How much of the fat tissue survives after having a Fat Transfer to the Buttocks (BBL) is one of the most common questions we receive at Cosmos Clinic.
Not all of the fat (adipose tissue) transferred into the buttocks will survive the plastic surgery long term. The fat graft survival rate will depend on a few factors including the techniques used and the patient’s recovery.
The Fat Grafting Procedure
The fat grafting techniques used are one of the key factors that will greatly determine the fat survival rate.
Vaser Liposuction
Unwanted adipose tissue is removed from areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs and back using Vaser Liposuction. This type of liposuction is considered a more reliable approach to removing fat tissue than that of traditional liposuction methods and doesn’t destroy the adipose tissue by exposing it to heat.
Fat purification
The extracted fat cells undergo processing to purify and separate excess fluid from the fat tissue. This process not only clears the human fat of any unwanted substances.
Expansion Vibration Lipofilling (EVL)
Before the fat cells are reinjected into the targeted area, the adipose tissue is expanded using the advanced Expansion Vibration Lipofilling (EVL) technique of fat grafting. This helps to enhance the fat survival rate by:
- Improving the likelihood of the adipose tissue growing and persisting;
- Evenly distributing the fat cells;
- Allowing for a higher volume of grafted fat.
How much fat is re-injected into the buttocks?
After the adipose tissue is purified, the fat transplantation process occurs where the fat cells are re-injected into the buttocks to change the the size and shape of the patient’s buttocks.
On average, we Cosmos Clinic doctors inject 1,000 – 1,200 mls of stable fat cells into each buttock cheek. In some cases, up to 1.8L of purified fat tissue will be injected into the targeted area.
How much fat survives the fat transfer?
Fat grafting is a delicate process and not all of the fat cells transferred during a fat transfer procedure will survive.
In our experience, the fat survival rate after a Fat Transfer procedure is generally more than 80%. For example, if 1L of purified fat tissue is injected into each buttock, we’d expected to see a long-term survival of about 800 mls of fat.
About 15-20% of fat tissue is lost during the fat transfer.
Disclaimer:
1. Individual results will vary from patient to patient.
2. All photos are of patients from Cosmos Clinic, and all ‘after’ images are taken 6 weeks or later post-procedure.
3. Recovery, side effects, and potential complications experienced will vary for each individual patient.
4. Photos and videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same as another person, and do not guarantee you will receive a particular surgical outcome.
5. Content on our website and social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
6. Any invasive or surgical procedure carries risks, side effects, and complications, which can be permanent.
Initially, swelling of the buttocks will occur, causing an increase in graft volume.
Maximising your fat graft survival rates
It’s not only the experience of your doctor and the techniques used during your cosmetic and plastic surgery that influence the fat tissue survival rates. The patient’s recovery and ability to follow the post-operative recommendations will impact the longevity of the fat injection results.
Here are some tips to help maximise your fat tissue survival rates:
- Wear the dedicated compression garments as instructed;
- Avoid smoking to ensure adequate flow of blood cells and blood supply to the newly transplanted fat tissue;
- Limit drinking alcohol to ensure healthy circulation and reduce the risk of adipose tissue degradation;
- Attend all follow-up lymphatic massage appointments to reduce excess fluid and alleviate swelling;
- Avoid applying pressure to the buttock and fat grafting area to reduce the risk of fat cell death;
- Swap strenuous physical activity for light walking to limit the loss of transferred fat cells while recovering;
- Consume a nutrient-dense diet to support recovery, encourage healthy blood supply and promote fat survival.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid fluctuations in weight gain or loss.
Learn more about the Fat Transfer to the Buttocks procedure by enquiring with the Cosmos Clinic team at 1300-138-797.
