Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not perform this treatment

Fat grafting is a surgical treatment that is not performed at Kliniek het Bolwerk. The information on this page is intended solely to give a general explanation of what fat grafting involves.

For advice, assessment and any treatment with fat grafting, you will be referred to another clinic or hospital that specialises in it. Always discuss with a qualified healthcare provider which treatment options and alternatives are most suitable for your situation.

What is fat grafting?

Fat grafting is a procedure that uses the patient's own fat to restore or add volume to specific areas of the body. This fat is usually removed from areas where it is plentiful, such as the abdomen, thighs or hips, and then carefully cleaned and prepared for re-injection. The procedure is often used for aesthetic purposes, such as filling wrinkles, improving facial contours, or enlarging the breasts or buttocks. It can also be used for reconstructive purposes, such as restoring volume after a mastectomy or in scar tissue.

How does fat grafting work?

The fat grafting procedure consists of three steps:

Liposuction: The process begins with carefully removing fat from a donor area of the body using liposuction. A thin tube, the cannula, is inserted through small incisions in the skin to loosen and suction out fat cells. This fat is then collected and prepared for injection.
Processing the fat: After liposuction, the removed fat is cleaned to remove blood, oil and other impurities. This is done by centrifuging or filtering the fat, so that only the healthy fat cells suitable for transfer remain.
Re-injecting the fat: The purified fat is then re-injected into the desired area using fine needles or cannulas. The surgeon places the fat in small amounts in multiple layers to achieve a natural, even distribution of the fat and to maximise the survival of the transferred fat cells.

What are the benefits of fat grafting?

Fat grafting offers several benefits:

Natural material: Because the fat comes from the patient's own body, there is no risk of allergic reactions or rejection, which sometimes occur with synthetic implants or fillers.
Dual function: The procedure offers a double aesthetic improvement: removing unwanted fat from problem areas and adding volume where it is needed.
Long-lasting results: Part of the injected fat becomes permanent, which can lead to long-lasting results, especially if the fat integrates well into the receiving tissue.
Versatile: Fat grafting can be used in different parts of the body, from the face to the breasts and buttocks, and can also be used for reconstructive purposes, such as scar improvement.

Risks and considerations

Although fat grafting is generally safe, there are some risks and considerations:

Fat resorption: A large part of the transferred fat can be absorbed by the body, which means that several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired result.
Irregularities: If the fat is not placed evenly or does not integrate well, lumps, nodules or asymmetries can develop.
Infection and complications: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, or complications such as fat necrosis (death of fat cells).
Recovery time: Recovery time is needed after the procedure, especially because fat is removed and re-injected, which can lead to swelling, bruising and discomfort in both the donor and the receiving area.

Recovery after fat grafting

Recovery after fat grafting varies depending on the treated area and the amount of fat injected. In general, patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort in both the donor and the receiving area for a few days to weeks. It is important to follow the surgeon's aftercare instructions, such as avoiding pressure on the treated areas and wearing compression garments if necessary. Most people can resume their normal activities within a few days, although the full result only becomes visible after several months, once the swelling has completely gone and the fat has stabilised.

What is the difference between fat grafting and other fillers or implants?

Fat grafting differs from synthetic fillers and implants in that it uses the patient's own fat, resulting in a more natural feel and appearance. While fillers and implants offer ready-made solutions with predictable results, fat grafting offers a more flexible but sometimes less predictable option, depending on how well the fat integrates. However, fat grafting has the added benefit of contour improvement in the donor area, which fillers and implants do not offer.

Fat grafting is a versatile and natural method for volume enhancement and contour correction, with the advantage of using the patient's own fat. Although there are some risks, this procedure offers long-lasting and natural results, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon.

At Kliniek het Bolwerk in Haarlem, you can come to us for fillers or lip fillers.