Fat transfer body contouring can refine the physique naturally (i.e., without implants or synthetic fillers). Using advanced harvesting and grafting techniques, Dr. Hart or Dr. Connors can sculpt your body by removing excess fat from one area and strategically redistributing it to another. Whether you want to enhance your buttocks, hips, breasts, or another part of your body, fat transfer can provide subtle, long-lasting volume using your body’s own tissue.

As leaders in aesthetic surgery, our Atlanta plastic surgeons tailor each fat transfer procedure to your individual goals, anatomy, and lifestyle. By combining artistry with the latest in surgical innovation, we can help you achieve more harmonious body contours and a confident, naturally beautiful look.

Quick Facts About Fat Transfer Procedures

Sedation: General or local anesthesia
Potential Benefits: Natural-looking volume replenishment and contours; improved balance and proportion; dual benefit of slimming one area while enhancing another; no risk of allergic reaction
Longevity of Results: Variable, but often long-lasting
Recovery: Patients can usually resume everyday activities within one to two weeks; intensive exercise should be avoided for about three weeks

Explore Topics on this Page

What Is Surgical Fat Transfer?
Fat Transfer Procedure
Fat Transfer Recovery
Fat Transfer Results
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Fat Transfer
Fat Transfer Cost

What Is Surgical Fat Transfer?

Surgical fat transfer – also called “fat grafting” or “fat injections” – involves harvesting fat cells from one area of the body and reinjecting them into another to enhance volume, smooth contours, or correct asymmetry. It typically begins with liposuction from regions like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The harvested fat is then purified and carefully injected into the desired treatment areas.

Common body areas treated with fat transfer include:

Buttocks – to create a fuller, more lifted appearance (commonly referred to as a “Brazilian butt lift” or “BBL”)
Hips – to smooth “hip dips” and enhance curves
Breasts – to refine breast shape or volume (potentially as part of a breast augmentation)
Hands – to restore lost volume and smooth the appearance of veins or tendons*

Because it uses your own tissue, fat grafting carries no risk of allergic reaction and can produce natural-looking, lasting results.

What Does the Fat Transfer Procedure Involve?

The fat transfer procedure generally involves three primary steps:

Harvesting – Fat is removed from donor areas (commonly the abdomen, hips, or thighs) using gentle liposuction techniques that preserve fat cell viability.
Purification – The extracted fat is decanted and hand-processed. In some cases, we use the state-of-the-art Sientra Viality^™ or Allergan REVOLVE^™, which are closed systems that allow for maximum fat survival.
Injection – Using a series of small, precisely placed injections, Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart adds volume to the targeted areas, sculpting natural contours and symmetry.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Fat for Transfer?

Leaner patients who lack sufficient fat for grafting may benefit from alternative options, such as alloClae^™ or Sculptra^® Aesthetic. AlloClae^™is a revolutionary treatment that can provide long-lasting structural volume using purified human donor tissue. Meanwhile, Sculptra^® Aesthetic is a biostimulator designed to gradually enhance volume, stimulate collagen production, and improve skin quality. During your preoperative appointment, we can help you choose the ideal option for your needs.

What Does Recovery from Surgical Fat Transfer Entail?

During recovery from fat transfer surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness in both the donor and treated areas. These effects should fade as you heal, provided you closely follow your personalized aftercare instructions. While recovery time varies by person and procedure scope, most individuals can return to light activity within one to two weeks and strenuous exercise within about three.

How Long Do Fat Transfer Results Last?

When performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, fat transfer can deliver beautifully enhanced contours that last for many years. While it is natural for a portion of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body during the initial healing period, modern strategies are designed to maximize fat survival and provide long-term volume retention.

Once the remaining fat cells establish a blood supply, they typically become a lasting part of the treated area. Patients usually enjoy enduring improvements in fullness, symmetry, and body contour, especially when results are maintained with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. With this in mind, graft take rates can vary, and repeat procedures may be required for touch-ups or further refinement depending on the patient’s goals.

Are There Non-Surgical Fat Transfer Options?

Although non-surgical options cannot replicate the comprehensive and customizable results of fat transfer, they can be a great alternative for patients with mild volume concerns or those seeking a less invasive solution. Injectable dermal fillers can be an effective option for subtle contouring, wrinkle reduction, or volume restoration in smaller areas. These products range from hyaluronic acid-based fillers for temporary volume to collagen-stimulating injectables that build structure over time. Meanwhile, wrinkle-relaxing injectables like BOTOX^® Cosmetic may complement volumizing treatments by softening dynamic lines and enhancing overall facial rejuvenation.

For patients who are not ideal candidates for fat transfer (particularly those without adequate donor fat or those who have experienced fat loss after an initial transfer), alloClae^™ or Sculptra^® Aesthetic may be the better choice. Our team can help determine which solution is best suited to meet your goals.

How Much Does Fat Transfer Cost?

The cost of fat transfer surgery can vary significantly depending on your individual needs and aesthetic goals. Key factors that influence pricing include the number of areas where fat is harvested, the amount of fat being transferred, and the complexity of the procedure. In some cases, combining fat transfer with other body contouring treatments may also affect the overall cost.

At Plastic Surgery Group Atlanta, we believe in transparent pricing and exceptional care. If you are interested in flexible payment options, we proudly work with CareCredit^®, which offers qualified patients low monthly payment plans with little to no interest.

To learn more about fat transfer surgery, we invite you to schedule your preoperative appointment at Plastic Surgery Group Atlanta.

Medical Resources*

American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)