Fat Grafting
Transfer of your own fat to selected areas of volume loss or contour irregularity.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Confirmed with your treatment plan
- Anesthesia
- Local with sedation, or general
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Often 1 to 2 weeks or longer; site dependent
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
Fat grafting collects fat with liposuction and transfers it to another area. Possible goals include filling a depression or adding modest volume. Donor site suitability and the blood supply of the receiving tissue influence the plan.
There is no fixed percentage of fat survival for every patient or body area. Some fat is absorbed, and repeat treatment may be needed. Risks and aftercare differ for the face, breasts, hands, and buttocks. Gluteal fat grafting has specific embolism risks and should be discussed as a separate procedure.
Good candidates
- Volume loss in the face, hands, buttocks, or breasts
- Depressions or irregularities after liposuction or injury
- A preference for natural tissue over synthetic fillers
- Enough donor fat to harvest
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for fat grafting will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation reviews your goals, medical history, medications, nicotine use, and examination findings. Discuss alternatives, the proposed setting and anesthesia, realistic changes, costs, and the support you will need during recovery.
The procedure
Fat is harvested with a gentle liposuction technique, purified to remove fluid and oil, and placed in small amounts so the cells establish a blood supply where they are needed.
Recovery
Bruising and swelling occur at donor and treatment sites. The receiving area may need protection from pressure. Retention is evaluated over months; a fixed percentage of absorption should not be assumed.
Risks and limitations
- Absorption, fat necrosis, cysts, infection, and irregular contours can require additional treatment.
- Vascular injection or fat embolism can be serious or fatal. Risks differ by body area, and donor-site complications are also possible.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
Depending on the area, options may include a suitable filler, implant, correction of loose skin, or observation. Review the body-area-specific risks rather than treating all fat transfer as the same operation.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
Why is some transferred fat absorbed?
Transferred cells need a blood supply to survive. Retention differs by site and patient and cannot be guaranteed.
Will I need another treatment?
Possibly. Reassess after the swelling and early volume changes have settled before planning more grafting.
Is fat grafting the same everywhere?
No. Facial, breast, and buttock procedures have different risks and aftercare. Discuss the exact body area and technique.
Sources and further reading
- Cleveland Clinic: Fat transfer, recovery, and risks
- ASPS: Fat grafting overview
- ASPS and partner societies: Gluteal fat grafting safety statement
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Fat Grafting?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.