When do you see final results of fat transfer?

Author: Mrs. Jazmyne Auer MD  |  Last update: Monday, December 8, 2025

It takes about six months for the injected fat cells to develop a new blood supply and to see final results.

How long does it take to see fat transfer results?

It usually takes around six months to see the final results of a fat transfer. It takes approximately this long for your skin to return flush against your new, leaner contours after liposuction. Furthermore, it takes roughly half of a year for all of the transplanted fat cells to take hold in the recipient area.

When do you lose the most fat after fat transfer?

Meaning doctors couldn't predict fat reabsorption rates, and it was common for patients to lose most of the fat transferred in the first year. With the unpredictable nature, many patients were left with the results of being overfilled, underfilled, or left with fat in areas where they didn't want it.

How long does it take for fat transfer to get blood supply?

Frequently Asked Questions About Fat Transfer

How long does it take for the fat to re-establish blood supply in its new location? It takes about six months for the blood supply to re-establish, and the process continues for up to 18 months.

How can I maximize my fat transfer results?

Sustaining long-term results requires continuing to maintain a stable weight, focusing on a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods, and an active lifestyle including low-impact exercises. Select an experienced board-certified surgeon to help maximize your fat retention and get your desired result.

When Will I See Final Results After a Fat Transfer to My Breasts?

How many cup sizes increase fat transfer?

Smaller breast size: Fat transfer increases breast size by one or two cup sizes. If you want larger breasts, you'll need breast implants. Sagging breasts: A fat transfer makes breasts larger, but breasts may still sag. You need a breast lift to get firm-looking breasts.

Does caffeine affect fat transfer?

Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen) for 2 weeks before and after surgery. These medications may increase bleeding. Substances to Avoid: Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, for these will dramatically slow the healing process.

What are the stages of fat transfer?

A typical fat grafting procedure consists of three steps: extracting fat tissue from a suitable donor site on your body, processing the extracted fat to remove cellular debris and excess oils and fluids, and reinjecting the purified tissue into the areas that need volume.

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.

What happens if you don't have enough fat for a fat transfer?

Ho offers several solutions to this challenge: Evaluating multiple donor sites: Fat can be harvested from various areas of your body, including the abdomen, thighs, and back. Combining donor fat: If necessary, fat from multiple sites can be combined to accumulate enough for the transfer.

What is the downside to fat transfer?

Firmness, lumpiness, or asymmetry may occur also. If some of the fat does not survive the transfer, it may actually “die” and become firm and cause discomfort. Cysts may form at the transfer site and require a procedure to remove. A symmetrical body appearance unfortunately may not result from a fat transfer procedure.

What is the ideal weight 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.

What should I avoid after fat transfer?

Don't:
  • Move or massage the treated area for a few days post-op to avoid disturbing the fat cells before they can “settle in”
  • Smoke.
  • Do any strenuous activity until Dr. Afrooz advises you that it's safe to do so.
  • Wear cosmetics until at least the day after.
  • Skip your post-op appointments!

When do you stop losing fat after fat transfer?

The good news is that the amount of fat your body maintains after fat transfer will not decrease any further after the initial first 4 weeks, and will last forever since it's your own natural tissue.

Why does my fat transfer feel hard?

Hard lumps are not common after fat transfer to the breasts, but they happen occasionally and may raise alarm. Lumps can form when some of the donor tissue doesn't get enough blood. The fat deposits that don't survive turn into hard scar tissue that may or may not go away with time.

Should I massage fat grafting?

Discourage massage and excessive facial animation immediately following fat grafting. These restrictions are to prevent migration of fat away from the desired areas of treatment.

How long does it take for a fat transfer to look good?

The treated areas will probably be quite bruised and swollen for a few weeks. You may want to take a couple of weeks off work. It can take up to 6 months for a surgical fat transfer to fully take effect, as some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by your body during the first few months after the procedure.

How can I increase my fat transfer success?

Here are 10 things you can do after surgery to help more fat survive:
  1. Wear Compression Garments. ...
  2. After Fat Transfer Surgery, Feed the Fat! ...
  3. Get to Sleeping the Right Way. ...
  4. Don't Go Driving. ...
  5. Sit on Your Thighs. ...
  6. Absolutely No Smoking. ...
  7. Start Exercising (At the Right Time) ...
  8. Stay Hydrated.

What is the best age for fat transfer?

Ideal candidates for fat transfer should be between the ages of 30 and 65 and in good general health with no circulation problems. You should also have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.

How much of the fat transfer actually stays?

Despite these maneuvers, approximately 30% of fat transfer is reabsorbed over the first 6-12 months after surgery. The fat that does survive the transfer will remain permanently and will behave like any other fat in the body. It will respond to normal weight gain and loss as any other fatty tissue.

What is the fluffing of fat transfer?

The BBL fluffing stage is essentially a period during the recovery process where the transferred fat cells start to settle and integrate with the existing tissues in the buttocks. This stage is marked by a reduction in initial swelling and a transition of the buttocks to a softer, more natural state.

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.

Can your body reject a fat transfer?

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

When can I sleep on my side after fat transfer to my breast?

Here is a general sleeping position timeline for women who received breast augmentation surgery: Women who received implants or fat transfer breast augmentation typically need to sleep inclined on their back for about two weeks.

How much does AirSculpt fat transfer cost?

Prices for AirSculpt® can vary significantly. They generally range from $6,000 to $25,000. Patients seeking treatment should consider their unique circumstances. The extent of the procedure often dictates where they fall within this range.

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