Surgical Procedure

What is fat grafting surgery & how does fat grafting work?

Fat transfer in Dubai, also known as fat grafting surgery, is a procedure that involves Bodyjet liposuction in various parts of the body.

Once harvested, the fat is then used as a fat graft to be injected into other areas of the body, such as the face, buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), and breasts. For engaging in fat transfer in Dubai and seeking the best surgeon, contact Dr. Rory McGoldrick.

Fat transfer relies on the fact that the fat transferred acquires a new blood supply and therefore survives in its new position. The amount of fat that survives is approximately 60% so careful consideration is important to account for the fact that some will not survive.

The Bodyjet system is designed to maximise the amount of fat transferred. The transferred fat can act to replace lost volume, increase existing volume, enhance contours, and also the female silhouette by improving the proportions of the waist and hips. Fat grafting in Dubai is commonly used for:

Breast
Facial fat
Body sculpting
Buttocks
Chin fat
Arms
Cheek
Upper eyelid
Hips
Face

If you are interested in fat grafting for any of these areas, please contact Dr Rory. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of 1,000+ successful surgeries, Dr Rory provides expert care and natural-looking results.

Bodyjet liposuction and fat transfer are performed through small incisions approximately 4mm in size.
These incisions are typically hidden in the belly button, below the underwear line, or in natural skin creases, allowing them to be concealed when wearing underwear or a bikini.

The surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic and if performed alone can be conducted as a day surgery, meaning you go home the same day as your surgery.

What is the aim of fat transfer surgery?

To use fat to replace lost volume in the face, or to increase existing volume anywhere on the body. It is commonly used to naturally and modestly enhance the size and shape of the buttocks or breasts.

How long will the results last?

Interestingly, we all have a set number of fat cells throughout our lives. These cells are called adipocytes. This means the results from liposuction will last forever if your weight remains stable.

If you do gain weight following the fat transfer, the weight will be protected to a degree from fat deposits as a proportion of existing fat.

However, with weight gain, areas that were not treated with liposuction may accumulate more of this fat. The fat has to be deposited somewhere in our bodies if our calorie intake exceeds energy output.

Fat transfer in Dubai relies on the fact that the transferred fat acquires a new blood supply. The amount of fat that survives is approximately 60%, so correction is performed to account for the fat that does not survive. The Bodyjet system is designed to ensure this.

Once the adipocytes have a new blood supply, they will thrive in their new position and behave like all adipocytes in our body. Factors that can reduce this include smoking and putting extra pressure on the areas where the fat is grafted.

If weight is gained, the transferred adipocytes will store fat and enlarge, magnifying the effect of the fat transfer. Equally, if you lose weight, the transferred fat cells will shrink, which again makes the procedure more comfortable.

Weight gain and weight loss will therefore affect the results of both liposuction and fat transfer; therefore, it is essential to maintain a stable plateau weight prior to and following surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Prior to the day of surgery, you will be given the following information, and it is critical to know these details ahead of time:

Surgery day, exact time of arrival, and where to report to.

Pre-operative instructions for food, drink, and medications.

Specific instructions to collect you from the hospital on the day of surgery.

Provide contact details of friends or family.

To organise toiletries, underwear (if worn), and a suitable change of clothing.

Your list of medicines and allergies (if any)

You will be contacted the evening before surgery and receive a follow-up plan. On the day of surgery, you will be checked in by a nurse, and all your details will be confirmed. You will then be changed into a surgical gown.

Dr Rory will see you personally prior to lunch to review all the details of the surgery, including the consent forms, and answer any questions you may have about the surgery.

Your implant sizes will be discussed in confidence. Multiple D checks and procedure confirmation will be performed to ensure your operation’s safety is a priority.

After your surgery, Dr Rory will notify your friends or family to let them know the procedure has been completed and put their minds at ease. Depending on the procedure, he will see you after the surgery and discuss the procedure.

When you are feeling comfortable, the team will then allow you to be discharged as planned that morning. All medicines and instructions will be provided to you upon discharge.

You will be discharged from the hospital with a soft support garment that has a window allowing the fat transfer area to avoid any pressure.

How long will the surgery take?

Depending on the degree of liposuction and fat transfer, the surgery time ranges between two and five hours.This does not include anaesthesia time. In total, the whole procedure may last longer.

Will fat grafting in Dubai be painful?

One of the primary aims of any procedure performed by Dr Rory is to create a pain-free experience. The primary sensation you will experience is tenderness, bruising, and swelling at all surgical sites.

A long-acting local anaesthetic agent is placed into the surgical area at the end of the procedure. To make you comfortable, a garment will be applied to help support the surgical areas.

In terms of recovery, you can expect some soreness in the surgical area and discomfort with movement. Dr Rory does not use drains, which again makes the procedure more comfortable.

What is the recovery period?

