your fat transfer surgery, we recommend you adhere to a nutrient-dense diet based on healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the success rate of fat transfer?

In fact, only about 50% to 80% of injected fat cells will survive the transfer. The biggest reason for this? Inadequate blood supply. For your transferred fat cells to survive, they must quickly establish a blood supply in their new location.

Does fat transfer cost more than implants?

Fat transfer is more expensive than breast implants. This is because when we do fat transfer, we first remove the fat from another area of your body using liposuction.

Why did I gain 10 pounds after surgery?

A lot of patients worry about edema after undergoing surgery. They have concerns about weight gain after their procedure. Water retention can cause a patient to put on as much as five pounds to 10 pounds post-surgery. That can be distressing for patients, especially if they've had a body contouring procedure.

Why do I look bigger 3 weeks after liposuction?

Swelling: Some patients find they look bigger after liposuction than they did before. If this happens to you, don't worry. Liposuction can remove pounds of fat, but right after the procedure, fluid retention and swelling are typical. These post-surgical effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks.

Who is the best candidate for fat transfer?

Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Fat Transfer Procedure?
  • They wish to enhance a specific area of the body, such as the breasts, buttocks or the back of the hands.
  • They have an adequate amount of fat to harvest from another area of the body.
  • They are in good general health, both physically and mentally speaking.

How many cup sizes increase fat transfer?

In general, each surgery can increase your breasts by one cup size. Any enlargement beyond that would usually require additional procedures. Structural fat grafting can last longer than traditional implants, which may need replacement over time.

How much is 100 cc of fat?

During this process, some of the fat is lost and the volume of the initial aspirate decreases, so the amount of fat collected becomes less than the amount of fat available for injection. Fortunately, sometimes only 100 cc (about ½ cup) of harvested fat can be enough to achieve the results we want.

Is your face too full after fat transfer?

Immediately after your surgery, you may notice that your face looks fuller than you'd expected. This is a normal and temporary part of having a facial fat transfer.

What can you not do after fat transfer?

ACTIVITY AFTER FAT TRANSFER TREATMENT

Physical Activity: Normal daily activity may be resumed a few days after surgery. Avoid bending, lifting, or straining for one to two weeks. Be extremely careful if wearing any “pull-over the head” clothing. Exercise: Light physical activity may be resumed 2-3 weeks after surgery.

How much does fat transfer for skinny legs cost?

Fat Transfer for Skinny Legs: the cost is generally between $4,000 and $10,000. Fat Transfer to Lips: The price typically ranges between $2,000 to $4,000. Fat Transfer to Hip Dips: the cost ranges between $5,000 to $10,000. Lipo 360 and Fat Transfer to Buttocks: $8,000 to $15,000.

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