Body Fat Grafting in Sydney

As an alternative to implants, body fat grafting (fat transfer) is gaining popularity. New techniques enable fat harvested from one area of the body to be injected into another area where it assimilates with existing fat and creates an environment for expansion of blood vessels. The procedure involves no foreign objects or materials. In other words, your new shape achieved with body fat grafting is indeed, all you.

Body fat grafting has been around for decades but was traditionally seen as appropriate for small, localised problem areas. Implants have for some time been used to fill larger areas. This perception has changed with the evolution of technology and medical science, and plastic surgeons are becoming aware of the much broader potential for body fat grafting. Both grafting and implants have useful functions, and an in-depth discussion with Dr Ellis Choy will assist you to make decisions that are right for you.

Body fat grafting is biocompatible with your own bodily systems, thus reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The finished result is a body that looks and feels natural, toned and soft.

The downside of fat grafting is one of percentages. Body fat transfer is achieved by injection and some fat is absorbed back into the body, with the successful fat uptake of around 50 percent. This percentage varies from person to person and is also dependent on the expertise of your surgeon. Dr Ellis Choy has vast experience in fat grafting and will try to maximise the amount of fat that is transferred successfully.

Only so much can be attained with exercise, and over time our appearance will be affected by ageing and gravity. Genetics also plays its part, and some people mature to discover their fat is unevenly distributed.

Prior to middle-age, many people start losing shape and volume in certain areas while gaining it in other unwanted places. Body fat grafting is an opportunity to realign your body, and when coupled with healthy habits and exercise, can last for years to come. Prior to fat transfer surgery, it’s important to be in good physical health. The surgery should also be done with realistic expectations. Potential patients will also need to have enough available fat deposits for grafting.

Dr Ellis Choy performs fat graft transfers at his purpose-built clinic, or in a hospital or outpatient centre, depending on your location in Sydney or regional NSW. He will perform the procedure using medications that numb the area to be worked on, or in some cases where more invasive procedures are combined with fat grafting, general anaesthesia may be administered. There are a few steps involved:

1. A topical anaesthetic and antiseptic are applied to the fat removal area (donor site) and the area to be treated (fat injected).
2. Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen, thighs or buttocks by liposuction.
3. Harvested fat cells are purified prior to injection. A centrifuge spin or straining method is utilised to treat the fat cells, ensuring only healthy fat is injected.

Within a few days, blood vessels will begin to manifest around the newly injected fat. Due to the delay in the body creating new blood supply, some fat cells will die so it’s normal to compensate for the loss by overfilling the treated area with grafted fat. In some cases, several treatments are required to gain the desired amount of healthy fat cells.

Your consultation with Dr Choy will give you a good understanding of what to expect, and he will provide all the information and resources required for a timely recovery. As body fat grafting is an outpatient operation, you will need the assistance of a family member or friend to drive you home, and possibly stay with you for a day or two while you start recovery.

Any bandages are usually removed within a couple of days and showering can commence. Bruising should subside within the first few days, although swelling may take a little longer to recede. It’s important to refrain from work or strenuous activities for several weeks, post-operation, while new blood vessels manifest and the fat transfer takes hold. Dr Choy will ensure that you’re comfortable during recovery and will prescribe suitable pain relief medication and advice that will encourage favourable results and surgical success.

It’s important to follow Dr Choy’s post-procedure instructions to manage side effects and minimise the risk of complications. Bruising and swelling are to be expected, but fat grafting can occasionally result in bleeding, infection, unfavourable scarring, fat embolism and fat necrosis. Dr Choy will thoroughly explain all the risks of treatment during your consultation.

The cost of body fat grafting is determined by the amount of area to be filled, the time it takes, the cost of anaesthesia and the facility used. Cutting costs shouldn’t be an option as your body deserves treatment by a highly qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Choy.

*The information about body fat grafting was reviewed by Dr Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For body fat grafting, these include: 

• Fat grafting risks and complications, such as excessive fat reabsorption, over or under correction, and formation of oil cysts or hardened masses
• Liposuction risks and complications, such as contour irregularities, skin laxity, skin numbness, fat embolism and internal organ damage

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.