This is a major procedure, and recovery typically takes over one week. A specialised skin glue will be applied to all small surgical incision areas, and a splash-proof dressing will be used. This will allow you to shower with care.

The garment should be removed before showering. No heavy recreational activity that will cause excessive sweating. However, full mobilisation is encouraged. Light cardio after eight weeks.

The specialised skin glue will peel off in 3 to 4 weeks. At this time, a silicone-based strip or gel should be applied to the healed area in order to minimise the final appearance of the scars. The garment should be worn for four to six weeks after the fat has been grafted for optimal results.

Dr Rory will also specifically set out a timeframe, based on an individual’s needs, for liposuction and grafting areas after discharge. The final results, in terms of shape, are expected to be approximately four to six months.

Initially, you may experience bruising and swelling, followed by the development of hard lumps and areas of tenderness. This is normal. This resolves over weeks and softens naturally, but the speed of resolution varies between patients.

Dr Rory advises either massaging yourself or obtaining a professional massage to aid lymphatic drainage and help resolve firmness and swelling, which is often water retention caused by the procedure.

In some instances, all scars are fully healed at approximately four weeks. The final appearance of your scars will be assessed at eight months.

How much is fat grafting?

The cost of the procedure depends on the areas of liposuction and the amount of fat transfer. The fat grafting cost starts at 30,000 AED (excluding VAT). The final cost is determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent on complexity and additional procedures.

Combination surgeries can lower the price of individual surgeries when performed together. A comprehensive surgical consultation with Dr Rory will provide all the necessary details for your specific case.

What are the risks of the procedure?

These include some discomfort, infection, risk of bleeding, degrees of asymmetry, prolonged swelling, unevens, and birth fat transfer graft survival. There is also a risk of fat embolism. In addition to liposuction cases, there is always a risk of unevenness when fat is introduced.

This risk is minimised by using the Bodyjet system, which allows for a smoother fat extractor release mechanism. This reduces bleeding and prevents excessive pressure on the grafted areas, thereby maintaining the desired thickness.

Fat embolism occurs when fat is injected into tissue that can enter the bloodstream and cause embolism or stroke. This risk is heightened by fat injections into the buttocks, which makes large blood vessels visible. This risk is avoided by superficial injection of moderate amounts of fat into the larger blood vessels.

Anything in particular important I should know about the procedure?

It is a relatively long procedure, and if you are a good candidate, you can expect very high satisfaction rates if you are willing to accept the small risks and discomfort, both of which will subside over time.

The final appearance typically takes approximately four to six months. It is commonly performed in conjunction with other body contouring surgeries.

What is the follow-up after the procedure?

After each patient has a follow-up schedule that is different. You will be advised by Dr Rory and his team about your particular follow-up journey for your fat transfer surgery.

It typically involves visiting the team a week after surgery to check the site, then applying protective dressings until the glue falls off.

Thereafter, scar checks are performed at the six-week point. Follow-up appointments are then at four and twelve months. This schedule will differ between individuals.

If you are considering fat transfer in Dubai or fat grafting surgery, trust a surgeon who combines advanced techniques with personalised care. Book your consultation with Dr Rory McGoldrick today.

FAQ’S

Who is involved in my care?

Dr Rory is the primary physician in charge of all your care. He performs all procedures himself and is meticulous about every detail. He will provide you with contact details and will be available for you as your on-call doctor.

He has trained his team to an exceptionally high standard, from his aesthetic coordinators to his aesthetic nurses.

In some instances, for care, photography, garment fitting, wound dressings, checks, or removal of stitches, his highly trained team will perform the fine care directly under Dr. Rory’s supervision, with that role maintained.

How long does fat grafting last in the face?

Once the fat establishes a blood supply, results are long-lasting and behave like natural fat.

How long does fat grafting take to heal?

Initial healing takes 1–2 weeks, with final results visible at 4–6 months.

What is breast fat grafting?

Breast fat grafting uses your own fat to naturally enhance breast shape and volume.

What is nano fat grafting?

Nano fat grafting uses finely processed fat to improve skin quality and texture.

What are fat transfer to breast pros and cons?

Pros include natural results and no implants; cons include partial fat loss and a need for stable weight.

What is facial fat grafting?

Facial fat grafting is a procedure that uses your own fat to restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, jawline, and lips. Fat is harvested through gentle liposuction, purified, and then carefully injected to improve facial contours, soften wrinkles, and create a more youthful, natural appearance.

What is fat grafting to the buttocks?

Fat grafting to the buttocks, commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), involves transferring fat from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs to the buttocks. The goal is to enhance shape, volume, and projection while maintaining natural proportions using the patient’s own fat.

What is eyelid fat grafting in Dubai?

Eyelid fat grafting in Dubai is a specialised procedure used to treat hollow or sunken upper and lower eyelids by restoring lost volume with the patient’s own fat. It helps rejuvenate the eye area, reduce a tired appearance, and improve skin quality while maintaining a natural, refreshed look.