Fat Transfer (Autogenous Fat Grafting)

Fat transfer (also called autogenous fat grafting or lipofilling) is a procedure with three steps. First, fat is harvested from a donor area (typically the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or inner knees) using gentle low-pressure liposuction. Second, the harvested fat is processed and purified to isolate viable fat cells — INNODERM uses the LipoCube closed-system technology for this step, which is designed to keep the fat cells viable and sterile throughout processing. Third, the purified fat is precisely re-injected into target areas where volume restoration is wanted. Some of the transferred fat establishes new blood supply and survives long-term; some is reabsorbed by the body in the first months.

Fat transfer sits between a non-surgical injectable and a major surgical procedure. The harvesting step is essentially small-volume liposuction performed under local or twilight anaesthesia — it requires tiny entry incisions but does NOT require general anaesthesia for typical face/hand fat transfer volumes. The injection step is more involved than HA filler. It is regulated under UK CQC + GMC requirements for cosmetic medical procedures. Recovery is more substantial than filler (1–2 weeks) but much faster than a full facelift or surgical body reconstruction.

This is a critical, honest conversation. Typical survival ranges from 50% to 70% of the transferred fat, varying significantly between patients and dependent on technique, blood supply at the recipient site, post-procedure care, and individual healing. This is why we often plan a slight over-correction at the time of injection — knowing that some volume will resorb. Some patients need a second touch-up procedure at 3–6 months to reach the final target volume. We are honest about this rather than promising a fixed result.

Donor sites are chosen based on where you have enough fat to harvest comfortably AND where you would benefit from contouring as a secondary effect. Common donor areas: abdomen, flanks (love handles), outer thighs, inner thighs, inner knees. The harvest is small-volume (typically 50–200 ml for facial fat transfer) so the contouring effect on the donor site is modest — fat transfer is NOT primarily a liposuction procedure, though larger-volume body fat transfer to the buttock can also produce visible donor-site sculpting.

The fat that survives the take phase (typically 50–70% of what was transferred) establishes its own blood supply and is permanent — it lives as your normal tissue does. Patients can therefore see results lasting many years to permanently. However, the fat cells continue to behave like fat cells: significant weight gain after treatment will cause the transferred fat to grow; significant weight loss will reduce it. Maintaining a stable target weight after the procedure preserves the contouring result.

Each tool has its sweet spot. HA fillers are quick (30-minute procedure), reversible if needed, visible immediately, and last 6–12 months — good for trying out a look or for areas where reversibility is valuable. Sculptra/Radiesse last longer (18–24+ months) and stimulate collagen — good for structural rejuvenation with progressive build. Fat transfer requires a longer procedure (1–2 hours) and recovery (1–2 weeks), but the surviving fat is permanent and uses your own tissue — good for patients who want a one-time durable result, are comfortable with the longer recovery, and prefer biological over synthetic. Your consultation will discuss which is the right fit for your goals.

Expect mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and recipient sites for 7–14 days. The recipient site (face, hands) will look puffier than the final result for the first 2–3 weeks. Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights if treating the face. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. Avoid pressure or massage on treated areas. The donor site usually has small entry-point bruising for 1–2 weeks. Most patients return to desk work after 3–7 days but plan for visible swelling for at least 2 weeks. Final results emerge over 3–6 months as the surviving fat settles.

Treatment is contraindicated for: pregnancy or breastfeeding; active infection or inflammation at the treatment or donor site; blood clotting disorders or current anticoagulant medication; uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune conditions affecting healing; very low body fat with insufficient donor tissue (a minimum donor volume is needed); active skin conditions at the treatment area; recent surgery in the planned treatment zones; and unrealistic expectations about volume retention rates (because of the variable take rate). The contraindications list on this page reflects the safety screen we apply at consultation.