Fat Transfer for Face & Body: What It Does, What Can Go Wrong, & Options That May Be Right for You

Fat transfer is a procedure that sounds like a win-win — reshaping one area of the body while enhancing another using your own fat. While the concept is simple, the reality is more complex. From incredible transformations to potential complications, understanding the nuances of fat transfer is key to making an informed decision.

The board-certified plastic surgeons at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery — Dr. Garrett Harper, Dr. Robert Graper, and Dr. Evon Zoog — discuss the ins and outs of this procedure on their podcast, The Doc Dudes. With decades of combined experience, they explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives to fat transfer.

How Fat Transfer Works

Fat transfer involves using liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body, purifying this fat, and reinjecting it into another area to add volume. This technique is often used for:

• Facial rejuvenation – Enhancing volume in the cheeks, temples, and lips
• Hip dips – Adding subtle curves to the lower body
• Breast enhancement – Used as an adjunct to implants or for modest volume increases
• Brazilian butt lift (BBL) – Reshaping the buttocks by adding volume and definition
• Hand rejuvenation – Restoring youthful fullness to aging hands

What Can Go Wrong with Fat Transfer?

While fat transfer can provide excellent results, it comes with potential complications. Unlike fillers, which can be dissolved if results are unsatisfactory, fat grafting is permanent. Some concerns include:

• Fat resorption – The body may absorb some of the transferred fat, leading to uneven results.
• Asymmetry – Uneven fat survival rates can result in noticeable imbalances.
• Fat necrosis and calcification – Some fat may die, hardening into lumps that can be difficult to correct.
• Complications from BBL – Fat must be placed carefully to avoid serious complications like fat embolism.

Are There Better Options?

While fat transfer can work well in the right circumstances, it is not always the best choice. The surgeons at Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery often recommend alternatives like:

• Dermal fillers – More predictable than fat grafting for facial volume restoration
• Implants – For breast and buttock augmentation, implants provide a more consistent result
• Combination treatments – Skin tightening procedures, cellulite treatments, and liposuction can enhance body contouring without relying solely on fat transfer

Is Fat Transfer Right for You?

Fat transfer requires expert precision to ensure natural, long-lasting results. At Graper Harper Cosmetic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, the focus is on personalized treatment plans that account for body structure, goals, and safety.

If you are considering fat transfer or want to explore other options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Harper, Dr. Graper, or Dr. Zoog, call (704) 375-7111.