Definition

Fat injections are cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that use a person’s own fat to add volume, improve shape and restore fullness in different areas of the body. During the procedure, fat is removed from one area of the body and injected into another area that needs more volume. This treatment can be used on the face, breasts, hands and other parts of the body. Fat injections can also improve the appearance of scars and contour irregularities.

At UF Health Plastic Surgery, surgeons offer a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that focus on restoring appearance, function and confidence. Fat injections may be used alone or as part of a larger treatment plan.

Alternative names

Autologous fat transfer; Facial fat grafting; Fat grafting; Fat transfer; Fat transfer breast augmentation (when used in the breasts); Lipofilling

Procedure

The procedure usually involves three main steps:

1. Fat is removed from an area such as the abdomen, hips or thighs using liposuction.
2. The fat is cleaned and prepared for transfer.
3. The purified fat is injected into the treatment area through small needles or cannulas.

Many patients choose fat injections because the procedure uses their own tissue. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, fat injections can provide natural-looking and natural-feeling results. Some of the transferred fat may not survive, so final results can take several months to develop. UF Health Plastic Surgery specialists create individualized treatment plans to help patients achieve results that fit their goals and anatomy.

Treatment

Fat injections may be used to treat:

• Breast volume loss or asymmetry
• Certain reconstructive concerns following injury or illness
• Contour irregularities after surgery
• Hollow cheeks or temples
• Loss of facial volume caused by aging
• Thin lips

Related treatments

Depending on your goals, your surgeon may recommend other treatments, including:

• Breast augmentation with implants
• Breast lift surgery
• Dermal fillers
• Facelift surgery
• Liposuction
• Reconstructive surgery procedures

Some people may not have enough excess fat available for transfer or may have goals better addressed by another procedure. In these cases, a plastic surgeon may recommend dermal fillers, implants or another treatment. A consultation can help determine the best option for your needs.

Before the procedure

You will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history and expectations. Your surgeon may:

• Review your health history

• Perform a physical exam

• Discuss treatment options

• Explain risks and benefits

• Provide instructions about medications and smoking cessation before surgery

You should follow all instructions from your care team to support a safe procedure and recovery. A consultation will help determine whether fat injections or another procedure may be the best choice for you.

After the procedure

Recovery depends on the treatment area and the amount of fat transferred. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising and soreness in both the donor site and the treatment area. These symptoms usually improve over time.

Your surgeon may recommend:

• Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing
• Limiting strenuous activities for a period of time
• Taking prescribed medications as directed
• Wearing compression garments if liposuction was performed

Final results may not be visible for several months because the body needs time to heal and the transferred fat must establish a blood supply.

Potential side effects

Common side effects may include:

• Bruising
• Minor asymmetry during healing
• Soreness
• Swelling
• Temporary discomfort

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Excessive swelling or bruising
• Fever
• Persistent lumps or hard areas
• Severe pain
• Significant changes in appearance that concern you
• Signs of infection, such as redness or drainage

Outlook

Fat injections can provide long-lasting and natural-looking results for many patients. However, not all transferred fat survives after the procedure. As a result, some patients may need additional treatments to achieve their desired results.

The outlook is generally positive when patients are healthy, have realistic expectations and follow their surgeon’s instructions. Fat injections can improve facial volume, body contours and breast shape while using the patient’s own tissue.

This entry was written by Jennifer Cruz-Urbano, marketing specialist, and reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Lauren Yarholar. Generative AI was leveraged as part of the content creation process.