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Fat transfer
Fat transfer is a method to restore a softer, fuller, and more youthful appearance to the face using your body's own fat cells. Book an evaluation appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss your needs and goals.
Specialist in the article
Plastiikkakirurgian ja kirurgian erikoislääkäri,MD
Revised 6/25/2025
Fat transfer in brief
- Fat transfer is used to restore a softer, fuller, and more youthful appearance using your body's own fat cells.
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedative medication or, if necessary, under general anesthesia.
- The method is particularly suitable for addressing age-related changes, such as reduced skin elasticity and volume loss.
Benefits of fat transfer
Fat transfer is an aesthetic surgical procedure where your own fat tissue is transferred from one part of the body to another. The procedure can contour the body, correct signs of aging in the face, or naturally enhance the size or shape of the breasts or buttocks.
The advantage of the procedure is that it combines fat removal and contouring, achieving the desired balance in the body. Many patients have experienced a significant boost in self-confidence after undergoing fat transfer.
Fat transfer can be beneficial in the following situations:
- Natural breast augmentation without implants.
- Buttock contouring and volume enhancement, also known as a butt lift.
- Restoring youthful fullness to the face.
- Correcting scars or skin irregularities.
- Body contouring and improving symmetry.
Fat transfer to the face
Fat transfer aims to correct fat and bone tissue loss caused by aging or genetics by filling lines, wrinkles, and sunken areas of the face. Fullness can also be added to the lips and cheeks.
Fat transfer can also be combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as laser treatments, eyelid surgery, or facelift surgery.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer
Fat transfer is also used for breast augmentation in the following situations:
- Structural small breasts.
- Enhancing breast shape after breastfeeding.
- Correcting congenital breast asymmetry.
- Restoring breast shape after breast cancer surgery.
Breast augmentation with your own fat can achieve an increase of up to about half a cup size. Significant breast enlargement usually requires multiple fat transfer procedures.
Preparing for fat transfer
- Consultation. Before the fat transfer, it is important to discuss your goals and health status with a plastic surgeon.
- Health assessment. Ensure you are healthy and free from acute illnesses, such as colds or infections. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure they are well-managed before the procedure.
- Smoking and alcohol. Avoid smoking for about a month and alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure. Smoking impairs blood circulation and slows tissue healing, which can affect the outcome of the fat transfer. Alcohol may increase the risk of bleeding and slow recovery.
- Medications and allergies. Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. Some medications, such as blood-thinning agents, may need to be paused before the procedure. Also, mention any allergies, especially reactions to medications or anesthetics.
- Diet and hydration. Eat a balanced and healthy diet before the procedure. Adequate intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals supports the body's healing process. Also, drink enough water to stay well-hydrated.
- Compression garments. The use of compression garments is case-specific, and your plastic surgeon will advise you on their necessity.
- Support. Ensure you have someone to accompany you home after the procedure, especially if you have been under general anesthesia. Arrange your home environment so you can rest comfortably and easily during the first few days after the procedure.
How fat transfer is performed
The plastic surgeon evaluates your needs and goals together with you and determines suitable areas for fat harvesting and transfer.
Fat is suctioned from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The harvested fat is purified and processed for transfer to ensure the viability of the fat cells.
The purified fat is carefully transferred to the desired area, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks, using small cannulas, leaving no scars.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedative medication.
The plastic surgeon provides individual recovery instructions and schedules any necessary follow-up appointments.
Recovery from fat transfer
- Daily activities. Recovery from fat transfer is individual, but most patients can return to light daily activities about a week after the procedure.
- Swelling and bruising. Swelling, bruising, or redness may occur after fat transfer. Swelling can last several weeks if a large area is treated. The transferred fat also contains stem cells and growth factors that support skin renewal and healing.
- Results. The results of fat transfer vary from person to person. In the first fat transfer, slightly more tissue is transferred than needed, as some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body. For this reason, the treatment may need to be repeated. Final results can be assessed approximately 3–6 months after the procedure, once the transferred fat has settled.
- Rehabilitation. Special rehabilitation is usually not required after the procedure, but healthy lifestyle habits and weight management help maintain the results in the long term.
- Contacting the doctor. If you experience severe pain, signs of infection, or other concerning symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 69,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 74,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 120,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
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Liposuction
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Lower eyelid surgery
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Male breast reduction surgery
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Scar revision surgery
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Tattoo removal
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Upper eyelid surgery
With age, the upper eyelid becomes slacker, which can result in a limited field of vision.
Frequently asked questions about fat transfer
During a fat transfer, the patient's own fat is transferred to areas of the body where more volume or shape is desired. Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, purified, and transferred to the desired area, such as the breasts, buttocks, or face.
Fat transfer offers a natural and long-lasting option for body contouring. It combines fat removal and filling, resulting in a balanced and aesthetic outcome for the body.
Fat transfer to the breasts involves shaping and adding fullness using the patient's own fat. This method is particularly suitable for those who want a moderate enlargement or improved breast symmetry without implants.
Fat transfer can also be a good option for breast shaping after breast cancer surgery. Since the procedure uses the body's own tissue, the result feels natural and looks soft.
A butt lift, or fat transfer to the buttocks, is a procedure that enhances the shape and fullness of the buttocks by transferring the patient's own fat. This procedure is also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, which simultaneously sculpts these areas. The result is rounder and lifted buttocks that accentuate the body's natural lines. A butt lift is a popular option because it provides a natural result without implants.
In facial fat transfer, the patient's own fat tissue is transferred to various areas of the face, such as the cheeks, under the eyes, the jawline, or the temples, to restore facial volume and a youthful appearance.
The method is particularly suitable for addressing age-related changes, such as reduced skin elasticity and volume loss.
Fat transfer can also soften facial features and improve skin quality, as the transferred fat contains stem cells that can promote skin renewal. The result is natural and long-lasting.
Body fat transfer refers to body contouring by transferring fat from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or flanks to desired areas, such as the breasts, buttocks, or hip region.
This procedure allows for balancing body proportions and enhancing natural lines. Fat transfer can also smooth out skin irregularities and help improve the appearance of scars.
