Autologous fat grafting, also known as fat transfer or lipofilling.
What is an autologous fat grafting consultation?
An autologous fat grafting consultation is an appointment with a qualified surgeon to review concerns involving volume loss or contour irregularities that may be addressed using your own fat. Fat is taken from one area of the body and transferred to another.
Only a trained surgeon can determine whether autologous fat grafting is appropriate after reviewing your anatomy, medical history and expectations. The consultation focuses on clinical assessment and suitability rather than promoting any procedure.
What areas does it address?
During the consultation, the surgeon may assess:
ā¢ Areas of facial volume loss, such as the cheeks, temples and under-eye area
ā¢ The backs of the hands
ā¢ Breast volume or asymmetry, including after reconstruction
ā¢ Contour irregularities, including those following previous surgery
ā¢ Suitable donor areas, such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs
ā¢ Whether non-surgical or conservative pathways may be more suitable
The purpose is to understand your individual presentation and determine whether a surgical approach is clinically appropriate.
Who may be referred for an autologous fat grafting consultation
A GP may refer someone for assessment if they:
ā¢ Have volume loss or contour concerns they wish to discuss
ā¢ Are at a stable body weight with sufficient donor fat
ā¢ Seek medical advice about using their own tissue rather than other options
ā¢ Wish to understand whether surgical or non-surgical options may be suitable
A referral does not mean surgery will be recommended. Suitability is confirmed only after full clinical assessment.
How suitability is determined
Suitability depends on several factors reviewed during consultation, including:
ā¢ General health and medical history
ā¢ Availability of suitable donor fat
ā¢ Skin quality and condition of the treatment area
ā¢ Smoking status, which may affect how grafted fat survives
ā¢ Personal circumstances and expectations
ā¢ Whether alternative options are more appropriate
Not all individuals will be candidates. Your surgeon will explain the reasons you may or may not be suitable based on safety requirements and clinical findings.
Understanding what the procedure involves
If the surgeon believes autologous fat grafting may be appropriate, they will outline the general approach in a medical context. This may include broad information about:
ā¢ How fat is harvested from the donor area using liposuction techniques
ā¢ How the fat is processed before transfer
ā¢ How fat is placed in small amounts into the treatment area
ā¢ Why not all transferred fat survives, and why more than one procedure may be discussed
These discussions support informed consent only. The surgeon will also explain circumstances where autologous fat grafting is not advised.
Downtime and aftercare
If surgery is advised, general recovery expectations may include:
ā¢ Swelling and bruising at both the donor and treatment areas
ā¢ Wearing compression garments over the donor area
ā¢ Temporary activity restrictions
ā¢ Gradual changes as swelling settles and some fat is reabsorbed
ā¢ Scheduled follow-up visits
ā¢ Signs that require medical review
Recovery varies between individuals. Personalised instructions are provided during consultation.
Surgical or non-surgical?
Surgical
Autologous fat grafting is a surgical procedure that must be performed in a licensed and accredited medical facility.
Who performs this procedure?
In Australia, autologous fat grafting must be performed by a registered medical practitioner with appropriate surgical training. This may include:
ā¢ Specialist Plastic Surgeons
ā¢ Other medical practitioners who have completed recognised additional training in fat grafting within their approved scope of practice
All procedures must occur in accredited hospitals or licensed surgical facilities with appropriate anaesthetic and postoperative support.
Patients are encouraged to:
ā¢ Confirm the practitionerās qualifications
ā¢ Ask about their experience with fat grafting procedures
ā¢ Ensure the facility meets Australian accreditation standards
ā¢ Discuss postoperative care and follow-up planning
Is a referral required
Yes. People considering elective cosmetic surgery need to follow a regulated pathway designed to support informed and safe decision making. Every person must complete the following steps before any procedure can be booked:
ā¢ A current GP referral is required before seeing a surgeon. This helps ensure your broader health needs are reviewed and that cosmetic surgery is the right pathway to explore.
ā¢ You must attend a minimum of two consultations with the surgeon who would perform the operation. At least one of these appointments must occur in person. These consultations allow time to review your medical history, assess suitability and discuss risks in detail.
ā¢ A cooling off period is required after the final consent appointment. This time is set aside for you to think carefully about the information provided, ask more questions if needed and decide whether to proceed.
These steps apply to all elective cosmetic surgery in Australia. They are in place to support careful consideration and protect patient safety.
Risks and considerations
All surgery carries risks. Autologous fat grafting may involve:
ā¢ Reabsorption of some or all of the transferred fat
ā¢ Lumps, irregularities or asymmetry
ā¢ Fat necrosis or oil cysts
ā¢ Changes that may affect breast imaging
ā¢ Infection or delayed healing
ā¢ Risks at the donor site
ā¢ Fat embolism, which is rare but serious
ā¢ The possibility of further procedures
Gluteal fat grafting
Fat grafting to the buttocks (gluteal fat grafting) carries a higher risk of fat embolism than fat grafting to other areas of the body. Fat embolism is a serious complication that can be life-threatening. If gluteal fat grafting is being considered, your surgeon should discuss this risk in detail, including how it applies to you.
A full risk discussion forms part of informed consent. All risks will be explained during your consultation, including how they relate to your individual circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is autologous fat grafting covered by Medicare in Australia
Medicare may offer limited support when fat grafting is performed for reconstructive reasons, such as after breast cancer surgery. Procedures performed for aesthetic reasons are not usually eligible. Eligibility can be confirmed after specialist assessment.
What can affect how transferred fat behaves over time
How transferred fat behaves varies between individuals. Some fat is naturally reabsorbed, and factors such as weight changes, ageing and individual healing may play a role. Your surgeon will explain what may apply in your circumstances.
Why might more than one procedure be needed
Some transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body, so a further procedure is sometimes discussed. Your surgeon will explain what may apply in your situation.
Will there be visible scars
Small incisions are usually made in discreet locations. Your surgeon will explain expected incision placement and guidance for healing.
When can I return to work or exercise
This depends on the areas treated. Your surgeon will provide a personalised recovery timeline.
