Breast Fat Transfer (Lipo-augmentation)

Informed Consent Document

Digital Version 1.0 | March 2026

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Introduction

How the surgery is performed

Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from an area of the body where it is not needed, typically the thighs or abdomen, and relocating it to increase breast volume. Before harvesting, a fluid is injected into the donor site to facilitate removal, reduce bruising and discomfort. The fat is then removed through a small incision using a cannula. Once collected, the fat may be washed, filtered, and centrifuged (spun) to prepare it for transfer.

The prepared fat is injected into the breast using a fine cannula.

What to expect after the procedure

Some of the transferred fat will not survive in its new location, and gradual volume loss is normal over the weeks following surgery. To account for this, your Consultant may initially inject more fat than ultimately required. Additional sessions may be needed to achieve and maintain your desired result.

Anaesthesia

The procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment required.

Why is fat transfer to the breasts performed?

Breast fat transfer is performed to improve the appearance of breasts following breast cancer reconstruction, to correct breast deformities, or for cosmetic enlargement. For cosmetic augmentation, multiple sessions are often required, as only a limited volume of fat can be safely transferred at one time to ensure viability. Adjuvant devices such as Brava may be recommended to support the process.

An individual's choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should discuss each of them with your Consultant to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of breast fat transfer (lipo-augmentation).

Alternative Treatments

Breast fat transfer is an elective surgical operation. Alternative surgery includes:

Injections of man-made substances to improve tissue volume (such as hyaluronic acid)
Use of silicone or saline breast implants
Other surgical procedures that transfer tissue from the body (flaps)
Not undergoing surgery

Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative surgery.

Risks of Breast Fat Transfer

Risks and complications

As with all surgery, the decision to proceed should be based on a careful assessment of the benefits against the risks. Most patients do not experience significant complications, but it is essential to discuss all potential risks and outcomes with your Consultant before proceeding.

1. Change in Appearance – Typically, the transferred fat loses some of its volume over time and then becomes stable. It is possible that more treatments may be needed to maintain the desired volume of the transferred fat and resulting appearance. Less commonly, if you experience significant weight gain, the transferred fat may increase in volume and cause an undesirable appearance. It is important to understand that more than one treatment may be needed and to discuss the costs associated with repeat treatments with your Consultant.

2. Firmness and Lumpiness – While most transferred fat results in a natural feel, it is possible that some or all of the fat may become firm, hard, or lumpy. If some of the fat does not survive the transfer, it may result in fat necrosis (death of transferred fat tissue), causing firmness and discomfort or pain. Cysts may also form at the site of the transferred fat. Surgery may be required to improve such conditions.

3. Under or Over Correction – The transfer of fat may not achieve the desired outcome. The amount of correction may be inadequate or excessive. It may not be possible to control the process of fat transfer due to factors attributable to each patient's situation. If under correction occurs, you may be advised to consider an additional fat transfer procedure. If over correction occurs, other surgical procedures such as liposuction or excision of the fat may be required.

4. Asymmetry – Symmetrical body appearance may not result from a fat transfer procedure. Factors such as skin tone, fatty deposits, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features. It may not be possible to achieve or maintain exact symmetry following fat transfer.

5. Long Term Effects – Subsequent changes in the shape or appearance of the area where the fat was removed or placed may occur as the result of aging, weight loss or gain, or other circumstances not related to the fat transfer procedure.

6. Combined Procedures – Fat grafting is safe to be performed with other surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, revision breast surgery, and breast reconstruction. There are many other surgical procedures where fat transfer may be incorporated, including facelifts, abdominoplasty, liposuction, the treatment of open wounds, scleroderma, ulcers, and scars, to name just a few.

7. Seroma – Fluid may accumulate between the skin and the underlying tissues following surgery, trauma, or vigorous exercise, which is referred to as a seroma. You may notice an increase in the fat graft area, localised swelling, or a shape change that should alert you that a seroma may have occurred in your postoperative period. Seromas should be addressed to prevent an unfavourable outcome. Should this problem occur, notify your Consultant and additional procedures for the drainage of fluid may be required.

8. Donor Sites – The removal of fat in the process of fat transfer is often advantageous. The common complications from liposuction can occur at your donor site. Folds, wrinkles, or creases could occur. Some patients may have inadequate donor sites for fat grafting. Typically, these are patients who have had a previous liposuction procedure.

9. Fat Necrosis – Fat that is transferred may not survive. Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die. Fat necrosis may produce areas of firmness within the skin, hard lumps, localised tenderness/pain, or skin contracture. Calcifications and oil cysts may occur. Additional surgery to remove areas of fat necrosis may be necessary. There is a possibility that contour irregularities in the skin may result from fat necrosis.

