Fat Transfer For Scars

Treatment to improve the appearance of scars that last longer than fillers

Fat transfer is a proven method for treating depressed or sunken scars. It involves harvesting fat from another area of the body and placing it directly under the scar to restore lost volume.

Our dedicated team at the London Scar Clinic is ready to assist you in your scar revision journey. Our team of specialists is committed to providing comprehensive care and helping individuals regain confidence in their skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the treatment options available to you.

What is Fat Transfer for Scars?

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting for scars, is a surgical procedure used in scar treatments. It involves taking fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to areas affected by scars. The fat is carefully harvested using liposuction techniques, processed to remove impurities, and then injected into the scarred areas.

Fat transfer for scars is a versatile treatment option and can be used for various types of scars. It is effective for scars caused by:

burns
injuries
chickenpox
acne
sun exposure
radiation exposure

Whether the scars (or parts of them) are raised, indented, or have irregular contours, fat transfer can help restore a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

beautiful woman's face with flower shadows on it

Benefits of Fat Transfer Scar Treatment

Fat Transfer Scar Treatment helps with:

adding volume to the scarred areas
smoothing out uneven surfaces and softening the overall appearance of scars
providing long-lasting improvements to the appearance and texture of scars
boosting confidence and improving overall well-being

This procedure involves transferring fat from one area of the body to another, eliminating the risk of your body rejecting the treatment because the transferred fat comes from your own body. This makes fat transfer a suitable treatment option for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Fat Transfer for Scars Treatment at London Scar Clinic

Consultation

During the consultation, you will meet with our consultants who specialise in scar treatments. They will carefully evaluate your specific situation, including the type and severity of your scars, your desired outcomes, and any specific concerns or questions you may have.

They will discuss the fat transfer procedure in detail, explaining how it works and what you can expect during and after the treatment.

Additionally, during the consultation, the consultant may examine your donor sites to determine the best areas from which to harvest fat for the transfer. They will explain the options and discuss the pros and cons of each potential donor site.

Essential Care Before the Procedure

Before undergoing the fat transfer procedure, stop using blood-thinning medications and supplements. These can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.

If you smoke, it is highly recommended to quit at least two weeks before the procedure. Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

London Scar Clinic will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions. These may include guidelines on fasting before the procedure, avoiding certain skincare products, or any other necessary preparations.

Since the procedure is performed under anaesthesia, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the treatment. You may experience drowsiness or temporary discomfort, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle.

doctor comforting patient by holding her hand

Fat Grafting for Scars Procedure

The fat grafting procedure for scars is performed under anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The surgeon will harvest fat from a donor site on your body, such as the abdomen or thighs. At The London Scar Clinic, we use liposuction techniques to remove the fat cells, which are then processed to remove impurities.

The harvested fat is then processed to purify it and prepare it for injection into the scarred areas. This ensures that only the healthy fat cells are used for the transfer. Once the fat is prepared, the surgeon injects it into the areas affected by scars.

The transplanted fat cells integrate with the surrounding tissues over time. They establish a blood supply and gradually become a part of the recipient site. This integration promotes healing and helps improve the appearance and texture of the scars.

Recovery & Expected Results

After fat transfer for scars, you may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas.

The recovery period for fat transfer for scars is minimal. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for a few weeks to allow for proper healing.

It may take several months for the transplanted fat to fully integrate and for the final results to become apparent.

The longevity of the results can vary depending on individual factors, including the overall health, lifestyle, and the specific characteristics of the scars. In general, the transferred fat cells can provide long-lasting improvements to the appearance and texture of scars. However, it is important to maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy lifestyle to optimise the longevity of the results.

Potential Risks

While fat transfer for scars is generally considered a safe procedure, it does carry some potential risks and complications. Some potential risks include:

Oozing: This is common during the procedure or within the first 24 hours. The London Scar Clinic takes measures to minimise such risk and will provide the necessary after care advice.
Asymmetry: There is a possibility of uneven distribution of transferred fat, resulting in asymmetry.
Fat Necrosis: In rare cases, some of the transferred fat cells may not survive, leading to fat necrosis, which may result in irregularities and lumpiness.
Scarring: While the goal of fat transfer is to improve the appearance of scars, there is a small risk of developing new scars at the donor or injection sites.
Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in sensation, such as numbness or hypersensitivity, may occur at the donor or injection sites.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to anaesthesia, medications, or materials used during the procedure can occur.

Pricing & Cost

The cost of fat transfer of scars depends on the size of the area being treated and how many sessions are required for each patient. During your initial consultation, one of our expert specialists will discuss the cost of your treatment with you.

Yes, laser treatments can be combined with fat transfer for scar treatment. Laser therapy can be used before or after the fat transfer procedure to further improve the appearance and texture of scars. Laser treatments can help reduce redness, improve skin tone and texture, and enhance overall scar healing. Your London Scar Clinic consultant will assess your situation and determine the best combination of treatments for your scar revision journey.

The usual preferred donor sites for fat transfer are areas of the body where there is an ample amount of fat available, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. However, the specific preferred donor site for fat transfer will be discussed and determined during a consultation with the London Scar Clinic. The team will assess your specific situation, consider factors such as the availability of fat in different areas of your body, your desired outcome, and any existing scars in potential donor sites, and work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.

Studies have shown that the majority of transplanted fat will remain in place indefinitely, as long as the patient does not lose a significant amount of weight or sustain an injury to the area. However, it may require multiple transfers to fully achieve the desired volume and appearance.

When it comes to treating scars, the fat transfer scar treatment stands out as a longer-lasting option compared to using dermal fillers. Your consultant at the London Scar Clinic will work closely with you to assess your scars and help determine the best treatment option that suits your specific needs and lifestyle.

The number of sessions required for fat transfer varies for each case. It depends on factors such as the severity of the scars and the desired outcome. Your London Scar Clinic consultant will evaluate your situation and provide a personalised treatment plan that includes the recommended number of sessions.

Treatment Overview

Types of Scars Treated
Fat transfer for scars can be used for various types of scars, including those caused by burns, injuries, chickenpox, acne, sun exposure, and radiation exposure.

Allergy Possibility
The risk of allergic reactions is minimal as the transferred fat comes from the patient’s own body.

Anaesthesia
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort.

Number of Sessions
The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the scars and the desired volume and appearance. Your consultant will provide a personalised treatment plan.

Downtime
The procedure has minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume normal daily activities within a few days.

Recovery Period
The typical recovery period is around two weeks. Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided during this time.

Fat Transfer For Scars

Treatment to improve the appearance of scars that last longer than fillers

What is Fat Transfer for Scars?

Benefits of Fat Transfer Scar Treatment