Fat Transfer

Minimally-invasive body sculpting with lipo & fat transfer in Nashville & Memphis

Fat Removal & Transfer

Fat transfer is an optional add-on to liposuction that allows the patient to use fat that is removed from one area as a filler in another. The most common fat transfer locations are the waist/belly for removal and the breast for augmentation. In select cases the fat can also be used as filler for hands or face.

Fat transfer is available in Tennessee at NuBody Concepts in Nashville and Memphis as an add-on to any liposuction procedure. Our plastic surgery centers are led by our double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in body contouring and cosmetic surgery. Schedule a consultation to discuss your areas of concern and learn whether fat transfer is a viable option for you!

Fat transfer breast woman in blouse leaning against a wall

How Fat Transfer Works

Like liposuction, fat transfer is minimally-invasive, meaning patients are able to resume normal activities within 1-2 days. The fat is removed using a small cannula inserted under the skin, and then transferred into the recipient site(s) via injection. The procedure typically lasts 2-3 hours and is performed under local anesthesia (with optional IV sedation for longer procedures). Patients can also add PRO-NOX Pain Relief to manage anxiety or discomfort.

The most commonly used recipient area for fat transfer is the female breast. Fat as a filler doesn’t have the same effect as implants but can be used to augment small irregularities, with the benefit of being entirely natural. The hands and face are other possible options to discuss with your surgeon during a consultation.

Each patient is unique. Our plastic surgeon will meet with you in a consultation to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Fat transfer woman sitting by window with arms crossed over her knee

Is Fat Transfer right for me?

Your surgeon will “harvest” the fat from an area like the abdomen or thighs and then inject it into the chosen recipient area such as the breast. You can combine several areas into one procedure. To find out whether you’re a good candidate for fat transfer, calculate your BMI and use the following guidelines:

BMI < 30	BMI 30-35	BMI > 35
Ideal candidate for liposuction & fat transfer.	May qualify, but may need to combine with a tummy tuck for better results.	Not an ideal candidate; advised to reduce BMI by enrolling in a weight loss program.

Frequently Asked Questions

To transfer fat from one area of the body to another, a plastic surgeon first removes the fat from the designated area using liposuction. Instead of being discarded, the harvested fat is collected and kept viable in a sterile closed-circuit system. When the liposuction is complete, the surgeon injects the fat into the recipient area as a filler, to enhance volume or smooth out irregularities. Fat transfer can typically be added on to a liposuction procedure if the area yields enough fat for transfer.

The best donor area for fat transfer is typically the abdomen, for two reasons: it typically contains more fat than other areas and thus yields the most usable material, and slimming down the midsection also typically has the most visible impact from a body contouring standpoint. Back, bra rolls, and inner & outer thighs are other areas patients like to target for fat removal. The most common recipient area for fat transfer is typically the breast, also called a fat transfer breast augmentation.

A fat transfer breast augmentation can be a good alternative to implants if you have the right expectations. The size increase will be minimal, while implants can achieve a much bigger volume increase. However, fat transfer can be a good option to improve asymmetries and other irregularities, as it allows for greater precision. It can also be used in combination with breast implants. Some patients prefer the idea of a natural filler like their own fat over implants, but given that implants have an excellent safety record, we still recommend implants if they are expected to better achieve the desired results. Learn more about fat transfer to breast.

At NuBody Concepts, a fat transfer breast augmentation is priced by adding $2,000 to the cost of any liposuction procedure. The cost of your liposuction depends on the number of areas treated. Read more about the cost of liposuction by number of areas.

If you are looking fat transfer in Nashville, please contact our Nashville Cosmetic Surgery Practice for a free consultation with our plastic surgeon. We also offer fat transfer in Memphis via our discounted travel package. To schedule a consultation for fat transfer in Memphis, please contact our Memphis Cosmetic Surgery Practice for a free consultation.

It’s possible to use fat as a natural filler for the hands or face, but there are often better options available to plump up or smooth out skin. We encourage patients to discuss all options with their plastic surgeon. Note: NuBody Concepts does not offer fat transfer to the buttocks, also known as Brazilian Butt Lift.

Fat transfer, like liposuction, has an excellent safety record with one notable exception: Fat transfer to the buttocks aka Brazilian Butt Lift. The most reputable plastic surgery group in the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has issued an urgent warning about the risks associated with Brazilian Butt Lifts. Please note that it is not the source of the filler, i.e. the fat, that is at issue. It is specifically the area of injection, i.e. the buttocks, that due to the high amount of blood vessels is not safe for injection of any substance, be it fat or an artificial filler.

The body’s fat is an excellent natural filler because it lasts a lifetime (unlike artificial fillers which have to be repeated every 6-9 months). However, not all fat cells “take” during a fat transfer procedure, meaning you may not achieve the desired volume after one treatment. The transferred fat cells are considered to be well established at around 6 months, so this would be the ideal time to have a second treatment if needed. Please also note that the body continues to age, meaning you may lose more volume over time, which would also warrant a future treatment.

Payment Options

Contouring your body with fat transfer is attainable! Our prices are all-inclusive – no hidden costs or other surcharges. We offer interest-free payment plans through several medical financing providers. The total cost for your fat transfer procedure will have two parts: The price of liposuction for the number of chosen areas (please see our liposuction cost chart for more info), plus a $3,000 add-on for the fat transfer.

Don’t know if you qualify for a payment plan? Click the button below to check your credit score and submit an application for medical financing to get pre-approved.

Learn more about financing options