10. Accidental Intraarterial Injection – Extremely rarely, fat may be accidentally injected into arterial structures during the course of injection and produce a blockage of blood flow. The risks and consequences of accidental intravascular injection of fillers are unknown and not predictable.

11. Serious Complications – Although serious complications have been reported to be associated with fat transfer procedures, these are very rare. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, fat embolism (a piece of fat may find its way into the blood stream and result in a serious or life threatening condition), stroke, meningitis (inflammation of the brain), serious infection, blindness or loss of vision, or death.

General Risks of Surgery

12. Healing Issues – Certain medical conditions, dietary supplements, and medications may delay and interfere with healing. Patients with massive weight loss may have a healing delay that could result in the incisions coming apart (partial wound dehiscence), infection, and tissue changes resulting in the need for additional medical care, surgery, and prolonged hospitalisations. Patients with diabetes or those taking medications such as steroids on an extended basis may have prolonged healing issues. Smoking will cause a delay in the healing process, often resulting in the need for additional surgery.

13. Skin Laxity – Patients with significant skin laxity will continue to have the same lax skin after surgery. The quality or elasticity of skin will not change, and recurrence of skin looseness will occur at some time in the future, sooner for some than for others. There are nerve endings that may be affected by healing scars from procedures. While there may not be a major nerve injury, small nerve endings may become too active during the healing period, producing a painful or oversensitive area due to the small sensory nerves involved with scar tissue. Often, massage and early nonsurgical intervention resolve this. It is important to discuss postsurgical pain with your Consultant.

14. Bleeding – It is possible, though unusual, to experience bleeding during or after surgery. If postoperative bleeding occurs, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood (haematoma). Blood transfusion is rarely required. Increased activity too soon after surgery can increase the risk of bleeding. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions and avoid strenuous activity for the advised period. I have stopped taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and any herbal or dietary supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding, as advised by my Consultant.

15. Infection – Although infection following injection of fat transfer is unusual, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections can occur. Herpes simplex virus infections around the mouth can occur following fat transfer around the mouth. Should any type of skin infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics may be necessary. Infection, although uncommon, can occur after surgery. Should an infection occur, additional treatment including antibiotics, hospitalisation, or additional surgery may be necessary. It is important to tell your Consultant of any other infections, such as a history of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) infections, an open wound, recent upper respiratory infection/pneumonia, or urinary tract infection. Infections in other parts of the body may lead to an infection in the operated area.

16. Scarring – All surgery results in scars. Although good wound healing is expected, scars may be wider, thicker, or more prominent than anticipated. Scar colour and texture may differ from surrounding skin, and scars may appear different on each side of the body. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring may occur, particularly in patients of Asian or Afro-Caribbean descent. Visible suture marks are possible. In some cases, further treatment such as steroid injections, silicone products, or surgical scar revision may be required.

17. Firmness – Excessive firmness can occur after surgery due to internal scarring. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Additional treatment including surgery may be necessary.

18. Skin Sensitivity – Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after surgery. Usually this resolves during healing, but in rare situations, it may be chronic.

19. Major Wound Separation – Wounds may separate after surgery. Should this occur, additional treatment including surgery may be necessary.

20. Sutures – Most surgical techniques use deep sutures. You may notice these sutures after your surgery. Sutures may spontaneously poke through the skin, become visible, or produce irritation that requires suture removal.

21. Tissue Loss – In rare cases, the transferred fat may cause the skin over the treated area to be injured resulting in loss of the skin and surrounding tissue. This may leave scars, cause disfigurement, and require surgery for treatment.

22. Delayed Healing – Wound disruption or delayed wound healing is possible. Some areas of the skin may not heal normally and may take a long time to heal. Areas of skin may die. This may require frequent dressing changes or further surgery to remove the non-healed tissue. Individuals who have decreased blood supply to tissue from past surgery or radiation therapy may be at increased risk for delayed wound healing and poor surgical outcomes. Smokers have a greater risk of skin loss and wound healing complications.

23. Revision Surgery – While every effort is made for you to have a favourable outcome, unforeseen events can occur that may require revision surgery. Patients with multiple medical problems, massive weight loss patients, smokers, patients that develop infections in the postoperative period, and other high risk patients have a greater propensity to require revision surgery.

24. Damage to Deeper Structures – There is the potential for injury to deeper structures including nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax) during any surgical procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the type of procedure being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

25. Shock – In rare circumstances, your surgical procedure can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive procedures are performed. Although serious complications are infrequent, infections or excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness and even death. If surgical shock occurs, hospitalisation and additional treatment will be necessary.

