What is Lipofilling or Gluteal Fat Transfer?
The buttock augmentation with fat transfer, also known as gluteal lipofilling or gluteal augmentation using the patient’s autologous fat, is a surgery that allows remodeling and providing volume to the gluteal region using fat from the patient's own body.
The procedure begins with liposuction of donor areas, usually areas of the trunk such as;
- the abdomen,
- the lower part of the abdomen,
- the flanks or the back.
The fat obtained is then subjected to a process of preparation and purification in order to be infiltrated in the areas we want to treat.
Fat transfer does not only seek to increase the size of the buttocks. It also allows us to work its shape, projection and proportion with the rest of the silhouette. In certain cases we can also treat the so-called hip dips or trochanteric depressions, located in the lateral contour of the hip, in order to achieve a more harmonious transition between waist, hip and buttocks.
For this reason, it is important to study the anatomy of each patient, the quantity and distribution of fat available, and the result that is desired before proposing an buttock augmentation using the patient’s autologous fat.
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Benefits of Buttock Augmentation with Autologous Fat
One of the main characteristics of the buttock augmentation using the patient’s autologous fat is that we use autologous tissue, that is, fat from the patient himself.
Unlike surgery with implants, a prosthesis is not introduced to achieve the increase. This avoids certain complications specifically related to the implants, such as their displacement or the need for eventual prosthetic replacement.
In addition, fat allows us to work in a personalized way different areas of the buttocks and hip, adapting its distribution to the anatomy and objectives of each patient.
Another important aspect is that the procedure combines two actions:
- On the one hand, we get fat by liposuction and remodel the donor areas;
- On the other hand, we use that same fat to provide volume and improve the contour of the buttocks.
In this way, the goal is not simply to get bigger buttocks, but to work the ratio between waist, hips and gluteal region to achieve a more balanced silhouette.
Gluteoplasty Techniques: Lipofilling vs. Gluteal Prosthetics and Implants
The choice between lipofilling and gluteal implants depends fundamentally on the anatomy, the amount of fat available and the expectations of each patient.
When there is enough fat tissue in other body areas, fat transfer allows the fat to be used to remodel the buttocks.
The liposuction of donor areas is part of the body design, since when working abdomen, flanks, back or other areas we can also modify the visual relationship between waist, hip and buttocks.
We like to approach this surgery from a global perspective, working what we call the gluteal frame: not only the buttock itself, but also the structures and areas around it. Depending on each case, this may involve working the flanks, hips, or certain areas of the thighs.
The fat, in addition, allows to distribute the volume at different points according to the anatomy of the patient and the design planned for the surgery.
However, fat transfer needs to have a sufficient amount of donor fat. In very thin or low body fat patients, other alternatives, including gluteal implants, may need to be evaluated.
Therefore, there is no universally better technique. The indication should be established after an individual assessment in which we study the body characteristics, the quality of the tissues, the availability of fat and the result to be achieved.
Treatment step by step
The buttock augmentation with fat transfer is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia.
First, we perform liposuction to obtain fat from the previously selected areas. Choosing these areas is part of the design of the surgery, as we not only need to obtain sufficient fat tissue, but we also seek to improve the body contour.
The extracted fat is then prepared and purified before transfer.
Once processed, fat is carefully infiltrated into previously planned areas of the buttocks and, when indicated, also into certain areas of the hip.
Fat infiltration is carried out under ultrasound control, which allows us to visualize during the intervention the anatomical plane on which we are working.
The ultimate goal is to achieve a proportionate relationship between buttocks, hips and waist, always within the possibilities offered by the anatomy and the amount of fat available to each patient.
Preoperative and postoperative gluteal lipofilling
Prior to a gluteal fat transfer surgery, we conduct the corresponding preoperative assessment, which may include blood tests, electrocardiograms and any additional tests that the medical team considers necessary depending on each patient.
Once the person is found to be in suitable conditions for surgery, we can proceed with surgery.
Patients usually stay overnight at the clinic, although the final recommendation will depend on the characteristics of the intervention and the evolution of each patient.
During the postoperative period we must pay attention to both the areas where liposuction has been performed and the region where we have transferred the fat.
In donor areas drainage sessions can be indicated to help control inflammation. In gluteal, it is especially important to reduce direct pressure on the treated areas during the first few weeks. To do this, we explain to the patient certain positions and the use of specific cushions when sitting.
These measures are intended at promoting the right conditions during the process of integration of the transferred tissue.
Preoperative care and medicines to be avoided before surgery
Before any surgery it is essential to check with the medical team all the medications, vitamins and supplements that the patient usually takes.
Certain drugs or supplements may interfere with coagulation, bleeding, or other aspects related to surgery and postoperative treatment. For this reason, the medical team will indicate which ones should be discontinued and for how long.
We do not recommend interrupting on our own initiative any prescribed medicinal product. The regimen should always be established individually during the preoperative study.
