Body Contouring

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting)

US-Trained Surgeon15+ Years ExperiencePatient-Centred Care

Consultations are based at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital in Cape Town, with patients visiting from the Western Cape and across South Africa.

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What is Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting)?
Fat transfer or fat grafting is a surgical procedure where both small and large volume defects can be corrected by transferring existing fat into the problem area. This procedure is one of the oldest plastic surgery techniques around and is still widely used today.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) at Dr. Maresky's practice typically ranges from R40,000 to R95,000, depending on your specific needs and goals. Final pricing is always confirmed during your consultation, once Dr. Maresky has assessed your individual case.

Factors that influence the cost:

  • Donor and recipient sites
  • Volume of fat transferred

The consultation is an independent clinical assessment. Final costs are confirmed before any treatment is scheduled.

Prices are indicative and quoted at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. Subject to change. Medical aid contributions may apply for reconstructive or medically indicated cases.

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The Procedure
Autologous fats can be transferred from the back, flank, hips, thighs and tummy area. This fat is then prepared and placed in other areas of the body. The surgeon will use one of four liposuction techniques to ensure the grafting of viable fat cells.

Recovery & Aftercare
Fat transfer recovery time usually ranges from one to three weeks, with facial fat transfers taking up to four weeks for the swelling to completely reduce. During the first few weeks of recovery, patients will experience a large amount of swelling, which is completely normal.

Expected Results
Fat transfers are ideal for women who would like a full bust or buttocks without implants. The fat can also be placed in the face, making it an alternative to other treatments by filling fine lines and wrinkles.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Maresky today

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Why Choose Dr. Maresky

Safety First
Personalized Planning
Personalized Care
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Before & After Results

Patient photographs published with informed consent

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) before and after
Before
After

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) before and after

Patient photographs published with informed consent. Individual results vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for fat transfer?
Anyone of legal age is a good candidate for this procedure, however, patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease are not advised to undergo a fat transfer.
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How long do fat transfer results last?
Fat transfer procedures have minimal scarring as the fat is injected into the new location leaving very little site scarring. Some patients can experience harvest site swelling that can last up to several weeks.
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What are the normal side effects?
Normal side effects include facial asymmetry, thin looking lips, difficulty smiling, swelling occurring longer than two days, and fluctuating inflammation and swelling.
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How long do fat transfer results last?
Fat that successfully integrates (typically 50-70% of transferred fat) can last indefinitely as living tissue. Results are visible after initial swelling subsides (2-4 weeks), with final results apparent at 3-6 months. Some patients may need touch-up procedures.
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What areas can be treated with fat transfer?
Fat transfer can enhance face (cheeks, under eyes, lips), breasts (augmentation or reconstruction), buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), hands, and correct contour irregularities. Dr Maresky will determine if you have adequate donor fat for your goals.
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Where is the donor fat taken from?
Fat is typically harvested from areas with excess like abdomen, thighs, flanks, or buttocks using gentle liposuction. This provides the dual benefit of contouring the donor area while enhancing the treatment area.
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What is the recovery time for fat transfer?
Recovery varies by treatment area. Facial fat transfer has 1-2 weeks downtime with swelling/bruising. Body procedures may require 2-4 weeks before returning to normal activities. Dr Maresky provides detailed recovery protocols for each area.
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Is fat transfer safe and natural?
Yes, fat transfer uses your own tissue, eliminating allergy or rejection risks. It's a natural, biocompatible option for volume enhancement. The procedure has been safely performed for decades with excellent safety profiles when done by experienced surgeons like Dr Maresky.
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Related Procedures

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten muscles

Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body to address contours and proportions.

Mommy Makeover

Mommy Makeover refers to an individualized combination of procedures that may address post-pregnancy changes, commonly including tummy tuck, breast surgery, and liposuction.

Explore Further

Are You a Candidate?

Find out if Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) is right for you

Recovery Timeline

What to expect after Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting)

Cost & Pricing

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) price range and cost factors

Fat Transfer (Autologous Fat Grafting) vs Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Fat removal vs fat repositioning — opposite goals for body contouring