26. Pain – Some degree of pain and discomfort is expected after surgery, which is usually well controlled with prescribed painkillers. In rare cases, chronic pain may develop due to nerves becoming trapped in scar tissue or tissue stretching. Small nerve endings may become overactive during healing, producing areas of tenderness or heightened sensitivity, which typically resolves with massage and time. If pain persists, I will inform my Consultant.

27. Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material and glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injected agents have been reported. Serious systemic reactions including shock (anaphylaxis) may occur in response to drugs used during surgery and prescription medications. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment. It is important to notify your Consultant of any previous allergic reactions.

28. Surgical Wetting Solutions – There is a possibility that large volumes of fluid containing dilute local anaesthetic drugs and epinephrine that is injected into fatty deposits during surgery may contribute to fluid overload or a systemic reaction to these medications. Additional treatment including hospitalisation may be necessary.

29. Fat/Air Embolism – In rare cases, during or after liposuction and/or fat grafting, fat particles or air can enter the vascular system and can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain. This can result in significant complications including death.

30. Persistent Swelling (Lymphoedema) – Persistent swelling can occur following surgery.

31. Unsatisfactory Results – Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the results that may be obtained. The body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognised in advance. You may be disappointed with the results of surgery. Asymmetry, unanticipated shape and size, loss of function, wound disruption, poor healing, and loss of sensation may occur after surgery. Size may be incorrect. Unsatisfactory surgical scar location or appearance may occur. It may be necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results. Unsatisfactory results may NOT improve with each additional treatment.

32. Breast Cancer Detection Considerations – There is currently no evidence that fat transfer causes breast cancer. However, transferred fat can occasionally harden and form lumps, which may require investigation with mammography, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out cancer. These changes may also make routine breast examination more difficult, and a biopsy may be required if any abnormality is found. The long term effects of breast fat transfer remain an area of ongoing research.

33. Long Term Results – Subsequent alterations in the appearance of your body may occur as the result of aging, sun exposure, weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, menopause, or other circumstances not related to your surgery.

34. Interference with Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping Procedures – Breast surgery procedures that involve cutting through or grafting breast tissue, similar to a breast biopsy, can potentially interfere with diagnostic procedures to determine the lymph node drainage of the breast tissue in the staging of breast cancer.

Additional Patient Information

Future Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – This surgery is not known to interfere with pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, your breast skin may stretch and offset the results of surgery. You may have more difficulty breastfeeding after this operation.

Patients That Have Undergone Bariatric Surgery

I have informed my Consultant if I have undergone any form of bariatric surgery (such as gastric band, gastric bypass, or gastric sleeve). I understand that patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at increased risk of surgical complications, including impaired wound healing, nutritional deficiencies (particularly in protein, iron, vitamin B12, folate, calcium, and vitamin D), and increased susceptibility to infection. I understand that these deficiencies can persist for years after bariatric surgery, even with supplementation.

I understand that it is recommended that my weight has been stable for a minimum of 6 to 12 months before undergoing elective surgery.

I understand that pre-operative blood tests may be required to assess my nutritional status and fitness for surgery.

Mental Health and Elective Surgery

I understand that all elective surgery carries inherent uncertainty and that results are influenced by individual biological factors beyond the Consultant's control. No guarantee of a specific outcome has been made or implied.

I am proceeding with realistic expectations focused on improvement rather than perfection. I understand that dissatisfaction with an outcome does not in itself indicate negligent or substandard care.

I have disclosed to my Consultant any current or past history of anxiety, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, or any other mental health condition. I accept that my psychological response to surgery, including any impact on my emotional wellbeing or ability to work, cannot be predicted regardless of the surgical outcome, and that surgery may temporarily or permanently exacerbate pre-existing psychological concerns.

I take personal responsibility for my emotional and psychological preparedness for surgery and its outcomes. I have been advised to seek independent counselling support before proceeding if I have any concerns about my ability to cope with a result that falls short of my expectations.

Cooling-Off Period

In accordance with GMC guidelines, Kinvara Private Hospital requires a minimum two-week cooling off period between your initial consultation and any cosmetic surgery procedure. By signing this consent form, you confirm that this cooling off period has been observed, or where it has not been possible, that you have chosen to proceed with your full understanding and acceptance.

Smoking or Vaping

I confirm that I have truthfully disclosed my smoking and nicotine use status to my Consultant. I understand that smoking and the use of nicotine products significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of surgical complications. I have been advised to refrain from smoking and all nicotine products for a minimum of six weeks before surgery and until my Consultant confirms it is safe to resume.

I understand that a urine or blood test may be carried out immediately before surgery to confirm the absence of nicotine, and that if nicotine is detected, my procedure may be postponed at the discretion of my Consultant.

Anaesthetic Risks

I understand that all forms of anaesthesia and sedation carry risks, including the possibility of complications, injury, heart attack, stroke, and in rare cases, death.

