Fat Transfer
Sculpt One Area, Enhance Another: Discover Ways You Can Benefit from Fat Grafting in St. Louis, MO
Whether you're looking to enhance contours, correct deformities, or rejuvenate facial features, fat transfer at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons offers a safe, effective, and natural-looking solution. This advanced technique not only removes unwanted fat but puts it to work where you need it most—boosting volume and improving symmetry using your own body’s tissue.
Ready to reshape with your own natural fat? Call 314-996-8800 to schedule your consultation if you would like to find out more about the benefits of fat transfers at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons.
What Is a Fat Transfer and What Can It Do for You?
Fat transfer—also known as fat grafting—involves three main steps: harvesting fat via liposuction, processing it to isolate healthy fat cells, and strategically injecting those cells into areas needing volume. Fat transfer for body contouring is ideal for patients wanting subtle, natural enhancement without implants or synthetic materials. Areas commonly treated include the face, breasts, buttocks, and hands.
Proven and Trusted Applications of Fat Transfer at West County Plastic Surgeons
Fat transfer is not a particularly new technique, but some surgeons have recently looked into ways to expand its role in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. At West County Plastic Surgeons, our philosophy is to offer our patients the most cutting-edge technologies, but only after we have studied them to ensure that they have a proven track record for being safe and effective. Currently, we have determined the following applications for fat transfer to be safe and effective:
This includes fat grafting to correct contour deformities following lumpectomy or mastectomy with reconstruction. Patients must be cancer-free for at least one year before undertaking fat grafting to the breast to correct contour problems. We are currently performing fat grafting to correct partial breast deformities.
Your own fat can be used to provide volume to sunken areas of the face such as around the upper cheeks, chin, the creases between the cheeks and the upper lips (nasolabial folds), or between the lower eyelids and the midface.
Contour deformities can result from traumatic injuries where divots have been left. Fat grafts can be used to fill certain contour deformities of the skull, face, trunk, arms, or legs. Similarly, some surgeries lead to contour deformities. Wasting of muscles following brain surgery can lead to contour deformities in the side hollows of the skull (temporal wasting). Removal of benign tumors can lead to large divots in the arms, legs, or trunk and can be filled with fat grafts. On occasion, liposuction itself can lead to contour problems that can also be filled with fat grafts.
Exploring Emerging Techniques in Fat Grafting
Other forms of fat grafting also exist, and we are working with other plastic surgeons at a national level through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to evaluate their safety and benefits. Some of the ones we are carefully evaluating before we offer include:
Several techniques using fat grafts to reconstruct an entire breast following mastectomy have emerged. Some techniques use an external device that is thought to optimize fat graft take, although others do not require this. At this point, there is no clear consensus on the most effective way to harvest, inject, or store this fat. Moreover, the ideal injection volume has not been determined, and it is not known whether other concurrent treatments are required to optimize breast reconstruction with fat grafts alone. Currently, health care insurance providers do not recognize these techniques for complete breast reconstruction. We are carefully evaluating studies using these techniques for breast reconstruction to ensure they are clearly deemed to be safe and effective.
Fat grafts have been used for small-to-moderate volume breast augmentations. The largest experience with this technique is from Japan. At this time, there is no consensus on the most effective protocol, and the long-term safety of this technique is still being evaluated and debated. We are carefully evaluating studies using fat grafting for breast augmentation to ensure that the procedure is clearly deemed to be safe and effective.
Normal fat grafts contain a small number of adult adipose-derived stem cells, which naturally regenerate in the body and can transform into different cell types. Because of this ability, researchers see potential for stem cells in regenerative medicine, but there are also concerns that they could contribute to tumor growth if not properly controlled. New methods aim to increase the stem cell concentration in fat grafts, but these technologies are not FDA-approved and remain largely untested in the United States. While some rodent studies have shown stem cells turning into cancer cells under artificial conditions, no human studies have confirmed this risk in breast tissue or elsewhere. At present, there is no conclusive evidence on the safety or effectiveness of stem cell-enriched fat grafting, and West County Plastic Surgeons continues to monitor research to ensure patients receive only the safest, most reliable treatments.
