What should you know about fat transfer operation?

It combines treatment of a donor site with treatment of the target area, so planning must cover both the appearance you want and your general health.

During assessment, the clinician discusses goals, examines the donor and recipient sites, and reviews conditions and medicines that may affect healing. On the day, fat is removed with liposuction, processed, and introduced through small openings. Anaesthesia and the exact technique vary with the area and the planned volume.

Swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness, numbness, and temporary unevenness can affect both sites. The transferred tissue may change as healing progresses, so follow-up is needed before judging the contour. Possible concerns include infection, bleeding, fluid collection, scarring, lumps, and changes in sensation.

Give the surgical team a complete medicine and allergy list, including supplements, and mention previous operations, clotting problems, smoking, and illnesses. Confirm fasting instructions, transport, time away from work, wound care, compression, bathing, and activity limits. After surgery, take medicines exactly as directed, walk only when advised, protect the treated area from pressure, and keep every review appointment.

Contact the team about fever, worsening redness, foul drainage, uncontrolled pain, heavy bleeding, wound separation, or swelling that is increasing rather than settling. Emergency symptoms include severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, confusion, or a painful swollen limb. Use the emergency service when these symptoms are sudden or severe.

What is the purpose of each part of the operation? Which anaesthetic will be used? What result can my available donor tissue support? How will you manage a lump, infection, or uneven contour? What is the after-hours contact plan?