Fat grafting

Ocean Clinic Marbella

Modern fat grafting has changed body contouring completely. In some cases it can replace the need for silicone implants in contouring techniques like breast augmentation, gluteal augmentation, calf augmentation or hip augmentation. In other cases this new approach contributes towards more natural and complete results by combining implant-based approaches with fat grafting (composite breast augmentation or composite gluteal augmentation).

Lipotransfer procedures generally have a very low complication rate and very high satisfaction rate with our patients. They can be performed either as an isolated procedure or in combination with other procedures like breast augmentation with implants or gluteal augmentation with implants (composite Brazilian Butt Lift/BBL).

Pre-operative considerations include a thorough evaluation of your anatomy, your body fat / BMI and skin quality including the recommendation of possible complementary or alternative procedures, such as body contouring with implants. Our advice regarding the combination of techniques, your understanding of the 3 dimensional body contouring approach and our enthusiasm for the best possible results are paramount in obtaining long-lasting and natural results.

Fat grafting Lipotransfer | Ocean Clinic Marbella

Fat
Transfer

What You Need to Know Beforehand

Which type of fat grafting is right for me?

Your age, skin quality and anatomic proportions are key in choosing the fat grafting technique best suited to you. Based on this evaluation we will explain if any additional technique would be advisable for the best aesthetic outcome.

Can my skin be addressed in combination with fat grafting?

If your skin shows signs of cellulite, generalized loss of collagen, striae etc., additional treatments maybe recommended by us and performed at the same time as your fat grafting surgery, to minimize downtime.

Are there any scars from fat grafting?

The fat transfer is performed using very thin cannulas (needles) to harvest the fat and re-inject it after cleaning and filtration. As there are no incisions, there are no visible scars.

How is fat grafting performed?

Lipotransfer is mostly performed under deep IV sedation (twilight sleep), combined with local anesthesia. You will sleep throughout the procedure, but you will be able to move your arms and legs as with normal sleep, which lowers the risk for thrombosis. The procedure is generally pain free and takes between 1-2 hours.

How long is the recovery of fat grafting?

Fat grafting recovery is 7-10 days, with some swelling and bruising during the first 7 days. Makeup can be worn after 48 h. There may be some numbness of the skin and lumpiness of the subcutaneous skin layers during the first 6-8 weeks before recovery is complete. You should not put pressure on the areas treated while fat transfer for 3-4 weeks.

After Surgery and Beyond

Fat grafting aftercare

Most of our body fat transfer procedures are performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. The concept at Ocean Clinic Marbella is to avoid any unnecessary pain and discomfort. This allows for a completely pain–free procedure with our patients being sedated only for their comfort. Postoperative pain is rare, most of our patients only have a slight tenderness for 24-48hrs treated with oral pain medication.

Patients can generally go home on the same day, and come in for a check-up after 2-3 days. During the first 4 postoperative weeks, our patients will be referred to our unique physiotherapeutic aftercare for quicker recovery and reduced swelling. Do not lift any objects above 5kg and avoid sports involving weights for at least 14 days.

Fat grafting procedure related risks

Corporal lipotransfer has very few complications if carried out by an experienced surgeon in an accredited facility. It is a biological procedure transplanting living cells, so outcome depends on the individual survival of the transplanted cells.

Due to such biological factors, more than one session of fat grafting may be necessary in some patients, in order to achieve the desired rejuvenation effect (particularly in smokers). Rare complications include infection, asymmetry which may require revision and a prolonged recovery due to swelling and/or hematoma.

Some degree of skin sensitivity reduction is expected during the early postoperative period, which will alleviate over the course of time.

How long does fat grafting last?

Most lipotransfer patients have a very satisfying result after a single treatment, which lasts for 3-5 years or more. Changes in the outcome are to be expected within the first 12 months until the body has eliminated all non-vital cells; afterwards the durability of results depends on lifestyle and maintenance of a stable body weight. However, skin ageing and soft tissue changes continue after any procedure, therefore many of our patients choose to have touch-up procedures or alternative treatments after a couple of years.

Fat grafting alternative treatments

Body Contouring with implants like breast implants or gluteal implants is an alternative technique to fat transfer when laxity of skin and muscle is very advanced. It may also be an option if you wish for more dramatic results.

Ocean Clinics experience in fat grafting

Ocean Clinic’s plastic surgeons in Marbella have performed 1000+ fat grafting procedures within the last 10 years. Our clinic group is a worldwide leader in advanced fat grafting techniques. Many of these techniques have been published in international peer-reviewed journals and are on the forefront of scientific research.