Post-operative and care
After a gluteal fat transfer, one of the main precautions is to avoid excessive pressure on areas where fat has been injected during the first few weeks.
The use of a specific seat cushion and certain sleeping or resting positions may be recommended. A compression garment or girdle may also be indicated for several weeks, especially for areas where liposuction has been performed.
Draining sessions can also be done to help control inflammation in donor areas.
During the first few days they may appear;
- swelling,
- feeling of tension,
- burning,
- itching,
- tiredness or discomfort in the treated areas.
The intensity and duration vary from person to person and is controlled by the medication and instructions prescribed by the medical team.
Progressive reintegration into normal activities will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual evolution of each patient.
Before and after Buttock Augmentation with Fat Transfer
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Results before and after: Real opinions and expectations
The result of a gluteal fat transfer depends on multiple factors:
- the initial anatomy,
- the amount of fat available,
- the quality of the tissues,
- the volume transferred,
- the fat integration process
- and post-operative evolution.
After the intervention a change in contour can be seen from the beginning, although the initial appearance does not correspond to the definitive result, as there is inflammation and some of the fat transferred can be reabsorbed during the following months.
For this reason, expectations should be set individually during the previous consultation. Our goal is to design a surgery proportionate to the anatomy of each patient and realistically explain what changes we can expect.
Before and After Gallery
The cases before and after an buttock augmentation with autologous fat allow you to know different types of anatomy and observe how the contour can evolve after a fat transfer.
Each case, however, is different. The photographs serve as a reference to understand the procedure and its possibilities, but do not guarantee or reproduce exactly the result obtained by another patient.
Opinions on gluteal fat transfer and patient experiences
The experience with a gluteal fat transfer does not depend solely on volume change. For many patients, the overall modification of the body contour obtained by combining the liposuction of donor areas with the transfer of fat is also important.
In consultation we jointly value expectations, explain what we can achieve according to the anatomy of each person and establish a personalized surgical plan.
Lipofilling Price and Buttock Augmentation in Spain
The price of an buttock augmentation with fat transfer cannot be established solely from the name of the procedure, since surgery must adapt to the characteristics and needs of each patient.
The budget may vary depending on factors such as:
- the areas where liposuction is necessary;
- the amount of fat available,
- extension of the intervention
- and the surgical planning necessary to achieve the expected result.
For this reason, in order to know the personalized price of a gluteal fat transfer it is necessary to carry out a medical evaluation beforehand.
During this visit we can;
- study anatomy,
- determine whether there is enough fat to perform the procedure
- and define which areas should be treated in order to achieve a proportionate result.
Closed and sterile system for fat transfer
To perform fat transfer, at Clínica Planas we use a single-use, sterile, closed medical system designed to purify, wash and concentrate autologous fat —from the patient’s own — in less than 15 minutes.
This process is designed precisely to avoid contamination of fatty tissue. Lipoaspirate (the fat that is extracted from the patient through the cannula) is gently separated into purified and viable fat cells, ready to be re-injected, eliminating the remaining contaminants as well as blood, oils and tumescent liquids.
The result: clean and sterile fat
At the end of the process, what we get are clean, viable and completely sterile fat cells.
This system is used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to process the extracted fat and prepare it for subsequent re-injection.
This method offers greater cell survival and a lower rate of reabsorption of injected fatty tissue.
F.A.Q.
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Is lipofilling the same as fat transfer?
Yes. In this context, lipofilling, lipotransfer and fat transfer are terms used to describe a procedure based on extracting fat from one area of the body, preparing it and transferring it later to another region. In the case of gluteal lipofilling, fat is obtained by liposuction of one or more donor areas and is subsequently used to provide volume or modify the contour of the gluteal region and, when indicated, of the hip.
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What’s Better, a Fat Transfer or Liposculpture?
They are not equivalent procedures and, in fact, may be part of the same surgery. Liposculpture allows removing fat deposits and remodeling certain body areas. Part of the fat obtained can then be prepared for fat transfer to the buttocks. In this way, both procedures can be complemented: liposculpture works the donor areas and body contour, while fat transfer uses the fat obtained to modify the shape and volume of the gluteal. The recommended approach will always depend on the anatomy and goals of each patient.
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What contraindications does the operation have?
One of the main limitations for an buttock augmentation by fat transfer is not having enough body fat to obtain the required volume. In addition, prior to any intervention it is necessary to check the general state of health by means of the corresponding preoperative study. Alterations such as anemia or other problems detected during these tests may make it necessary to treat or correct the situation prior to considering surgery. We should also assess the quality of the tissues and the expectations. If anatomical characteristics do not allow us to achieve the patient's desired outcome in a reasonable way, it is essential to explain it during the consultation and evaluate other options.
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What are the risks associated with this intervention?
