Fat harvesting and transfer

Possible risks and complications of fat harvesting and transfer surgery

Temporary

• You may experience some temporary oozing from the area from which the fat has been taken.
• You may experience temporary stinging, throbbing, burning sensation, redness, swelling, redness or bruising and excess fullness in both the 'donor' and 'recipient' sites.
• Swelling and 'puffiness' may last for several weeks.
• Redness and bruising usually lasts for about 48 hours.

GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY

Because surgery is such a vital part of modern medicine, there is a tendency to forget that there are risks associated with every type of surgery. While these risks are small, every person undergoing surgery should be aware of the risks.

Wounds

All internal and external wounds need time to heal after surgery. Sutures and other material are used to hold wounds closed while they heal. For specific discussion possible complications with regard to fat harvesting and transfer surgery, click here.

Infections

Despite taking precautions, infections can occur during and just after surgery. These may be general, such as pneumonia, or specific to Fat Harvesting and Transfer surgery. Because of their generally good health, Fat Transfer patients usually have a lower risk of developing general infections such as pneumonia.

Pulmonary Risks

Patients have a risk of forming a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) that breaks off and gets stuck in the lung circulation (pulmonary embolism). This is minimized by the wearing of surgical 'stockings' during the surgery, and by getting the patient out of bed as soon as possible. You will also be encouraged to breathe deeply when you wake up from the anesthetic as this expands your lungs and helps ensure your blood oxygen levels are good.

Risks of Anesthesia

• It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection.
• Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and can be stressful.
• Please discuss openly with Dr Konrat in your consultation prior to surgery, any history of emotional depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether a matter is relevant, please mention it anyway. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted and could possibly have a negative influence on emotional stability.