Why doesn't fat transfer to hips last? (Photo)

Dear kimmcc,fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area. If you aren't satisfied with the results of your surgery, you might consider another revision or implants. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Fat transfer is permanent, but not all fat will survive transfer. Fat transfer technique is important for successful fat transfer. I recommend water-assisted fat harvesting which gives pure fat to transfer and combine with platelet rich plasma (PRP) to get the most viable and sustainable fat cells. I combine with Sculptra and/or implants to achieve desired results. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

There are a multitude of factors that must be met to maximize fat graft survival.
One of those is an abundance of tissue graft into.
And many people the hips or upper outer thigh lacks sufficient amount of tissue to graft into limiting the amount of fat they can successfully be grafted or that will survive long term.
In areas that lack a foundation to graft into patients do better having several sessions of graftin smaller amounts rather than trying to graft too much at one time.
Ideal parameters for fat grafting include immobilization which is difficult in this area
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.