Fat Grafting

Natural Volume and Contour Refinement

 30+ Years of Experience

Aesthetic and Reconstructive Expertise

GMC
Registered

5-Star
Rated Team

Consultant Plastic Surgeons

CQC Registered Hospitals

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, lipofilling or lipomodelling, is a surgical procedure that moves fat from one area of the body to another. Fat is removed using liposuction, carefully prepared and then transferred to the area being treated.

The procedure may be used to soften contour irregularities, improve volume or enhance balance in areas such as the face, breasts or body. It can also play an important role in reconstructive surgery, including the correction of changes following previous surgery, injury or breast cancer treatment.

At Emendo Surgical Group, every fat grafting procedure is planned around your anatomy, the amount of suitable donor fat available and the outcome you hope to achieve. Our consultant plastic surgeons focus on proportionate, natural-looking results while carefully considering both the donor area and the area receiving the fat.

Because some transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body, results vary between patients and more than one treatment session may occasionally be recommended.

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Fat Grafting Surgery Overview

Surgical Time

1 - 3 hours

Anaesthesia

Local or general

Hospital Stay

Day case

Return to Work

7 - 14 days

Resume light Activites

7 - 14 days

Final Results

3 - 6 months

Aesthetic Benefits of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting uses your own tissue to improve volume, contour and balance. It can provide subtle enhancement without the use of an implant, while liposuction of the donor area may also refine its shape.

Patients may consider fat grafting to address concerns such as:

  • Loss of facial volume associated with ageing

  • Hollow cheeks, temples or areas beneath the eyes

  • Breast asymmetry or limited breast volume

  • Contour irregularities following previous surgery

  • Depressions or unevenness caused by injury or scarring

  • Changes following pregnancy, weight loss or ageing

  • A desire for modest, natural-looking enhancement

  • Soft-tissue irregularities around an implant or reconstructed breast

The amount of change achievable depends on the treatment area, the available donor fat and how much of the transferred fat establishes a lasting blood supply.

Woman standing with arms above her head and with a natural breast augmentation with a fat transfer​

Fat grafting is not used solely for aesthetic enhancement. It can also support reconstructive treatment by adding soft-tissue volume and improving contour in areas affected by surgery, injury or developmental differences.

It may be considered for:

  • Improving breast or chest-wall contour following reconstruction

  • Correcting asymmetry following breast surgery

  • Softening contour irregularities around scars

  • Adding tissue coverage around an implant

  • Improving depressions caused by trauma or previous surgery

  • Supporting staged reconstructive treatment

Breast lipomodelling is used within reconstructive care to improve shape, volume and contour, including after mastectomy, lumpectomy or other breast procedures.

Your surgeon will explain what fat grafting may realistically achieve and whether another procedure would be more appropriate for your concerns

Reconstructive and Functional Uses of Fat Grafting

Woman laying down after fat grafting surgery

Your Fat Grafting Journey: What to Expect

01 - Get in Touch

Contact our team to discuss the area you would like treated and arrange a consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons.

02 - Consultation

Your surgeon will assess the treatment area, identify suitable donor sites and discuss the degree of volume or contour change that may be achievable.

03 - Surgery Day

 Fat is removed from a donor area using liposuction, carefully processed and transferred into the chosen area in small amounts.

04 - Recovery

Swelling, bruising and tenderness may affect donor and treatment areas. A compression garment may be recommended to support healing.

05 - Return to Activities

Many patients return to desk-based work within 7–14 days. Exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided until advised by your surgeon.

06 - Final Results

Initial fullness reduces as swelling settles and some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed. Results usually become clearer over 3–6 months.

Areas That May Be Treated with Fat Grafting

Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat transfer may be used to add volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, tear troughs or deeper facial folds. It is often considered where ageing has led to soft-tissue volume loss or changes in facial balance.

Breast Fat Grafting (Natural Breast Augmentation)

Fat may be transferred to the breasts to provide a modest increase in volume, improve asymmetry or refine contour. It may be performed alone, alongside implants or as part of breast reconstruction. 

Body Contour Fat Transfer

Fat may be transferred to areas of the body where additional volume or smoother contours are desired. The suitability and safety of treatment depend significantly on the area being treated and the proposed technique.

Fat Grafting After Surgery or Injury

Fat transfer may help improve localised depressions, contour irregularities or soft-tissue differences caused by previous surgery, scars or trauma.

Procedures That May Be Performed Alongside Fat Grafting

  • Liposuction is an essential part of fat grafting because it is used to collect fat from a suitable donor area. Depending on your goals, the donor area may also benefit from improved contour.

  • Facial fat grafting may be performed alongside facelift surgery to address both tissue descent and age-related volume loss.

  • A fat transfer breast augmentation may be done alone for modest breast enhancement or alongside implants to soften contours and improve tissue coverage.

  • Fat grafting may form part of staged reconstructive treatment or may be used to improve contour after previous breast surgery.

Emendo Surgical Group Reviews

  • "Mr Chummun was very pleasant and friendly. He made the whole experience very easy and stress free also making me feel at ease when I had questions. Very pleased with the result of the operation. Highly recommend."

