Does age affect whether fat cells survive? I'm 46 yrs old and was told that because of my age BBL would not be recommended.

I believe your overall health, lack of medical issues and the techniques used by the surgeon to perform the fat transfer are the most important determinant in fat survival.  If there is a difference as one ages it is probably a small difference compared to the influence of the factors I mentioned above.  I hope this helps.Thomas Taylor, MD, FACS

More important than age is the technique used during a fat transfer procedure. Depending on technique the amount of fat cells that permanently survive can vary between 50-70%. You should certainly discuss this surgery with your primary care physician to seek medical clearance before having any surgery. Consult with a few plastic surgeons in person to review your goals. Almost all patients can an improvement in their shape with this procedure.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Hello and Great Question.  I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure.  My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel.  I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
In my opinion, the answer is Yes.  I do notice that as individuals are older the fat transfer is not as good as someone who is younger.  I typically start to have that conversation with patients around the age of 50 years old, some earlier and some later it depends on their goals and the quality of tissue for us to use.  I am not to saying that I will not perform fat transfer on older patients; I absolutely will; it is just a realistic discussion I have with patients so we both have realistic goals.  I think when you take a step back and think about it, it makes complete sense.  We know for a fact that a portion of the fat transferred does not stay, it is pretty logical to think that the 20 year old is going to have a better "take" ratio then say a 50 or 60 or even 70 year old.  
Again that is not to say that you are to old; I absolutely do not think you are too old and I agree with all the other doctors answers that you can still have a great result.  However, I also notice none of the answers provided answered your question:  does age affect fat transfer take rates?  In my opinion, yes it does.  As long as you know that and are aware of it, I think you are absolutely fine to have a fat transfer provided you and your surgeon discuss your goals and determine if your goals are potentially achievable.  
I hope that helps!  Best of Luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD#TopREALSELFDoctor#CoreREALSELFDoctorButt Augmentation SpecialistLiposuction SpecialistBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

There is not really an upper limit on age.  Many of my patients are over 50; one was 72. Age will not prevent you from having a tremendous result.  Overall medical health and suitability of the procedure for the patient is more important than age.  The BBL does not stop the aging process.  About 50% of the fat that is transferred lives and becomes a part of you.  This will hold stable as long as there is no weight fluctuation.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Dear youngranny,if you don't have other diseases and medical conditions, 46 is definitely not too old for a BBL. An examination would be required be sure you are a good match for a BBL. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery 

 Thank you for your question. Being 46 is not considered old in my opinion. Many women have had this procedure done well above your age. The amount of fat surviving completely depends on the technique used in the BBL process. This includes  both harvest  and injection techniques. I  recommend finding a surgeon who has slightly more experience with the BBL and is also a member of the American Society of Aesthetic  Plastic Surgeons.

Hello dear!!Thanks for the question and provided information as well.Certainly part of the fat is absorbed by the body, another part survive for a couple of months and then the part that survived and stay. But 46 years old is young and a good age. Everything depend on the quality of your fat (nothing to do with age) and your medical history or conditions.I recommend you to look for a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and concerns.Good luck :)

You are correct in that the majority of the cells will not last forever - regardless of age.   I have never heard that fat take is less in older folks.    But it is lower in people who eat sensibly and exercise.