How Long Does Fat Transfer Last? Discussing Duration and Factors

Posted July 29, 2024 in Uncategorized

Fat transfer is a surgical procedure that is exactly what it sounds like: it relies on removing fat from one area of the body, like the stomach or hips, and putting it elsewhere. Fat transfer is one of the best procedures available to address volume loss permanently, but how long the results are is a burning question that patients frequently ask. Even though fat transfer involves extracting the fat before transferring it, not every bit of fat transferred stays indefinitely. So, if you are considering fat transfer, here’s everything you need to know about how long fat transfer lasts.

Fat Transfer: What It is and How It works

Fat transfer, which also goes by the name autologous fat transfer and fat grafting, involves removing fat from a donor site, like the stomach, and then purifying it before injecting it into a volume-deficient area to create fullness and a natural contour. For all the good that it offers, it’s essential to know that the key to a successful result is transferring just enough fat for a natural and youthful look.  This treatment is a popular procedure to restore lost fat and volume to the face, breasts, butt, and hands while retaining a very natural look. It is also normal for the fat transfer to be slightly overfilled initially so that the target areas can retain as much fat as possible.

No matter where on the body you choose to have treatment, some of the extracted fat—about 30 to 50 percent—will not survive, which typically happens within the first few days post-procedure as the body absorbs some amount of fat. To ensure that the majority of the fat grafted stays, it’s important to follow Dr. Brothers’ post-surgery instructions. For example, when transferring fat to the breasts and face, sleeping on your back versus your stomach is recommended to avoid creating unnecessary pressure, which can cause the fat cells to die.  

After the fat has been transferred, which needs to be done with low pressure and using small amounts, it creates new blood vessels, which ensures the fat’s permanence after healing is complete. The size of the fat cells from the grafted fat can fluctuate as weight is lost or gained, which is why it’s best to be close to or at your ideal body weight before committing to the surgery.

The Factors that Affect Fat Transfer Longevity

No matter how much of the grafted fat your body naturally retains, some factors are controllable, and others are uncontrollable, which can impact your results. Some of the factors that affect how long fat transfer lasts include:

• Your genetics. Genetics dictate how much fat your body will absorb after the procedure and in years to come.  
• The healing process. As the body heals after fat grafting, it’s important to minimize swelling as much as possible so that the transplanted fat has a better chance of survival. You’ll also want to wear the recommended support garments post-surgery, too.
• Your lifestyle. Living a healthy life and making healthy lifestyle choices will prolong your fat grafting results.
• Your surgeon’s skill and expertise: Opting for fat grafting with an expert plastic surgeon, like Dr. Brothers, ensures meticulous results that are longer lasting.

Typically, fat grafting results last for years on end. While some people see longer-lasting results than others, the effect is permanent, although it is normal for a gradual decrease in volume to occur as the body ages.

Natural Resorption of Transferred Fat

It’s important to understand that with fat transfer procedures, the body naturally resorbs some of the grated fat effecting how long fat transfer lasts. At about the six-month mark, any fat that remains after your surgery should last permanently. However, the grafted fat, like fat elsewhere in the body, will age; in some cases, additional treatments are necessary to maintain a youthful appearance.  

Different parts of the body retain fat differently. As weight fluctuates over the years and natural aging ensues, consider fat-grafting touch-up procedures to retain a youthful look.

How to Maintain Fat Transfer Results

Fat transfer is permanent, and the results will be noticeable for several years. However, fat transfer does not protect you from future aging; as the body ages, fat is lost from the face. So, to maintain fat that has been transferred, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and adhere to a pretty stable weight to keep the results from your fat transfer looking their best.