Fat Transfer Candidates: Who Gets the Most Out of This Natural Enhancement?
Ideal candidates for fat transfer are patients who want natural-looking enhancement using their own fat instead of facial implants or fillers. To qualify for fat transfer, patients should have donor areas—such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks—with enough fat to harvest, along with areas that would benefit from added volume.
Many patients choose fat transfer to the face to restore youthful contours and soften wrinkles. Fat transfer for body contouring is also popular, since it slims one area while enhancing another. This technique can even correct dents or irregularities after surgery or injury, making fat transfer a versatile option for both cosmetic and reconstructive goals.
Good health, a stable weight, and avoiding smoking are key to successful fat transfer results.
Where Can Fat Be Grafted?
Fat Transfer Benefits for the Breasts, Face, Buttocks & More at a Glance:
Fat transfer can be applied to a wide variety of areas, depending on your goals:
- Breasts
- Face
- Buttocks
- Hands
Fat transfer to the breast can restore shape, smooth contour irregularities, and improve symmetry after lumpectomy or mastectomy reconstruction.
Facial fat transfer for wrinkles and hollow areas adds youthful fullness to the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, and nasolabial folds.
Fat transfer to the buttocks enhances shape and projection, commonly referred to as the "Brazilian Butt Lift" approach.
Volume restoration in the hands with fat transfer helps reduce the visibility of veins and tendons, giving a more youthful appearance.
Ready to see how fat transfer in St. Louis can naturally restore volume and enhance your contours? Call West County Plastic Surgeons at 314-996-8800 to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Fat Transfer Procedure
One of the most common fat grafting-related questions is, “How can I maximize my fat transfer results?” Preparation is an important part of ensuring safe, smooth, and successful fat transfer results. Before fat transfer surgery, patients will typically undergo a consultation to review medical history, medications, and treatment goals. It’s best to stop smoking several weeks in advance, as nicotine can interfere with healing and fat survival. Patients may also be asked to avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements that could increase bruising after a fat transfer. Staying well-hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a stable weight help create the best conditions for recovery. On the day of fat transfer surgery, arrange for someone to drive you home and assist for the first twenty-four hours as your body begins to heal.
To learn how to prepare for fat grafting and what to expect afterward, click here to download our patient instructions for fat transfer surgery.
Fat transfer is usually performed as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia. The total time ranges from one to five hours, depending on the number and size of treatment areas.
Anesthesia Options
We offer both local and general anesthesia, depending on your comfort and treatment plan.
Surgery Length and Fat Survival
Expect some fat reabsorption over time—about 40-50%. Surgeons may overfill slightly or plan staged fat transfer sessions to ensure optimal, lasting volume.
Common Risks and Side Effects
Minor bruising, swelling, numbness, itching, and tiny hidden scars are typical. Fat necrosis or firm nodules may occur but are rare when fat transfer is performed by experienced surgeons.
Click here to download a detailed consent form from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that lists the risks and benefits of fat grafting.
Most patients are able to return to work within two to fourteen days, depending on how much fat was removed and where it was placed during their fat transfer surgery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for one to three weeks to allow proper healing. Bruising typically fades within seven to ten days, while swelling can take anywhere from two to six weeks to fully resolve, depending on the fat transfer treatment area and volume grafted. We will explain more about the fat transfer recovery process and aftercare when you meet with us.
Curious about what a fat transfer could look like? View before-and-after photos showing fat grafting results here.
Patients often ask, "How long does fat transfer last?" While some reabsorption occurs, the surviving fat cells can offer permanent improvement.
