Fat Grafting / Autologous Fat Transfer

Body Fat Grafting – At a Glance

Aspect	Details / What to Expect
Procedure	Body Fat Grafting / Autologous Fat Transfer
Anaesthesia	Local + sedation or general (depending on area & volume)
Typical Duration	~1–3 hours
Hospital Stay	Day clinic / same-day discharge
Return to Daily Activities	~5–7 days
Full Recovery	~4–8 weeks
Scars	Tiny, discrete marks from cannula entry
Ideal For	Volume restoration, contour refinement, smoothing irregularities

Fat Grafting

What Is Body Fat Grafting

Body fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a surgical body-contouring technique that uses your own fat to improve shape, fill depressions, smooth contour irregularities, and enhance volume in selected areas of the body.

Rather than using artificial implants or fillers, this method takes fat from areas where it’s abundant (e.g., abdomen, flanks, thighs) and transfers it to areas that would benefit from added volume or smoothness — creating a natural, biologically integrated result.

Common body areas where fat grafting is used include:

Buttock (as part of BBL)
Hips / trochanters
Thighs (inner/outer)
Calves / ankles
Décolletage / chest
Hands (for rejuvenation)
Other contour depressions or asymmetries

How Fat Grafting Works

Harvesting the Fat
- Fat is gently removed via liposuction from donor areas (abdomen, thighs, flanks). Small cannulas and careful technique preserve fat cell integrity.
Processing & Purification
- The harvested fat is purified to isolate healthy fat cells and remove fluids, debris, and non-viable material.
Strategic Injection
- Purified fat is carefully injected into target areas in multiple micro-layers to encourage survival, natural contouring, and smooth integration.
Sculpting & Refinement
- The surgeon sculpts both donor and recipient sites to achieve balanced body contours and a harmonious silhouette.
- Because the transferred tissue is your own, the result tends to feel soft and look natural.

Before & After Gallery Autologous Fat Transfer 01 | Ocean Clinic Marbella

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Before & After Gallery Autologous Fat Transfer 02 | Ocean Clinic Marbella

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Before & After Gallery Autologous Fat Transfer 03 | Ocean Clinic Marbella

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Before & After Gallery
Autologous Fat Transfer

Patient testimony
“It was like magic to see my love handles and stomach fat gone and, at the same time, have my breasts a cup bigger. You were right not to throw the fat away. I regret I didn’t put it to my cheeks as you advised me.”
- M. R. (52)

Benefits of Body Fat Grafting

Uses your own tissue — no synthetic implants or fillers
Creates natural-feeling volume enhancement
Smooths contour irregularities and depressions
Can be combined with liposuction (dual benefit: removal + addition)
Long-lasting results when integrated and supported by a stable lifestyle
Improves symmetry and balance in body shape

Fat grafting is particularly effective when volume enhancement and contour refinement are both desired.

Recovery & Aftercare

Typical Recovery Timeline

Days 1–3: Mild swelling, tenderness at harvest and injection sites
Days 4–7: Most swelling begins to diminish
1–2 weeks: Return to daily activities (avoid strenuous exercise)
4–8 weeks: Continued improvement as fat integrates and swelling resolves

Care Tips

» Wear compression garments at donor sites to reduce swelling
» Follow surgeon’s activity guidelines (gentle walking early)
» Avoid pressure on grafted areas for prolonged periods initially
» Attend follow-up visits to assess contour and healing

Each patient’s recovery can differ, so your surgeon will tailor aftercare instructions to your procedure.

Risks & Considerations

Fat grafting is generally safe, but like all surgical procedures it carries some risks:

✓ Fat reabsorption (some fat may not survive)
✓ Mild asymmetry (adjustable with touch-up if needed)
✓ Temporary numbness or tenderness
✓ Contour irregularities (rare with experienced technique)
✓ Infection risk (managed with standard precautions)

Discussing expectations and potential outcomes with your surgeon helps ensure a well-informed plan.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Body Fat Grafting

Fat grafting can enhance volume, smooth contours, and refine shape in areas like hips, thighs, calves, hands, décolletage, and subtle depressions elsewhere on the body.

Discomfort is usually mild and managed with routine pain relief. Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia ensures comfort during the procedure.

Fat that successfully integrates usually remains long-term; however, some reabsorption occurs, and results continue to refine over several months.

Incisions for liposuction and fat injection are small and discreet; scars usually fade with time.

Yes — fat grafting can be combined with liposuction, body contouring, or other aesthetic surgeries for a comprehensive outcome.

Good candidates are those seeking natural volume enhancement with available donor fat and a stable body weight. A consultation will determine suitability.