Procedure

Fat Transfer at La Belle Forme

Treatment Time

2 – 3 Hours

Time Off Work

1 – 2 Weeks

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Full Recovery

4 – 6 Weeks

What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a body sculpting procedure that removes fat from one area of your body and reinjects it into another. This dual benefit technique enhances areas like the face, buttocks, or hands – while also slimming areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.

We offer fat transfer to the breasts, providing a natural enhancement using your own tissue. Fat transfer to the breasts is suitable for patients seeking a modest, natural increase in volume rather than a significant size change. For fuller or more predictable results, we also offer Breast Enlargement, Breast Uplift, and Breast Enlargement with Uplift.

Fat transfer to the buttocks is available at La Belle Forme under local anaesthetic only. We do not perform buttock fat transfer under general anaesthetic or sedation. Your surgeon will confirm your suitability and discuss the most appropriate approach during your consultation.

The procedure uses liposuction to harvest fat, which is then carefully purified and injected into the desired area. The result is a natural enhancement using your own tissue – no implants or synthetic fillers required.

What Happens During Surgery?

Fat transfer is performed under local anaesthetic. Buttock fat transfer is only available under local anaesthetic at La Belle Forme — we do not offer this procedure under general anaesthetic or sedation. Facial, hand and breast fat transfer are also performed under local anaesthetic.

The surgeon begins by using gentle liposuction to remove fat from a donor area.
The fat is then purified in a sterile environment to isolate viable fat cells.
Finally, the purified fat is reinjected into the target area using micro cannulas for precision and even distribution.

Because the fat is your own tissue, there’s minimal risk of rejection or allergic reaction. Some of the transferred fat will naturally be reabsorbed by the body over time, so a portion may be lost—this is accounted for in your treatment plan.

Is Fat Transfer Right For Me?

You may be suitable for this procedure if you:

Have unwanted fat in certain areas and desire volume in others
Prefer a natural enhancement using your own fat
Are at a stable weight and in good general health

Fat transfer is commonly used for facial rejuvenation, breast enhancement, buttock augmentation (under local anaesthetic only), and hand volume restoration. Your surgeon will assess your suitability and discuss which areas can be treated during your consultation.

What Are The Benefits?

Natural-looking volume using your body’s own tissue
Slimming in areas with excess fat
No synthetic implants or fillers
Long-lasting results when stable weight is maintained

What Are The Risks?

All surgical procedures carry some risks. With fat transfer, these may include:

Swelling or bruising at donor and injection sites
Irregular contours or asymmetry
Reabsorption of some fat over time
Infection or delayed healing (rare)

Your surgeon will fully explain the risks and how we mitigate them during your consultation.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION

Speak with one of our patient care coordinators

Your telephone consultation is confidential, no-obligation, and designed to help you understand your treatment options before booking an appointment.

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Prefer to speak to us?
☏ 0141 552 0828
✉ enquiries@labelleforme.co.uk

Please note a payment may be required at the booking stage. If you need more information before booking an appointment please book an appointment with one of our Patient Care Coordinators.

Post Lymphatic Drainage — Supporting Both Treatment Sites

Fat transfer involves two separate surgical sites — the donor area (from which fat is harvested, typically the abdomen, flanks or thighs) and the recipient area (where fat is injected, commonly the face, hands or buttocks). Both sites experience post-surgical fluid as part of the natural healing response, and both benefit from Post Lymphatic Drainage during recovery.

How Post Lymphatic Drainage Helps

MLD following fat transfer supports recovery across both treatment areas simultaneously. At the donor site, it helps clear post-liposuction fluid and prevents fibrosis, exactly as it would following standard liposuction. At the recipient site, gentle MLD supports lymphatic circulation around the newly transferred fat cells, reducing inflammatory swelling and supporting the conditions in which transferred fat is most likely to integrate and survive successfully.

What to Expect from Your Sessions

Clears post-liposuction fluid from the donor site, reducing swelling and preventing fibrosis
Reduces inflammatory swelling at the recipient site without disrupting transferred fat cells
Supports the integration and survival rate of transferred fat by reducing excess fluid pressure
Improves comfort across multiple treatment areas simultaneously
Supports a shorter overall recovery timeline when both sites are treated from early on

When to Start

Timing for MLD after fat transfer requires careful coordination with your surgeon. The recipient site must not be directly manipulated in the early post-operative period. Your therapist will focus on the donor site in the first sessions before incorporating careful work around — not on — the recipient area as healing progresses. Sessions typically begin 48 to 72 hours post-surgery.

Recovery & Aftercare at La Belle Forme

Your recovery is carefully supported by our team to ensure a safe and smooth healing journey. Most people can return home the same day, and we provide clear guidance to help you feel confident throughout the process.

We’ll also schedule follow-up appointments at our Glasgow clinic to monitor your progress and answer any questions you may have.

Our dedicated aftercare support line is available should you need reassurance at any point during your recovery. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Why Choose La Belle Forme Glasgow?

At La Belle Forme, you’ll receive personalised care from a highly experienced team in one of Scotland’s leading aesthetic clinics.

GMC-Registered Surgeons with Years of Experience

All procedures are carried out by experienced, GMC-registered surgeons who meet the required standards of medical training and practice in the UK.

Aftercare Plans Tailored to Individual Needs

Our personalised aftercare plans are designed around your specific recovery needs. You’ll receive ongoing support and guidance to help you heal safely and comfortably.

Consultations with No Obligation

Speak with one of our qualified professionals to explore your options. There’s no pressure to commit – just clear, honest advice to help you make an informed decision.

HIS-Regulated Clinics and Hospitals

All our facilities in Scotland are regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS), ensuring high standards of safety, hygiene, and patient care are consistently maintained.

FAQ's

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting, especially if a stable weight is maintained. Some of the injected fat will be naturally absorbed by the body, so your surgeon will plan accordingly.

How much fat is needed?

This depends on the area being treated. Small volumes are usually needed for the face or hands. Larger areas like the buttocks may require more. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your goals and body type.

Will I lose all the transferred fat?

Not all. It’s normal for 30–50% of the fat to be reabsorbed in the first few months. The remaining fat typically establishes a blood supply and remains long-term.

Can fat transfer replace implants?

Fat transfer can offer a subtle, natural enhancement. However, for those seeking a more noticeable or long-lasting volume increase, implants often provide more predictable results.

What areas can be treated?

Common areas for fat transfer include the face, lips, hands, buttocks, and hips. Donor fat is usually taken from the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back.

Do you offer fat transfer for the breasts?

Yes — we offer fat transfer to the breasts at La Belle Forme. It is a natural enhancement option for patients seeking a modest, subtle increase in breast volume using their own tissue, with no implants required. It is not suitable for patients seeking a significant size increase, for whom we recommend Breast Enlargement, Breast Uplift, or Breast Enlargement with Uplift.

Do you offer fat transfer to the buttocks?

Yes — fat transfer to the buttocks is available at La Belle Forme, carried out under local anaesthetic only. We do not perform buttock fat transfer under general anaesthetic or sedation. Your surgeon will discuss suitability and what can realistically be achieved during your consultation.

Visit Us in Glasgow

La Belle Forme is located in the heart of Glasgow, easily accessible by train, bus, and car. We offer flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.