Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injections, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure over the past decade. It involves taking fat from one area of the body, purifying it, and then injecting it into another area to augment or fill it out.
Some of the most common reasons people get fat transfer procedures include plumping up the breasts, buttocks, face, hands, and lips. It offers a natural-looking way to enhance your curves or restore volume loss due to aging.
If you’re considering fat grafting, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much does fat transfer cost on average. Here we’ll provide a full overview of fat transfer costs and what factors affect the price.
Average Cost of Fat Transfer
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of fat transfer procedures in 2020 was:
- Fat grafting to the breasts: $3,719
- Fat grafting to the buttocks: $4,959
- Fat grafting to the face: $3,048
So you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 on average for a fat transfer procedure depending on the area being treated. However, the price can sometimes be higher or lower than the averages above.
What Affects the Cost of Fat Transfer?
Some of the main factors that influence fat transfer costs include:
The Surgeon’s Fee
The surgeon’s fee makes up the bulk of the total price. More experienced, highly qualified surgeons often charge more for their services than less experienced surgeons. Surgeons working in expensive metropolitan areas also tend to have higher fees.
Extent of the Procedure
The more fat that needs to be harvested and transferred, the more expensive the procedure. Transferring fat to multiple areas at once, rather than just one, will also raise the price.
Type of Anesthesia
Fat transfer can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. General anesthesia costs more because it requires an anesthesiologist to monitor you throughout the procedure.
The Geographic Location
Like with most cosmetic procedures, fat transfer costs more in some parts of the country than others. The price is often highest in metro areas like New York City and Los Angeles.
Additional Expenses
There are additional costs on top of the surgeon’s fee to consider as well. These include the hospital or surgical facility fee, anesthesia fees, and costs for follow-up visits and post-op garments.
Fat Transfer Cost Breakdown
To give you a better idea of what goes into the total price, here is an example cost breakdown for fat transfer to the breasts:
| Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon’s fee | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Anesthesia fees | $600 – $1,000 |
| Hospital or surgical facility fees | $700 – $1,200 |
| Post-surgery garments | $50 – $100 |
| Total cost | $3,850 – $7,300 |
As you can see, the surgeon’s fee makes up the largest portion. The geography and type of facility will largely determine how much the other fees are.
Does Insurance Cover Fat Transfer?
Unfortunately, insurance typically does not cover fat transfer procedures purely for cosmetic reasons. It’s considered an elective, cosmetic surgery.
In some cases, insurance may cover part of the cost for fat grafting done as part of reconstruction after cancer treatment or injury. But even then, they will often only pay for a portion of the procedure.
Make sure to check with your insurance provider to see if any part may be covered before setting up a fat transfer.
Can You Pay in Installments?
Most plastic surgeons offer financing plans to help patients pay for fat transfer surgery over time. Popular financing companies they work with include:
- CareCredit – Offers special financing for cosmetic procedures at participating providers. No upfront costs or prepayment penalties.
- Alphaeon Credit – Provides loans for treatments and procedures not covered by insurance. Fixed monthly payments.
- United Medical Credit – Allows payments through 60 months for cosmetic surgery costs not covered by insurance.
Reputable plastic surgery centers will provide information on these financing options during consultations. It’s also possible to pay with cash or credit card (which may provide rewards) if you have the means.
How to Get the Best Deal on Fat Transfer
If you want to keep your overall costs down, here are some tips that can potentially save you money:
- Shop around and compare prices between different surgeons.
- Ask about any current specials or promotions.
- Consider having multiple areas treated at once to save on operating room fees.
- Get the procedure done at a surgery center rather than hospital if possible.
- Opt for local anesthesia instead of general if you can tolerate being awake.
- Make sure your surgeon and facility accept your insurance if any part will be covered.
However, make sure not to compromise on safety and results to get a better deal. Finding an experienced surgeon you trust should be your top priority.
What’s Included in the Cost of Fat Transfer?
The total you pay for fat grafting will generally cover the following:
- Initial consultation with the surgeon
- The surgeon’s fee for performing the procedure
- Use of the operating facility and room
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescription medications
- Surgeon’s fee for follow-up visits
However, some plastic surgeons charge extra for things like lab testing, and post-op garments so be sure to ask what’s included. There also may be additional costs that are not covered like missed work and travel expenses.
Fat Transfer vs. Breast Augmentation Cost Comparison
Since fat transfer is often used for breast enhancement, one thing women look at is how much more affordable it is compared to breast implant surgery. On average:
- Fat transfer to breasts: $3,500 – $6,500
- Breast augmentation with implants: $5,000 – $10,000
So fat transfer often costs less than half as much as implants. However, the results may not be as dramatic with fat transfer, and some of the grafted fat may be reabsorbed.
Many plastic surgeons recommend fat grafting as more of a complementary procedure to be combined with breast implants. The fat injections can help mask the edges of the implants for a more natural appearance.
Pros and cons of each option:
| Procedure | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Transfer | – Less expensive on average – Natural feel – Uses your own body fat – No scars from implants |
– Smaller increase in size – Volume loss over time – Multiple sessions often needed |
| Breast Implants | – Larger breast enhancement – Immediate dramatic results – Maintains volume long-term |
– More expensive on average – Implants may need replacing – More invasive surgery – Risk of capsular contracture |
Again, many women choose to combine the two procedures to get the maximum plumping and natural feel and shape.
