Lipotransfer (autologous fat tissue transplantation) is a safe and natural method for facial and body contouring, volume deficit correction and the use of stem cells contained in adipose tissue for regenerative action. At Neurolocus Centre the procedure is performed by Dr hab. Surowiecka – a plastic surgery specialist with many years of experience.

What is Lipotransfer?

Lipotransfer is a procedure in which the patient’s adipose tissue is collected by minimally invasive liposuction from areas of excess fat (most commonly the abdomen, thighs, hips, ‘flanks’), and then after precise preparation (purification and fractionation) administered to target areas – face, breasts, buttocks, hands, post-traumatic scars.

Adipose tissue is not merely a ‘volume filler’. It contains a rich population of STEM CELLS (Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, ADSC) and an SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) that act regeneratively:

  • Stimulate angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
  • Support skin regeneration – improved elasticity, complexion, wrinkle reduction
  • Act anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory
  • Can differentiate into adipose, vascular and bone tissue cells
  • Enhance the regenerative effect beyond the mechanical filling effect

Indications

Facial lipotransfer:

  • Lower eyelid lipotransfer – reduction of under-eye bags, smoothing of the tear trough
  • Cheekbone and cheek contouring
  • Correction of sunken temples
  • Filling of nasolabial folds
  • Natural-proportion lip augmentation
  • Post-acne scar correction
  • Facial rejuvenation with regenerative effect (ADSC)

Body lipotransfer:

  • Breast augmentation and contouring (alternative to implants)
  • Buttock contouring (BBL – Brazilian Butt Lift)
  • Correction of post-transplantation, post-traumatic and congenital deformities
  • Filling of scars after oncological surgery (e.g. post-mastectomy)
  • Hand rejuvenation (lipotransfer)
  • Correction of body contour irregularities following complicated liposuction

Step-by-Step Procedure

  • Consultation with Dr hab. Agnieszka Surowiecka – assessment of indications, expectations, planning of donor and recipient sites.
  • Patient in the procedure room; local anaesthesia (small procedures) or sedation/general anaesthesia (larger ones).
  • TISSUE COLLECTION: minimally invasive liposuction through short incisions (3–5 mm) from areas of excess fat (abdomen, thighs, ‘flanks’). 50–500 ml of tissue is collected depending on the planned volume.
  • TISSUE PREPARATION: purification from anaesthetic and blood, fractionation (microfat for the face, millifat for larger volumes, nanofat for skin regeneration).
  • ADMINISTRATION: precise, micro-cannula delivery of tissue to target areas – in multiple layers, with appropriate contouring.
  • Procedure time: 60 minutes (small facial correction) to 4–5 hours (major body contouring).
  • After the procedure: 1–2 days of rest, compression therapy, dressings over the donor sites.

Preparation and Post-Procedure Period

  • Anaesthesiology consultation (for larger procedures)
  • Blood tests (full blood count, coagulation screen, biochemistry)
  • Discontinuation of aspirin and NSAIDs 7–10 days before the procedure (reduction of haematoma risk)
  • Fasting for 6 hours (with sedation/general anaesthesia)
  • Post-procedure period: 7–14 days of swelling and bruising; compression therapy for 4–6 weeks
  • Return to desk work: 3–7 days; intensive sport: after 4–6 weeks
  • Full effect visible after 3–6 months (after full graft integration and resorption of 30–50% of tissue)

Effects

  • Natural, long-lasting effect – fat that integrates (50–70%) remains permanently
  • No risk of rejection (own tissue)
  • Additional regenerative effect thanks to ADSC cells
  • Improvement in skin quality around the injection site (after facial lipotransfer: better complexion, fewer wrinkles)
  • Bonus: reduction of unwanted fat tissue at the donor site
  • Possibility of repeating the procedure after 6–12 months for an optimal effect

Possible Side Effects

  • Swelling and bruising at donor and recipient sites (1–3 weeks)
  • Temporary contour irregularities (usually resolve)
  • Resorption of part of the graft (30–50% – a corrective session is performed in the second round)
  • Minor risk of infection (strict aseptic technique maintained, prophylactic antibiotic therapy)
  • Very rarely: oil cyst formation, calcifications, asymmetry
  • Very rarely (extremely): fat embolism (one of the greatest risks of BBL buttock lipotransfer – at our Centre we use the safest supra-fascial injection techniques)

FAQ

Is lipotransfer permanent?

Fat that integrates (50–70% of the transplanted tissue) remains permanently and behaves like the patient’s natural adipose tissue (increases/decreases with weight fluctuations). The remaining portion (30–50%) is reabsorbed within the first 3–6 months. For an optimal effect, we often recommend a second corrective procedure after 6–12 months.

What distinguishes lipotransfer from hyaluronic acid (e.g. for facial filling)?

Hyaluronic acid: immediate effect, but temporary (6–18 months), requires regular top-ups. Lipotransfer: effect develops over 3–6 months, but is largely permanent, with an additional regenerative effect (ADSC). Lipotransfer is a ‘long-term investment’; HA is a temporary volume increase.

Can I combine lipotransfer with another procedure?

Yes – we often combine lipotransfer with other plastic surgery procedures (facelift, blepharoplasty, mastopexy) or regenerative ones (PRP, mesotherapy). This produces a multidimensional effect of natural and lasting improvement.