How much fat is required for fat transfer?


Most of us have said it at some time or another: “if only I could take fat from here and just move it here”. Not everyone, however, realises there’s been a treatment designed to do just that since the 80s.

Fat Transfer is a ‘natural’ alternative to implants and fillers which uses pockets of fat extracted through liposuction to increase volume in the breasts, buttocks, face or hands. But how much, exactly, can be transferred?

The answer isn’t simple. Each area differs massively and every single person has a unique experience of the treatment; from the amount of fat that should be harvested, to how their body reacts to the injected volume and how much it retains.

Breast Fat Transfer

First things first: you’re never going to be able to go from A cup to F cup through breast fat transfer treatment alone. As much fat as you may have to extract, if you’re looking for a guaranteed significant increase in size, this method simply won’t give you the results you desire.

Breast Fat Transfer works best for those patients looking to increase their cup size by roughly one to one-and-a-half sizes. It could also suit those simply wishing to restore volume and fullness to sagging or empty breasts. It’s important to remember each body is unique and your surgeon may recommend a different treatment based on your goals from the procedure.

Prior to transfer, the extracted fat is filtered to ensure only the best is used. Despite this, it is common that roughly 40% of the transferred matter may be lost within the first two months of the breast fat transfer procedure. This is why it is crucial that patients have enough fat for extraction to counter this. If you’re a very thin patient with little to be taken through liposuction, you may find that the treatment simply isn’t worth it for you; both in results and for your own health. Our experienced Consultant Breast Surgeons will be able to work out the right amount to deposit to make sure you’re happy with the results.

If Breast Fat Transfer is not suitable for you, see our Breast Enlargement with Implants page.

Bum Fat Transfer / BBL

Like treatment for the breasts, buttocks fat transfer also needs to account for the 40% loss of volume that will take place. To be suitable for buttocks fat transfer, patients will need to have adequate pockets of fat elsewhere. This doesn’t mean they need to be overweight to have the treatment. It is recommended that all patients should be at, or close to their ideal weight prior to the procedure. Losing weight after the procedure can affect results. This is because the fat transferred will act like any fat cells in your body and gets lost during periods of exercise or diet.

Again, like grafting for the breasts, buttocks fat transfer isn’t the best option for a huge increase in volume. At The Private Clinic, we instead offer patients lower buttocks vaser liposuction. This procedure, often combined with liposculpting of the flanks and thighs can help to re-contour and shape the area surrounding the buttocks. This often achieves more definition of the buttocks with no need for fat transfer.

We do not offer Buttocks Fat Transfer procedures at The Private Clinic.

Face and Hands

Before and after fat transfer to the face results_ performed by Dr Dennis Wolf at The Private Clinic
Before and after fat transfer to the face

The amount of fat needed for transfer to the face or hands is not as extensive as that needed for the buttocks or breasts. It is, however, still entirely individual and there’s no way of knowing the exact necessities for you without consultation with an experienced surgeon or doctor first.
Most patients come to us for treatment as an anti-ageing alternative to restore volume. The amount of fat required all comes down to the condition of your face or hands, and what you wish to achieve. It won’t be suitable for all candidates and, if your skin texture is poor, no amount of volume will give you the results you desire. The only way to know for sure is to speak with our experts.

Find out more about Fat Transfer to the Face or Hands.

Journalist Liz Jones before and after fat transfer at The Private Clinic
Journalist Liz Jones before and after fat transfer at The Private Clinic

Summary

Regardless of the area you’re considering for fat transfer, it’s not always about the amount of fat you have to extract or transfer, it’s all down to the skill of the surgeon or doctor performing the treatment. It’s impossible to say what amount will work for you without seeing you and understanding the shape of your body and how it stores fat.

Fat Transfer Procedures at The Private Clinic

  • The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of patients placing their trust in us each year.
  • Expert Cosmetic surgeons and doctors
  • Dedicated care with your expert surgeon and nursing team, and a 24 hour help line.
  • We have state of the art hospital facilities
  • 5 Star Trustpilot Rating
  • Consultations available in London and Birmingham.

To find out more about fat transfer procedures, call 03339209135 to book a consultation or use our online contact form.