Natural body contours without implants: the benefits of fat transfer

Why choose fat transfer?

Fat transfer allows you to achieve the desired fuller and more refined body contours without traditional implants. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Mindaugas Kazanavičius from InSense Clinic in Vilnius and Kaunas states: “During a fat transfer procedure, it is even possible to rejuvenate the skin – this is due to stem cells present in adipose tissue.” According to him, although the first fat transfer procedure was described in the late 19th century, it only became widely used around 1990, when modern liposuction techniques and standardized fat purification and preparation methods were introduced.

Breast augmentation with fat

Fat transfer procedures are most commonly used to rejuvenate the face, restore volume in various facial areas, or reshape body contours – with breasts being one of the most popular areas. “During the procedure, the volume of the selected body area is enhanced using the patient’s own fat. The fat integrates naturally and is not a foreign object like an implant, which can sometimes be felt or cause discomfort. No additional substances are injected. Fat provides a beautiful, natural look and feel,” says M. Kazanavičius. Using natural tissue to enhance body contours reduces the likelihood of complications compared to traditional implants.

After pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight changes, breast shape often changes – the tissue may soften and shrink. In such cases, women look for ways to restore shape, sometimes choosing fat transfer or implants. “If you want to surgically restore a beautiful breast shape, it is better to wait about six months after breastfeeding so the breasts reach their final size and all tissues contract,” says M. Kazanavičius. Surgical options may include breast lifting, implant placement, or a combination of both. “In all these procedures, implants can be placed either under the breast gland or under the chest muscle. The gland itself is essentially not damaged, so implants do not affect pregnancy or breastfeeding,” he adds.

Fat injections – a minimally invasive alternative

Fat injections are becoming increasingly popular – fat is taken from one area of the body, purified, and injected into the desired area, such as the breasts, buttocks, or facial contours. A large volume of fat cannot be injected in a single procedure, so multiple sessions are often needed. Some of the fat does not survive, so the volume may decrease over time until healing is complete. Therefore, the result immediately after the procedure and the final outcome may differ. The advantage of this procedure is that there are no incisions, and fat is taken from areas of the body that the patient wishes to reduce.

Safety and results of fat transfer

Fat transfer is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient must be completely healthy. “The body experiences trauma, immunity decreases, so even a mild cold increases the risk of infection. For everything to go smoothly, the patient must be in optimal health,” says M. Kazanavičius. After surgery, patients usually need pain relief, but they can return to normal activities within a week. After liposuction, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for four weeks.

The success of fat transfer depends on precise fat harvesting, purification, and transplantation techniques. “When harvesting fat for transfer, the procedure takes significantly longer than standard liposuction. We strive to use every possible measure to achieve the best result. The body dissolves fat that does not survive, and unevenness may occur in those areas, so in rare cases, a repeat procedure may be needed,” explains M. Kazanavičius.

Psychological benefits and patient expectations

A plastic surgeon must not only correct the body but also understand the patient’s expectations. “The most important thing during the first consultation is to understand what the person expects and to explain what the doctor can achieve. Only when the doctor’s capabilities match the patient’s wishes will the result be good,” says M. Kazanavičius. Patients often bring photos as examples, but anatomical features can sometimes limit possibilities. “What makes us beautiful is the harmony of the whole body and inner world, not just one specific body feature,” he adds.

Dr. M. Kazanavičius
InSense Clinic | Plastic and reconstructive surgeon