How Much Does Fat Removal & Harvesting Cost?
Fat transfer starts with liposuction to remove excess fat from another area of your body. This is called fat harvesting. Common liposuction donor sites include the thighs, abdomen, hips and lower back.
The average price for liposuction is around $3,500 per treatment area. So if you are just having a small amount of fat removed from one area, you’ll generally pay in the range of $2,000 – $5,000.
Some surgeons include the liposuction fee along with their fat transfer fee. Others charge separately for it. Be sure to ask your provider if the initial fat harvesting cost is included or not.
In many cases, patients are already planning to get liposuction to remove unwanted fat. So they can get that procedure and use the fat removed for transfers to enhance their body. It’s a great way to sculpt your figure and improve contours in two areas at once.
Liposuction vs. Fat Transfer Costs
On average:
- Liposuction: $2,500-$5,000 per area
- Fat transfer: $3,000-$5,000 per area
So the cost is comparable for each procedure. The difference is liposuction removes fat you don’t want, while a fat transfer takes that fat and puts it somewhere you do want to augment.
Combining the two lets you get reshaping of problem spots plus enhancement of areas you’d like fuller. Just be aware that you may have some recovery time and soreness from the liposuction before the transfer.
What’s the Best Age for Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer can improve contours at almost any age. However, it tends to give the most natural-looking results for patients in their 30s through early 50s.
In younger patients, the transferred fat cells tend to grow even more than in older patients. Fat transfer survival also declines as we get older.
That said, fat injections can still work very well on older skin to fill wrinkles and creases. Results just may not last as many years as with younger patients.
For older individuals, fat grafting is often best combined with a facelift or eyelid surgery. The fat plumps up the skin, while the surgery removes extra sagging tissue. This paired approach helps rejuvenate the face in multiple ways.
Finding an Experienced Surgeon for Fat Transfer
As with any cosmetic surgery, the skill and experience of your doctor will greatly impact your fat transfer results and safety.
When researching surgeons, look for the following credentials and experience:
- Board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS)
- Membership in ASAPS, ASPS, AAFPRS or other reputable professional association
- Exclusive focus on facial plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures (rather than general plastic surgery)
- Evidence of advanced training in fat grafting techniques
- An artistic eye and attention to detail and symmetry
- 5+ years experience performing fat transfer
- Hundreds of past fat grafting procedures
- Great before and after photos of fat transfer results
- Positive patient reviews praising their skill and results
This level of specialized experience and training allows surgeons to harvest the fat properly, purify it, and inject it precisely to achieve a smooth, natural-looking outcome.
During consultations, be sure to ask how often the surgeon performs fat transfers, the technique they use, and how many years they’ve offered the procedure.
Also look at reviews and before and afters to get an idea of their cosmetic eye and skill. The top surgeons have an artistic vision and the technical skill to achieve whatever effect the patient is looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions – Fat Transfer Cost & Planning
How much does fat transfer for the face cost?
On average, fat transfer to the face costs between $2,500 and $4,500. Small areas like lips or under eyes may be toward the lower end of the range. Your surgeon’s fee and extent of the procedure impact the overall price.
How much fat can be transferred at once?
Most surgeons recommend keeping fat transfers under 300cc per session. This helps ensure the blood supply to the transferred fat will be robust enough for good graft survival. Larger sessions tend to have more reabsorption.
How long does transferred fat last?
Typically, about 60% of transferred fat will survive permanently. The rest is reabsorbed by your body. With proper technique, the surviving fat cells should last indefinitely just as your normal fat cells do. Some patients choose to get touch up sessions after a year or two.
How long is recovery from fat transfer?
Recovery is around 1-2 weeks for most fat transfer procedures. You’ll need to wear a compression garment at the graft site and take it easy. After 2 weeks you can return to most normal activities. It may take a few months for final results as swelling goes down.
Can I finance fat transfer surgery?
Yes, many plastic surgery centers offer financing plans that allow you to pay for your procedure over 12, 24, or even 60 months. CareCredit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit are popular options. Down payments and interest rates vary.
Does fat transfer hurt?
There is some mild discomfort during the liposuction part. Your surgeon will inject numbing fluid to minimize pain. You may have some soreness and swelling after surgery. Pain medication is prescribed to keep you comfortable as you recover.
Conclusion
Fat transfer offers a way to naturally enhance areas of your body using your own tissues. Average costs range from $3,000 – $6,000 depending on the areas treated and extent of the procedure.
Multiple factors affect the total price including the surgeon’s fee, facility and anesthesia fees, the geographic region, and more. Many financing plans are available if you cannot pay for the full cost upfront.
Although fat transfer costs less than implants on average, the results may not be as dramatic. Combining the procedures can provide both fullness and a natural shape and feel.
Be sure to carefully vet surgeons based on their training, experience, and past patient results. This will help ensure you get the optimal outcome from your investment in this increasingly popular procedure.