  • "Miss J Pikturnaite was very friendly and comforting and went through details of the operation very thoroughly, whilst also keeping the enthusiasm in the room. She didn’t only make sure to tick off everything she needed to say, but also gave answers to all my questions regarding recovery, gym and work. Comfortable waiting room seats and bed to lie in pre/post operation. Was a bit of a wait for the operation, but understandable due to the amount they go through. Overall, my experience exceeded my expectations!"

  • "I had a cleft septorhinoplasty. I am over the moon with the results already. My breathing has instantly improved and I am no longer blocked. My chumman has exceeded my expectations. He is amazing at his job and I am so glad I found his work. Thank you."

  • "I arrived in April 2025 a blubbering mess. So unhappy with the size of my breasts and the impact that had always had on my life. I met Dr Chummun and immediately he made me feel relaxed, no longer ashamed. He reassured me that he could help me and reduce my breasts as hoped he could. The surgery went so well and I cried at my new breasts when I first saw them. The follow up care was exceptional and I’ve just had my 6 month review and signed off knowing I can reach out if needed. My whole experience has been beyond my expectations and I have a new outlook to my future thanks to Dr Chummun and his team."

  • "Absolutely fantastic results from my surgery at Bath Circle with Mr Chummun. From the very first appointment with him to talk about my procedure Mr Chummun made you feel relaxed and re-assured about every step of the operation. Once I had decided to proceed he went through it all again at the next appointment and was very clear about recovery times and scaring after the operation... I would highly recommend Mr Chummun and Bath Circle and have no reservations about using them again."

  • "Recently had cleft nose surgery, and I couldn’t happier. My nose is now straight, the shape of the tip looks way better, and most importantly, I can finally breathe properly. The surgeon was incredibly skilled and made me feel at ease throughout the whole process , the results have greatly exceeded my expectations I’m so grateful for the caring expertise. I’d highly recommend him to anyone going through cleft nose surgery Top guy"

  • "I had visited a few surgeons before Shaheel Chummun, some who had left me quite self conscious due to wanting a second rhinoplasty after not being happy with my last one but when I met him and he was friendly, calm and understanding I knew straight away that I wanted him to be my surgeon. He did an amazing job and I am so happy with my nose now, it’s symmetrical and my breathing is much better. He has been supportive throughout and I live my result. Can’t wait to see it when the swelling goes down! Thank you."

Fat Grafting Surgery in Bristol, Bath, and Beyond

Trusted Consultant Plastic Surgeons

If you are considering fat grafting in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire or South Wales, Emendo Surgical Group offers personalised aesthetic and reconstructive treatment led by consultant plastic surgeons.

Whether you are seeking facial fat transfer, fat grafting to the breasts or correction of a contour irregularity following previous surgery, your treatment plan will be tailored to your anatomy and goals.

Procedures are performed in leading private hospitals across the region, including:

  • Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital

  • Winfield Hospital, Gloucester

  • Circle Bath Hospital

  • St Joseph’s Hospital, Newport

Our surgeons will explain the likely benefits, limitations and recovery involved, helping you make an informed decision about whether fat grafting is suitable for you.

Miss Pikturnaite and Mr Chummun, fat grafting surgeons UK, headshot
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fat Grafting Surgery

  • Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which fat is removed from one area of the body using liposuction, processed and transferred to another area. It is also known as fat transfer, lipofilling or lipomodelling.

  • Fat is commonly taken from areas such as the abdomen, thighs or flanks. The most suitable donor area depends on your anatomy and the amount of fat required.

  • Fat grafting may be used in areas including the face, breasts and selected parts of the body. It can also be used to improve contour changes following previous surgery, reconstruction or injury.

  • Not all transferred fat will establish a lasting blood supply. The amount retained varies between patients, treatment areas and surgical techniques. Your surgeon will account for this when planning treatment, but the final volume cannot be predicted precisely.

  • Fat cells that successfully establish a blood supply can remain long term. However, the treated area will still be affected by ageing, weight changes and other natural changes in the body.

  • Possibly. A further treatment may be considered if additional volume is needed or if more fat is reabsorbed than anticipated. This is more common where a larger correction is required.

  • These treatments serve different purposes. Fat grafting uses your own tissue and may provide longer-lasting volume, while fillers are non-surgical and temporary. Implants can provide a larger and more predictable increase in volume. Your surgeon will explain which option best suits your anatomy and goals.

  • Swelling, bruising and tenderness are expected in both the donor and recipient areas. Many patients return to desk-based work within 7–14 days, although swelling may continue to settle for several weeks.

  • Liposuction and fat transfer are performed through small incisions. Scars are usually limited, but their number and position depend on the areas being treated.

  • Potential risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, contour irregularity, fat necrosis, cysts, changes in sensation and partial loss of the transferred fat. Risks vary according to the area treated, and your surgeon will discuss these carefully during your consultation.Potential risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, contour irregularity, fat necrosis, cysts, changes in sensation and partial loss of the transferred fat. Risks vary according to the area treated, and your surgeon will discuss these carefully during your consultation.

  • The cost of fat transfer (fat grafting) depends on the donor area, the region receiving the fat, the volume required, whether more than one area is treated and whether fat grafting is combined with another procedure. You will receive a personalised quotation following your consultation.

Do you still have questions?

We are here to guide you through every stage of your fat grafting journey, from consultation and surgical planning through to recovery.

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