Have you ever looked at your body and wished your proportions were different? Does one part of your body have “too much” while another “doesn’t have enough?” Do you find yourself thinking, “If only … I could take my fat from here and move it to there?” Well, now your wishing can be over. The expert Surgeons at Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists offer many options for fat transfer body contouring.
Led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Bahair Ghazi, Dr. John D. Symbas, and Dr. Kendall Brooks, our surgeon-directed team offers focused expertise in body contouring. With advanced training from institutions such as Emory University and the University of Virginia, our surgeons use refined fat harvesting and grafting techniques to restore volume, improve proportions, and enhance natural body balance. Supported by a skilled clinical staff within our AAAHC-accredited facility, the team prioritizes safety, precision, and long-lasting body contouring results tailored to each patient’s needs.
Candidates for Fat Transfer Body Contouring
The most popular Body Fat Transfer is the Fat Transfer to the Buttocks, also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift or Butt Augmentation.
A good candidate is:
- A non-smoker.
- Generally in good health.
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Not taking blood thinners (i.e. ibuprofen, aspirin, Plavix or Coumadin).
Procedure & Techniques
Structural Fat Grafting to the body is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. This procedure takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours, depending on the amount of fat grafting needed for the area. During this procedure, fat is gently removed from the donor site (usually the inner thigh, buttocks, abdomen, or the saddle bags) with a small hypodermic needle and a special cannula, using limited suction to avoid damaging the fat cell membrane. The fat is then spun in a centrifuge to remove excess fluid, and the damaged fat cells are removed; only whole, undamaged fat cells are used. The fat is then injected using a separate, smaller hypodermic needle, either just under the wrinkle or deep within the muscle, in areas with higher vascularity, increasing the longevity of the fat graft.
FAT TRANSFER ANIMATION VIDEO
Body Fat Transfer Recovery
Following the procedure, you can expect to be swollen, a bit bruised, and a little sore both at the treatment site and the donor site. You should keep the treatment area as still as possible for the first few days to allow proper healing and give the area and newly transplanted fat cells a good chance to become vascularized. Avoid high-impact exercise or activities for the first 2-4 weeks, depending upon the extent of the surgery.
Benefits of Fat Transfer Body Contouring
Fat transfer body contouring offers a natural approach to shaping the body with results that feel and look like your own tissue. Key benefits include:
- The ability to enhance multiple areas using fat from donor sites you wish to slim.
- Longer-lasting improvement compared to synthetic fillers.
- Softer, more natural-feeling volume in treated areas.
- Minimal risk of allergic reaction since the material comes from your own body.
- Improved contour in both the donor and recipient regions.
- These combined advantages create a refined, balanced silhouette that supports long-term confidence.
Common Areas Enhanced With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer can be used to refine and balance numerous regions of the body. Popular treatment areas include:
- The buttocks for shaping and volume enhancement.
- The hips to create a smoother, more proportionate curve.
- The breasts for subtle, natural augmentation.
- Depressed scars or contour irregularities caused by injury or prior surgery.
- The thighs or arms to restore smoother, more uniform contours.
Each area responds differently to grafting, and a tailored plan ensures harmonious, natural-looking results.
Understanding Fat Cell Survival
A critical component of fat transfer success is fat cell viability. Fat cells must establish a blood supply to survive in the long term. Surgeons use refined techniques to:
- Gently harvest the fat to avoid damaging the cell membrane.
- Purify the fat to isolate the healthiest, most viable cells.
- Layer injections in small amounts to maximize vascular support.
- Select recipient areas with strong blood flow to improve retention.
These steps collectively enhance long-term graft survival and overall aesthetic outcome.
Long-Term Expectations and Maintenance
Fat transfer results evolve as the body heals. Patients can expect:
- Initial fullness that gradually softens and settles.
- A portion of the fat is naturally reabsorbed in the early phase.
- Long-lasting results from fat that successfully integrates.
- Results that remain stable with consistent weight and lifestyle habits.
Patience during the healing period leads to a refined outcome that enhances natural curves for years to come.
Why Choose Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists
Choosing the right team for fat transfer body contouring is essential when improving proportions, restoring lost volume, or enhancing shape with natural tissue. Our practice provides surgeon-led care grounded in advanced fat grafting techniques and a deep understanding of body contouring aesthetics.
Here’s what sets our fat transfer body contouring team apart:
Our goal is to help you achieve balanced, natural contour improvements that enhance your confidence and complement your overall shape.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to enhance your curves and restore balance to your figure?
Contact Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists to schedule your consultation at our Alpharetta office (404) 255-2975 or Buckhead office (404) 343-0897 today.