In general, 40 to 50 percent of the injected fat volume goes away within several months. To compensate, your surgeon may choose to overcorrect a treatment area, anticipating that some of it will go away. Another approach is to inject until an immediate correction is achieved, wait to see how much goes away, and repeat the fat transfer several months later. This is a safe approach in the rare event that an overcorrection of fat transfer unexpectedly does not go away. Also, if too much fat is injected, it can lead to hard bumps known as fat necrosis that may either get broken down and resorbed by your body over time or require surgical removal. Fat necrosis is more common when fat is injected into areas of poor blood flow, such as thin or radiated tissues, or over an implant.
“Is fat transfer better than dermal fillers?” This is a question we get asked a lot. Wondering about the benefits of fat transfer vs. fillers? Unlike synthetic fillers, fat transfer uses your body’s own fat cells, reducing the risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Plus, since the fat is harvested from problem areas like the abdomen or thighs, patients get the added benefit of body contouring. Long-term results and natural texture make fat transfer procedures especially popular among those seeking facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, or subtle body sculpting.
Why Choose West County Plastic Surgeons for Fat Transfer Procedures
St. Louis-based plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Myckatyn, Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, and Dr. Trina Ebersole are recognized leaders in fat transfer techniques, playing active roles in international committees and task forces that focus on advancing the safety and effectiveness of fat transfer procedures. Their commitment to innovation in fat transfer is evidenced by Dr. Myckatyn's lead authorship on a multicenter study, funded by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which confirmed the safety of fat transfer for patients undergoing breast reconstruction.
Enhance Your Results: Cosmetic Procedures That Pair Well with Fat Transfer
Fat transfer often works best when combined with other surgical or non-surgical enhancements. These complementary treatments can help optimize outcomes and provide a more complete, harmonious aesthetic result:
Facelifts
When we age, the skin and connective tissues of the face sag in response to gravity, sun damage, and the natural aging process. These changes can be treated with a standard facelift that rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck. However, we also lose volume from the face. Facial fat grafting is frequently paired with facelift surgery to restore lost volume while also addressing sagging skin and deep facial folds. The facelift lifts and tightens the skin and underlying structures of the lower face and neck, while fat transfer rejuvenates the mid-face, temples, and periorbital areas. The combined effect delivers a smoother, more youthful look with longer-lasting results.
Short-Scar Facelift
A relatively short scar differentiates the short-scar facelift from the traditional facelift. Just as in the standard facelift, fat grafting is a good way to restore volume loss at the time of a short-scar version. When combined with this lift, fat grafts are usually placed in the nasolabial folds and in other areas of volume loss.
Chin Augmentation
Subtle contouring of the chin area with fat transfer can be done alongside chin implants or jawline sculpting to improve facial proportions and balance. This combined approach enhances both projection and definition, creating a stronger profile and a more harmonious lower face. Fat transfer can also smooth out irregularities in the chin or jawline for a softer, natural look. Patients often find that addressing the chin area significantly improves the overall balance of their facial features.
Liposuction
Fat grafting and liposuction are complementary procedures. Liposuction not only removes unwanted fat but also provides the donor fat used in fat transfer procedures. Areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs can be sculpted while simultaneously enhancing the face, buttocks, or breasts with transferred fat. Fat grafting after liposuction allows patients to address volume loss and stubborn fat pockets in one comprehensive session.
Buttock Augmentation with Fat Grafting
Fat transfer is a popular method for buttock augmentation. This procedure reshapes and adds volume to the buttocks using your own purified fat, harvested from other body areas via liposuction. The result is a more contoured lower body with improved symmetry and projection.
Patients may also pair fat transfer with chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microneedling to improve skin texture and tone. Dermal fillers or BOTOX® can be used alongside fat transfer for more targeted wrinkle reduction and refined facial balance. By customizing your treatment plan to include these complementary procedures, West County Plastic Surgeons ensures that your fat transfer journey delivers comprehensive, beautiful results from head to toe.
Discover how fat transfer in St. Louis can refine your shape using your own natural tissue! Call West County Plastic Surgeons at (314) 996-8800 or schedule your personalized consultation.
