What is lipotransfer? – MAPFRE Blogs

Lipofilling uses fat from the body itself to restore volumes. Learn about its benefits, process and recovery to improve your aesthetics naturally.

Lipotransfer (or lipograft or autologous fat transfer) is a technique that has been gaining ground in current aesthetic medicine. And many want natural, subtle, almost invisible results… but that make a difference in how they look and feel. This process uses the patient’s own fat to restore volumes and contours without introducing foreign materials into the body. In short: restructure where there is excess and accentuate where there is lack.

What is lipotransfer?

The technique consists of three steps that may seem simple, but require precision and practice:

• Liposuction: The fat is obtained by gentle liposuction of areas such as the abdomen, hips or thighs. Thin cannulas are used to avoid damaging the tissue and keeping the greatest number of cells alive.
• Preparation of adipose tissue: Once extracted, the fat is cleaned and processed. Through filtering or centrifuging, impurities, liquids and remains that are not usable for the graft are isolated. What remains is a kind of “concentrate” of cells in optimal conditions, ready for their second destiny.
• Infiltration into designated area: The purified fat is slowly injected in small quantities at different depths. This technique allows cells to become vascularized and survive, integrating naturally.

In short, the method manages to balance the body in harmony and valuing the characteristics of each patient.

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Types of lipotransfer

Lipotransfer is adaptable. It adjusts to different parts of the body and each one with its characteristics:

facial lipofilling

Ideal for restoring facial freshness when you notice deep furrows or loss of volume in the cheekbones. It can also improve the appearance of the hands, where thinning becomes more evident over time.

Breast lipograft

Perfect for those who want a slight breast augmentation or correct asymmetries without implants. The results are often considered “very natural, as if they had always been there.”

Gluteal lipoinjection

Somewhat better known thanks to her recent fame. It can improve shape and projection without the need for implants, something that many women appreciate for its comfort and naturalness.

body lipograft

Ideal for smoothing irregularities after liposuction or for filling depressions caused by scars or trauma.

And although the objectives vary depending on the place, the idea is the same: use what is local to create something better.

Possible side effects

Like any medical procedure, lipotransfer has expected side effects, most of them temporary:

• Swelling and bruising: They almost always appear, both in the donor and recipient areas. They usually disappear within a few weeks.
• Mild discomfort or pain: The first few days may be tense or sensitive, but it is controlled with medication.
• Some of the fat is reabsorbed.
• Part of the graft dies. That is why the final results are seen between 3 and 6 months.
• Small asymmetries: Sometimes it needs a little adjustment.
• Rare risks: Like infection or fluid buildup. Although rare, it is good to know them and consult in case an anomaly appears.

Professional support is essential so that the patient feels safe and supported at all times.

Postoperative step treatment

The postoperative period is not complicated, but it is difficult. Common measures include:

• Compressive clothing on areas where fat was removed: They help reduce inflammation and help the skin adjust to the new silhouette.
• Prescription medication: Analgesics and anti-inflammatories for pain.
• relative rest: Avoid great efforts the first few days.
• Avoid compression in the treated area: In a buttock lipotransfer, for example, it is advisable to avoid sitting directly for a long time at the beginning.
• Regular medical checkups: They are essential for monitoring progress and anticipating any problems.

Tips for a good recovery

Beyond medical treatment, there are simple measures that can make a big difference:

• Follow a balanced diet and stay adequately hydrated: The body heals better when it is well nourished.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Tobacco, for example, hinders circulation and can cause less fat to remain alive.
• Walk gently from the second day: Benefits circulation and prevents problems such as thrombosis.
• Take care of your sleeping posture: Depending on the area treated, it is preferable to sleep on your back or side. The expert will tell you which is the best.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks: The time varies in each case, but don’t rush.
• Follow the recommendations of the medical team to the letter.

Lipotransfer is art and science. capable of mold, restore and rejuvenate with the patient’s own tissueresulting in a warm, natural and fundamental appearance, in harmony with the anatomy of each person. For those who want to make subtle but impactful changes, this intervention can be your best ally. And, as always, the key is to put yourself in the hands of trained professionals and follow their recovery instructions.

What you should know…

• Lipotransfer is an aesthetic technique that uses the patient’s own fat to restore volume and harmonize contours, achieving natural results without implants.
• The procedure consists of three key stages – liposuction, fat preparation and infiltration – and can be applied to different areas of the body (face, breasts, buttocks, body) according to needs.
• Recovery requires specific care and medical supervision, because although it is a safe process, it presents temporary side effects and requires a careful postoperative period to ensure good results.

Literature

• Dong Y, Huang Y, Hou T, Li P. Effectiveness and Safety of Different Methods of Assisted Fat Grafting: A Network Meta-Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024 Jul;48(13):2484-2499. doi:10.1007/s00266-024-04060-8. Epub 2024 May 21. PMID: 38772943.