Autologous fat transfer
Autologous fat transfer, also known as lipofilling, uses the body’s own fat to restore lost volume and sculpt the contours.
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Important note
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis or advice. If you are unsure, or if you require a personalised treatment plan, it is essential that you consult a qualified specialist.
Cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving, and the trend is clearly towards natural-looking results and the use of the body’s own tissues. One of the most innovative and versatile techniques in modern plastic and aesthetic surgery is autologous fat transfer, also known as lipofilling or autologous fat grafting. This procedure uses the body’s own fat to restore lost volume, sculpt contours or smooth out wrinkles.
In our glossary entry, we explain in detail the entire process of autologous fat transfer – from the extraction of fat through to the areas of application and the key factors for a safe and long-lasting result.
Definition: What is autologous fat transfer (lipofilling)?
Definition: What is autologous fat transfer (lipofilling)?
Autologous fat transfer, also known medically as autologous fat transfer or lipofilling, is a surgical procedure in which the body’s own fat tissue is removed from one area (liposuction), specially processed and then injected into another area of the body to increase volume or improve contours.
As only the body’s own material is used, the treatment is particularly well tolerated and allergic reactions are extremely rare.
How does the procedure work? The process in 3 steps
Autologous fat transfer is a complex procedure that requires the highest level of precision and experience on the part of the surgeon. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it takes between one and three hours and is usually carried out under twilight sedation or under General anaesthesia carried out.
- Step 1: Fat removal (liposuction) First, fatty tissue is removed from a suitable Donor region – typically from the abdomen, hips or thighs – using a gentle liposuction procedure. Special, thin cannulas are used in this procedure to extract the fat cells whilst causing as little damage as possible.
- Step 2: Preparation of the fat cells The harvested fat is a mixture of fat cells, blood, oil and anaesthetic solution. To obtain a high-quality graft, this mixture is carefully processed. This is usually done by centrifugation or using specialised filtration systems, which separate the viable, intact fat cells from the other components.
- Step 3: Injection of the patient’s own fat The processed, highly concentrated fat cells are now injected into the desired area using fine cannulas Destination region injected. The surgeon places the fat in many small, fan-shaped deposits within different layers of tissue. These Injection technology This is crucial to ensure that the transplanted cells can quickly establish a connection with the surrounding, well-perfused tissue and survive.
The main areas of application for autologous fat transfer
- Breast augmentation: For a moderate, natural-looking breast enlargement of around half a cup size to one cup size.
- Facial rejuvenation: To plump up sunken cheeks, deep Nasolabial folds, dark circles under the eyes or to enhance the lips (facial lipofilling).
- Buttock augmentation (Brazilian Butt Lift): To shape and enlarge the buttocks for a rounder silhouette. Please note: however, this is a particularly high-risk procedure due to the increased risk of fat embolism.
- Correcting unevenness: To correct dimples caused by accidents, operations or a botched liposuction procedure.
- Hand rejuvenation: To pad the back of the hand, to conceal protruding tendons and veins.
An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of autologous fat transfer
Advantages (Pros)
- ✓ Very naturalThe result feels soft and natural, as it is the body’s own tissue.
- ✓ No foreign body reactionAllergies or rejection are extremely rare.
- ✓ Lasting resultsOnce fat cells have developed, they remain permanently.
- ✓ Double effectPositive contouring of the donor and recipient regions.
- ✓ Regenerative effectStem cells in fat can improve skin quality.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- – Limited volumeOnly moderate enlargements are possible.
- – Variable growth rateNot all transplanted fat cells survive.
- – Complex surgical procedureTwo areas of the body are involved (withdrawal and injection).
- – Higher costsMore involved than treatment with synthetic fillers.
- – A longer recovery periodSwelling and bruising at both sites.
The growth rate: the critical factor for success
The key factor in ensuring the result lasts is the Growth rate – that is, the percentage of transplanted fat cells that survive the initial phase and become connected to the blood supply in the recipient tissue.
Realistic expectations
As a rule, between 50 % and 80 % of the fat cells survive. The final result is therefore only visible after around three to six months, once the swelling has subsided and the part that did not survive has been broken down by the body.
Factors contributing to a high growth rate
The surgeon’s experience, the technique used to extract and process the fat, and the precision of the injection technique are crucial factors in this regard. The patient’s behaviour after the operation (e.g. avoiding pressure and nicotine) also plays an important role.
Risks and potential complications of autologous fat transfer
Although it involves the use of the body’s own tissue, autologous fat transfer is a surgical procedure that carries specific risks going beyond the general risks associated with surgery (infection, anaesthetic risks, thrombosis).
Specific risks associated with autologous fat transfer
- Asymmetries & irregular contours: When fat accumulates or is injected unevenly.
- Oily cysts and calcifications: Fat cells that have not grown may die off and form hardened nodules or oil-filled cysts.
- Unsatisfactory sales figures: If too little fat accumulates, a second treatment may be necessary.
- Damage at the point of collection: Dents or unevenness caused by overly aggressive liposuction.
- Fat embolism: A very rare but life-threatening complication in which fat cells enter the bloodstream and block a blood vessel. This risk is particularly relevant in the case of high-volume fat transfers such as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and requires the utmost surgical care.
Choosing an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery is the most important factor in minimising these risks. Anyone who also wishes to be financially secure and avoid the potential high costs of follow-up treatment should consider taking out follow-up costs insurance.
How much does an autologous fat transfer cost?
The cost of an autologous fat transfer varies greatly from person to person and depends on the extent of the procedure, the area being treated, the type of anaesthesia and the location of the clinic. The price range is wide:
- Face (e.g. wrinkles, lips): approx. €2,000 – €4,500
- Breast augmentation: approx. €5,000 – €8,000
- Buttock augmentation (BBL): approx. €6,000 – €10,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on autologous fat transfer
The results are long-term: the fat cells that have successfully developed after 3–6 months behave like normal fat tissue and may change over time – for example, as a result of weight fluctuations or the ageing process.
The procedure itself is carried out under local or general anaesthetic and is painless. In the days following the procedure, you can expect to experience a sensation similar to severe muscle soreness, as well as swelling and bruising at the extraction and injection sites.
Suitable candidates are healthy individuals of stable weight with sufficient fat deposits on the abdomen, hips or thighs. Very slim individuals with only minimal fat deposits are often not suitable candidates for the procedure, as insufficient autologous fat can be harvested to achieve a meaningful and safe result; this is assessed during the individual consultation.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, you should expect to be off work for one to three weeks. Significant swelling and bruising may be visible during this time. You should avoid exercise for around six weeks.
Autologous fat in the breast can affect imaging results due to the presence of oil cysts and microcalcifications; however, experienced radiologists are usually able to distinguish these findings from malignant changes. It is important that you inform your doctor about the procedure you have undergone before having a mammogram or ultrasound scan.