Fat Grafting: What Happens to Transferred Fat Cells?

Fat transfer surgery has become a popular option for individuals seeking natural-looking results by utilizing their own tissue rather than synthetic fillers or implants. At Bay Area Laser Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Armen Serebrakian and Dr. Arman T. Serebrakian specialize in advanced fat grafting techniques that enhance areas such as the face, breasts, and buttocks. If you are considering this procedure, you may wonder: what happens to fat cells once they are moved, and how do they survive long term?

How Fat Is Harvested and Prepared

The process begins with liposuction from areas where you have excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This harvested fat is then carefully purified to separate healthy, viable fat cells from fluids or damaged tissue. Only the healthiest cells are used for transfer, which improves the likelihood of successful grafting and long-lasting results. This preparation process is one of the reasons fat transfer can feel so natural compared to fillers.

What Happens When Fat Cells Are Transferred

Once injected into the new area, fat cells rely on your body to establish a blood supply. During the first few weeks after transfer, some fat cells naturally do not survive. The remaining cells that connect to your blood supply become permanent. These surviving fat cells adapt to their new location and behave just like the surrounding natural tissue. This is why results from fat grafting often last longer than fillers, which your body eventually absorbs.

Why Fat Survival Rates Vary

Not every transferred fat cell will survive. On average, patients retain approximately 50–70% of the transferred fat long-term. Several factors influence survival, including:

• The technique used to harvest and inject the fat
• The volume transferred in a single session
• The health of your tissues and circulation
  
• Post-procedure care, including avoiding pressure on the treated area

In some cases, a touch-up treatment may be recommended to refine the results.

Choose Experienced Surgeons

Fat transfer is both an art and a science. Dr. Armen and Dr. Arman T. Serebrakian use refined techniques to maximize fat survival and achieve natural, lasting results. Their experience allows them to carefully sculpt the body and place fat with precision, ensuring your outcomes are both beautiful and balanced.

To learn more about fat transfer surgery and how it may help you achieve your goals, contact Bay Area Laser Cosmetic Surgery Center at (510) 724-8282 in Pinole or (415) 461-5755 in Larkspur. Our team proudly serves patients across San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay.