Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer

Natural augmentation using your own fat

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What is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer uses liposuction to harvest fat from one area of the body and inject it into another area to add volume and improve contour. It can be used to augment the breasts or buttocks, fill hollows, and improve overall body proportions using your own natural tissue.

  • AnesthesiaGeneral Anesthesia
  • SettingOutpatient Surgery Center
  • Recovery1–4 weeks
Schedule Consultation 312-535-2200

What Fat Transfer can do for you

  • Uses your own natural fat — no implants
  • Simultaneous slimming of donor areas
  • Natural-looking, natural-feeling results
  • Can augment breasts or buttocks
  • Long-lasting results
  • Minimal risk of rejection

Good candidates typically…

  • Want to add volume to the breasts or buttocks naturally
  • Have sufficient donor fat available
  • Are at a stable weight
  • Are non-smokers
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Are in good overall health

What to expect

Fat transfer is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Rosett first performs liposuction to harvest fat from donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is then processed and carefully injected into the target area (breast or buttocks) in small amounts to achieve a natural result.

Your recovery timeline

Recovery varies depending on the areas treated. Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks. Avoiding pressure on the treated area is important during early recovery. Final results are visible as swelling resolves and transferred fat establishes its blood supply.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Typically 60–80% of transferred fat survives long-term. Dr. Rosett accounts for this by transferring a slightly larger volume than the final desired result.

Fat transfer can provide a modest increase in volume (typically 1 cup size or less). For larger augmentations, implants may be more appropriate. Dr. Rosett will discuss the best option for your goals.

Good candidates are in overall good health, have realistic goals, and are prepared to follow the recovery plan. Dr. Rosett will review your anatomy, medical history, and priorities during a personal consultation.

Surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery setting. Your surgical setting and plan will be confirmed after your consultation and preoperative review.

The anesthesia plan depends on the extent of surgery and whether procedures are combined. Dr. Rosett and the anesthesia team will review the appropriate plan and safety considerations before surgery.

Surgical time varies with the technique, your anatomy, and whether additional procedures are performed. Dr. Rosett will give you a more tailored estimate during your consultation.

Preparation typically includes a medical review, medication guidance, nicotine cessation when applicable, and arranging help for the first part of recovery. You will receive detailed preoperative instructions before surgery.

Yes. Nicotine can impair healing and increase complication risk. Dr. Rosett will provide specific cessation requirements and timing before considering surgery.

Some medications and supplements may need to be adjusted before surgery. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own; Dr. Rosett and your prescribing clinician will provide individualized guidance.

You will be monitored in recovery and sent home with written instructions, medication guidance, and a postoperative plan. The exact experience depends on the procedure and whether other surgeries are combined.

Discomfort varies by procedure and individual. Dr. Rosett uses a tailored pain-management plan and will explain what is expected, how to stay comfortable, and when to contact the office.

Time away from work depends on the physical demands of your job and the extent of surgery. Many patients plan for at least one to two weeks before returning to desk work, but your recommended timeline will be individualized.

You should not drive while taking prescription pain medication or until you can move comfortably and safely. Dr. Rosett will advise you based on your recovery progress.

Walking is commonly encouraged early in recovery, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are delayed until healing is well underway. Your return-to-exercise plan will be based on your procedure and follow-up examinations.

Some procedures benefit from a compression garment or surgical support garment to help with swelling and comfort. Dr. Rosett will let you know whether one is recommended and how long to wear it.

Swelling improves gradually and the timeline varies by procedure. Early changes are expected during the first weeks, while final contour and scar maturation can continue to evolve over several months.

You will usually see an early change soon after surgery, but final results develop gradually as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Dr. Rosett will explain the expected timeline for your specific procedure.

Any surgical procedure creates scars. Dr. Rosett plans incisions thoughtfully, and your scar appearance depends on the technique, your anatomy, skin type, and how you heal.

Follow your incision-care instructions, avoid nicotine, protect healing scars from sun exposure, and attend follow-up visits. Dr. Rosett may recommend scar-care products or treatments when appropriate.

In selected patients, Fat Transfer may be combined with other procedures. Dr. Rosett will recommend combinations only when they are appropriate for your goals, health, and surgical safety.

Significant weight changes can affect surgical contours and skin quality. Reaching and maintaining a stable weight helps support long-term results whenever possible.

All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, delayed healing, scarring, contour irregularities, and anesthesia-related risks. Dr. Rosett will discuss the risks most relevant to your procedure during consent and planning.

Your follow-up schedule is tailored to your procedure and healing. Dr. Rosett personally follows patients through recovery and remains available for questions or concerns.

Travel timing depends on the extent of surgery, your recovery, and the distance you plan to travel. Discuss travel plans before surgery so Dr. Rosett can recommend an appropriate timeline.

Fat Transfer is generally considered cosmetic and is not usually covered by insurance. Our team can discuss self-pay and financing options during your consultation.

Ready to get started?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosett today.