Does lost volume from fat transfer return?

Question

I had fat transfer from my abdomen and inner thighs to my hip dips to round them out. As expected I lost some of the great volume post survey (and swelling). My doctor said some of that fat,volume would possibly return from stem cells that were also transferred. I’ve researched everywhere and not heard of transferred fat volume lost “returning” I was under the impression that there’s a portion that dies doesn’t survive and that’s that. Please help clarify.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear girlAvalon,
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. In most cases 30-50% of fat is lost after some time. You should see your final results after 6 months. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons. It is not that more cannot be injected; but on average, this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer. Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc's. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites but fat from other areas can be used. The fat must be injected through multiple planes in small amounts to the tissue through one tiny incision under each breast. About 50% of the fat obtains permanence
Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival. Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and the patient's expectations.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

it is generally accepted that about 50% of fat transferred survives.  Although the stem cells that have been transferred with the fat have excellent supportive nature they don't typically form fat cells and so it is likely that the volume that is lost will stay gone.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The volume lost will not return unless you have additional weight gain which increases the fat the survived.

Kristen Aliano Messina, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In general, about 60% of fat that is transferred survives. As a result, some patients require multiple procedures to ultimately get to the appearance they desire. With weight fluctuations, the fat in the recipient sites may fluctuate. I hope this helps. Please talk to your surgeon further for more information.

Does lost volume from fat transfer return?

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Does lost volume from fat transfer return?

Answers (6)

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