Fat Grafting

Contour twice over

Autologous fat grafting removes fat from a chosen area using liposuction, then re-injects it elsewhere in the body. The body is fully contoured by taking fat from the abdomen, waist, back, bra-roll, or inner and outer thighs, while contour and fullness are improved by injecting that fat into the buttocks, breasts, or hips.

Injecting fat into the breasts can be done alone for conservative breast augmentation, or in combination with a breast lift or implants to improve shape and fullness in select areas — specifically the upper breast and cleavage region.

Benefits

Am I a good candidate?

The best candidates are healthy individuals who want to restore lost volume in a natural, long-lasting way. Because the procedure transfers fat from one area to another, you need enough donor fat available in places like the abdomen, thighs, or hips. It is especially effective for diminished fullness in the breasts, buttocks, or hips.

Non-smokers tend to be better candidates, since tobacco and nicotine interfere with circulation and healing — you will need to quit for several weeks before and after. Maintaining a stable weight matters for lasting results. Above all, expectations should be realistic: fat grafting creates subtle, natural-looking improvement rather than dramatic change, and more than one session may be needed.

What happens during the procedure

You are comfortably anesthetized for a safe, pain-free experience. Dr. Duggal begins by gently removing fat from donor areas — commonly the abdomen, thighs, or hips — using liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified in a centrifuge to separate healthy fat cells from other fluids.

Once prepared, she injects it into the areas where you want more volume — the breasts, buttocks, or hips — placing the fat in small, precise layers to create smooth contours that blend with your existing tissue.

The entire process typically takes one to two hours, depending on how much fat is transferred and how many areas are treated. Because the procedure uses your own fat, there is no risk of allergic reaction, and results often last much longer than synthetic fillers.

Recovery

Most patients go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you, and it is best to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 hours.

The most discomfort occurs in the first few days, both at the donor site and where the fat was placed. Pain medication helps, and soreness improves quickly. Plan to rest at home for the first few days with gentle walking to promote circulation.

Bruising and swelling are common for the first couple of weeks in both areas. Light activity is fine after the first week. Most patients return to office-type work within about a week; physically demanding jobs may require two to three weeks.

Because transferred fat needs time to establish a blood supply, avoid pressure or trauma to the treated areas during recovery. Over the following weeks swelling subsides and results look more refined and natural.