Autologous Fat Transfer Treatment Overview
- Sessions Required
Varies between individuals
- Duration of Results
Several years
- Downtime
Mild swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks; but able to return to normal activities after
- Session Duration
1-2 hours
- Skin Concern
- Facial volume loss, wrinkling, acne scars
What Is Facial Fat Transfer?
Facial fat transfer—also known as fat grafting or lipofilling—is a minimally invasive procedure where your own body fat is harvested (usually from the belly, thighs, or hips), purified, and carefully micro-injected into target areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, temples, and chin. This method restores volume and structure while offering a more permanent result than traditional fillers.
Besides restoring volume on the face, fat transfers can also be used for:
- Breasts – correct imbalanced breasts, enhance breasts for a fuller uplifted look (link to the fat grafting breast page)
- Buttocks – enhance and augment buttocks
- Hands – restore subcutaneous fat loss on back of hands
- Scars – elevate depressed surgical scars
- And other areas which should be discussed with the doctor
Interested in breast fat transfer? Read Autologous Fat Transfer Treatment In Singapore
Why Choose Facial Fat Grafting?
- Natural and Long-Lasting
Fat is your own tissue—no risk of allergic reaction. Surviving fat cells can remain permanently, with improvements in skin texture and elasticity over time thanks to regenerative stem cells. - Comprehensive Rejuvenation
Treatments can smooth forehead and nasolabial lines, plump hollow cheeks, define the jawline, or improve under-eye hollows. - Dual Benefit Harvesting
Fat removal from areas like the abdomen or thighs double as contouring—delivering a slimmer donor region plus facial rejuvenation.
What to Expect
- Procedure Duration: 1–2 hours, depending on areas treated.
- Recovery: Mild swelling and bruising for ~1–2 weeks; most return to normal activity shortly after.
- Results Maturation: Final volume settles over 3–6 months as some fat is naturally reabsorbed.
- Longevity: Many patients enjoy results that last several years.
Is Fat Grafting Safe?
While generally safe, fat grafting has potential risks:
- Partial fat resorption or volume variability between sides
- Uneven results, nodules, or asymmetry
- Swelling, bruising, or infection at injection or donor sites
- Rare complications, such as fat embolism if improperly performed
You can reduce these risks by getting your fat grafting procedure done with an experienced practitioner.
Price List
| Area | Price |
|---|---|
| Fat Transfer to the Face | From $5000 |
| Fat Transfer to the Breasts | From $6000 |
FAQ
Considering getting an Autologous Fat Transfer in Singapore?
Learn all about the procedures and the things to take note.
Is Autologous Fat Transfer Safe?
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, Autologous Fat Transfer is performed under Tumescent Anaesthesia, which also removes bleeding associated with traditional surgery.
Fat transfer risks are few and minimal. But as is the case with all cosmetic treatments, fat transfer carries risks:
- Treatment could become over-corrected, remain under-corrected or uneven
- Calcification, the formation of tissue lumps or cysts, damage to surrounding tissues including nerves, scarring, bleeding and infection
- Necrosis or death of some fat may happen. Symptoms include pain, bleeding, blue/black colouration of the skin, numbness, fever and sores
- Because some fat cells can stimulate cell growth, some medical professionals also express concerns that fat injected into the breast area may cause dormant breast cancer cells to grow; recent reports indicate otherwise, but more research needs to be done
How Soon Can I See Results With Autologous Fat Transfer?
Most patients see results one month post-procedure, after the swelling has subsided. Final results can take up to four months to realise as the body also absorbs some of the injected fat. For optimal results, several fat grafting sessions may be required.
How Long Is One Fat Transfer Procedure?
The time taken for a Fat Transfer procedure will depend on the area(s) involved. On average, a Fat Transfer can take 2 – 4 hours to complete.
Upon consultation and assessment at our clinic, the procedure proper is fixed at a later date and time.
How Long Does The Autologous Fat Transfer Results Last?
There is no definite length to the amount of time that the benefits of a fat transfer will last. Over the course of a few months or a year, a portion of the injected fat will be reabsorbed and dispersed by the body. An approximate one third or more of the original volume will remain.
Is Autologous Fat Transfer Painful?
At SL Aesthetic Clinic, Autologous Fat Transfer is performed under Tumescent Anaesthesia, a technique for delivery of local anaesthesia. This means you will be awake for the entire procedure, but not feel any pain. Post-procedure discomfort should only be short-term and can usually be managed with oral pain medication.
Is There Any Downtime With Autologous Fat Transfer?
Recover after the fat transfer will depend on the individual. Incisions are kept to a minimum as much as possible. Most patients can move about and engage in normal activities on the same day of the injections. However, it is advisable to avoid stressful and strenuous activities for at least 4 – 6 weeks. In some cases, patients may experience some swelling and bruise at the injection site(s).
Who's Suitable For Autologous Fat Transfer?
Autologous Fat Transfer is safe for most healthy adults. It is also especially beneficial for patients who have experienced lipoatrophy (loss of the fat layer in the face), and patients wanting a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy due to breast cancer.
As with all medical procedures, you should be sure to disclose all of your medical history and current habits such as smoking and use of blood-thinners, medications, birth control pills, or supplements.
Who's Unsuitable For Autologous Fat Transfer?
Autologous Fat Transfer is unsuitable in the following circumstances:
- Pregnant, may be pregnant, lactating, or if you are of child-bearing age with a positive pregnancy test before treatment
- A major breast augmentation (2 or more bra sizes)
- Extremely sagging or dropping breasts due to breast feeding or ageing
- Weak constitutions where fat cannot be extracted from thighs and abdomen
- Have an existing heart condition or high blood pressure
- Bleeding or blood clotting disorders (coagulopathy)
- Active bacterial or viral infection
- On blood thinning medication
What Are The Pre & Post-Care Instructions For Autologous Fat Transfer?
Pre-care: Ensure that you’re in a good state of health and not recovering from a bacterial or viral infection. Avoid the use of blood thinners such as ibuprofen and aspirin for two weeks before the procedure.
Post-care: Compression garments can be worn for the first 2-3 days post-treatment to help reduce any swelling, but is not required. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 – 6 weeks post-procedure.
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