Like any surgery, gluteal fat transfer presents risks and possible complications that should be explained in detail during the consultation and before the surgery. One of the particularly important aspects in this procedure is the anatomical plane in which the fat is deposited. To control the location of the cannula and visualize the tissues during infiltration we use intraoperative ultrasound control. This approach allows to check during surgery the plane in which the fat transfer is being carried out and to prevent its infiltration into the gluteal muscle. The safety of the procedure also depends on adequate patient selection, proper surgical planning and follow-up of preoperative and postoperative instructions.
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What medicines should be avoided before and after surgery?
Before the procedure, it is necessary to inform the medical team of all medicines, vitamins and supplements being taken. Some may affect clotting, increase the risk of bleeding, or interfere with other aspects of surgery and recovery. Therefore, the surgeon and medical team will indicate which products should be temporarily discontinued and when they can be resumed. No prescribed treatment should be discontinued without medical indication.
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Can you tell ahead of time what the result will be?
During the consultation we can make an estimate of the change that can be achieved taking into account the initial anatomy, expectations and, especially, the amount of fat available to transfer. Photographs of other cases can help you understand different possibilities, but they do not allow you to predict exactly the individual result. In addition, the aspect of gluteal changes during the months following intervention due to decreased inflammation and the process of integration and partial reabsorption of the transferred fat. According to the evolution described in our protocol, around six months we can assess a much more stable result.
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Should special exercises be done to help recovery?
During the first few weeks exercise is limited to promote adequate recovery and avoid unnecessary pressure or impact on the treated areas. Subsequently, the exercise is gradually reincorporated according to the instructions of the medical team. In more advanced stages of recovery specific gluteal exercises can be recommended to strengthen and tone the muscles. The right time to start will depend on the individual evolution and the type of surgery performed.
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How many days should you wait to travel?
According to the protocol indicated for this surgery, for an airplane trip we recommend waiting at least 10 days after the surgery.
In land travel, it can be estimated to travel approximately after five to seven days, provided that the evolution is favorable.
In any case, it is advisable to consult the medical team before making a trip during the postoperative period, especially if it is a long journey. -
Can the bathtub be used during the first few days after surgery?
During the first few weeks we must protect the incisions and the areas involved.
As a general reference, we recommend avoiding the bathtub, swimming pools, sea and other situations in which the wounds are submerged for approximately the first two weeks, although definitive authorization will depend on the state of healing and medical assessment. -
When can you go to the pool, gym, or play sports?
The return to sport depends on the procedure performed and the evolution of each patient.
When a liposculpture is combined with lipofilling or gluteal fat transfer, it is usually recommended to wait about a month before restarting certain physical activities, with the aim of protecting the treated areas during the early stages of fat integration.
Re-incorporation should be progressive and always following the surgeon's instructions. -
Are there physical exercises prohibited after a buttock implant surgery? For how long?
In surgery with buttock implant, postoperative instructions are different from those of fat transfer. According to the protocol described for this procedure, during the first two months exercise involving significantly the lower body should be avoided. The exact time to resume each activity will depend on the evolution and should be authorized by the surgeon.
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When can you be exposed to the sun and UVA rays?
After liposculpture we recommend avoiding direct solar exposure to the treated areas during the early recovery phases. In the protocol described for this surgery, a reference period of approximately two months is established, since exposure to areas with hematomas or inflammatory alterations may favor pigmentation changes. Before being exposed to the sun or UVA again, it is advisable to check that the evolution of the skin is adequate.
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Are intramuscular injections allowed if I wear a buttock implant?
In patients with a buttock implant, we recommend avoiding intramuscular injections administered directly into the gluteal region whenever an appropriate alternative exists. Although the location of the prosthesis depends on the surgical technique used, it may be difficult to know its precise position during a subsequent injection. For this reason, in view of the need for intramuscular medication, it is appropriate to inform the healthcare professional of the existence of the implant so that they can evaluate an alternative area of administration.
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Can the buttocks be increased without using implants?
Yes. One of the main alternatives to implants is precisely the buttock augmentation with autologous fat or fat transfer. The technique is to obtain fat from other areas of the body by liposuction, prepare it and transfer it later to the buttocks and, when indicated, to the contour of the hip. In this way we can increase and remodel the buttocks without using a prosthesis, provided that the patient has enough donor fat and the technique is indicated for the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Expert opinion
Dra. Claudia Frigo
The results are natural.
Dr. Alberto López
In gluteal fat transfer, the objective is not only to provide volume, but to work the contour in a global way. The combination of liposuction and fat transfer allows to address both donor areas and gluteal within the same surgical planning.
Dr. Dorian González
Member of the medical team at Clínica Planas.
Dr. Jordi Mir
Buttock augmentation using the patient’s own fat, or fat transfer, improves the volume and shape of the buttocks using fat obtained from other areas of the body. For me, it is not simply about increasing size, but about achieving a natural transition between the waist, hips and buttocks. The fat is processed and carefully injected into selected areas under ultrasound guidance. My priority is to combine aesthetics, naturalness and safety, following the current trend towards European-style buttock augmentation, with more subtle and proportionate results.