| FTX | Fat Transfer |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Fat transfer (=lipofilling / liposculpture / liposculpting / lipomodelling) uses enriched own body fat to enlarge areas such as cheeks, lips, outer labia or breasts (a preoperative mammogram or ultrasound is recommended). Furthermore, fat transfer can improve tight scars. Fat aspiration from thighs or abdomen and injection is done through tiny cuts. Because 30-50% of the fat is reabsorbed, the procedure is often overcorrected or repeated. After 4 months the remaining fat stays permanently. |
| Scars | 5mm |
| Operation time | 2 hours |
| Anaesthesia | General or Local |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological, Functional, Symptomatic |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (stretched, thick, abnormal pigmentation, red, retracted etc.), Skin discoloration, Friction or thermal burns, Wound separation, Slough, Necrosis, Pain, Nerve injury (Numbness, weakness, paralysis), Bruising, Swelling, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Aesthetic imperfections, Seroma, Organ injury, Functional problems, Contour irregularities, Need for further surgery, Fluid shift with heart / kidney problems with large amounts of fat transfer, Fat embolism, Blindness (facial injections), Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident), Donor morbidity, Unpredictable fat graft take- need for top-ups, Allergic reaction, (General anaesthetic: Chest infection, Heart attack, Stroke, Blood clots in legs & lungs). N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Alcohol, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone sheets / gel, support garments |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 1 week, Driving 1 - 2 weeks, Physical work & sports 4 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 - 18 months |
| Alternatives | No Surgery, Bra enhancers, Make-up, Fillers, Implants |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
