Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, involves removing fat from one area of your body (commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) via liposuction, processing it, and injecting it into another area to add volume or improve contour. Common target areas include the breasts, buttocks, face, neck, and hands. The procedure uses your own tissue, which can feel natural and integrates with surrounding structures over time.

Good candidates typically have adequate fat deposits to harvest and realistic expectations about results. People seeking subtle to moderate volume enhancement, improved facial definition, or fuller hands often benefit. A qualified surgeon will assess whether you have enough donor fat and whether your target area is suitable for grafting.

The appointment usually takes two to four hours, depending on the amount of fat being transferred. You will be under anesthesia, either local with sedation or general. The surgeon first performs liposuction on the donor site, then processes the fat and carefully injects it into the target areas in small amounts to ensure even distribution and optimal take.

Most people return to light activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor and recipient sites is normal. Your surgeon will provide specific restrictions based on the extent of your procedure.

Initial results are visible within a few weeks as swelling subsides. However, some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body over the first few months, so final results typically stabilize after three to six months. The fat that remains usually persists indefinitely, though factors like aging, weight changes, and lifestyle can affect long-term appearance.