What Kind of Scarring Occurs with a Fat Transfer?

We’re often concerned, when having cosmetic treatments or surgeries, about what sort of scar if any, will be left after our procedure. With certain surgeries, you can see quite a bit of scarring – for instance, the scars left from having a caesarian when having a baby.

Fat transfers are a procedure in which fat is harvested from areas of the body and placed in another area to add volume. You can think of it like liposuctioning out your fat and using it as a filler somewhere else – although this is quite technically different.

The process is also known as fat harvesting, and rather than regular liposuction this involves a different technique to remove the fat so it stays intact and can be used elsewhere. For the majority of people they choose to harvest fat from the buttocks, thighs, or belly, and transfer into places in their face such as the tear troughs or nasolabial folds.

Some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, and results vary.

Now, onto the scars caused by transfer. Because removing the fat, and then placing it in its new home uses a small cannula (needle), the scars are usually small marks on the skin where the cannula was inserted. Where possible, incisions may be placed in less visible areas, such as the belly button. How scars heal varies between individuals.

Because it utilises cells harvested from your own body, an allergic reaction to the fat itself is unlikely. Like all surgery, fat transfer carries risks, including reabsorption of fat, lumps (fat necrosis), infection and contour irregularities; Dr Rizk will discuss these with you at consultation.

Book an appointment with us for an assessment for your suitability, and where you would like your fat transfer.