I understand that surgery carries a risk of blood clots, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and that preventative measures may include early mobilisation, compression devices, and anticoagulation therapy. Thrombosed veins may also develop around intravenous (IV) sites, which usually resolve without treatment. I have informed my Consultant of any relevant history, including blood clots, cancer, varicose veins, heart or lung conditions, recurrent miscarriage, obesity, recent long-haul travel, prolonged immobility, family history of clotting disorders, personal history of thrombophilia, or use of the oral contraceptive pill or hormone therapy. I have been advised by my Consultant whether to temporarily stop taking oral contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy, or any other oestrogen-containing medication before surgery, and I have followed this advice.

I understand that pulmonary complications such as chest infection, partial lung collapse, or fat embolism may occur, and that these risks are higher in smokers and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. I understand that cardiac complications are a risk with any surgery and anaesthesia, even in patients without symptoms. If I experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats after surgery, I will seek immediate medical attention.

I understand that allergic reactions or adverse responses to anaesthetic agents, medications, or surgical materials may occur, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. I have provided my Consultant with a full list of all medications, supplements, and any known drug allergies.

I understand that where repositioning is required during surgery, there is a small risk of nerve injury or pressure-related skin damage.

I have informed my Consultant if I have been diagnosed with, or have symptoms suggestive of, obstructive sleep apnoea, including heavy snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, daytime drowsiness, or use of a CPAP machine. I understand that sleep apnoea increases the risks associated with general anaesthesia and that narcotic pain medications used after surgery may further compromise breathing during sleep.

I understand that ileus (temporary disruption of normal bowel function) may occur after surgery, particularly following general anaesthesia and the use of pain medications. Symptoms may include abdominal distention, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs may occur, which can lead to pneumonia.

Patient Compliance

I understand that I must follow all Consultant instructions carefully, as this is essential for the success of my outcome. I understand that surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing, and that personal and vocational activity needs to be restricted. I will not remove protective dressings or drains unless instructed by my Consultant.

I understand that successful postoperative function depends on both surgery and subsequent care, and that physical activity that increases my pulse or heart rate may cause bruising, swelling, fluid accumulation and the need for return to surgery. I understand that I must not drive a vehicle until advised by my Consultant that it is safe to do so, and that I must not drive while taking prescription pain medication. I have been advised to check with my car insurance provider regarding any restrictions on driving following surgery. I understand that I must attend all scheduled post-operative appointments as advised by my Consultant, and that failure to attend may compromise my outcome.

Financial Responsibilities

I understand that the cost of my procedure includes the fees for the surgery stated in my quote. I acknowledge that this quote does not cover any potential future costs for additional procedures that I may elect to have, or that may be required in order to revise, optimise, or complete my outcome.

I understand that should complications arise, additional costs may be incurred, and that any secondary surgery, further hospital admissions, or revision procedures will be charged separately and will be my financial responsibility.

I understand that complications arising from elective cosmetic surgery are generally not covered by private health insurance or the NHS, and that any treatment required for such complications will be my financial responsibility. I confirm that I have received and understood my quote prior to signing this consent form, and I accept responsibility for all associated costs, including any future treatments that may become necessary.

Consent for Breast Fat Transfer (Lipo-augmentation)

I hereby authorise my Consultant and such assistants to perform Breast Fat Transfer (Lipo-augmentation).

I recognise that during the course of the operation and medical treatment or anaesthesia, unforeseen conditions may necessitate different procedures than those above. I therefore authorise the Consultant and assistants to perform such other procedures that are in the exercise of his or her professional judgment necessary and desirable.
I consent to the administration of such anaesthetics considered necessary or advisable. I understand that all forms of anaesthesia involve risk and the possibility of complications, injury, and sometimes death.
I acknowledge that no guarantee or representation has been given by anyone as to the results that may be obtained.
I understand that it may not be possible to achieve optimal results from a single procedure, and that further surgical sessions may be needed to produce the desired final result. Any additional procedures will incur further costs.
I accept that the practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science, and that while good results are expected, individual results may vary depending on factors such as my general health, healing capacity, and compliance with post-operative instructions.
I consent to be photographed or video recorded before, during, and after the operation(s) for medical, scientific, or educational purposes, provided my identity is not revealed.
I consent to the disposal of any tissue, medical devices or body parts which may be removed.
I understand that my Consultant is an independent medical practitioner and not an employee of Kinvara Private Hospital. My clinical agreement is directly with my Consultant, who is solely responsible for my surgical care and clinical decisions. Kinvara Private Hospital provides the facilities, nursing care, and administrative support.
I realise that not having the operation is an option.

It has been explained to me in a way that I understand:

The above surgery to be undertaken.
There may be alternative surgery.
There are risks to the surgery proposed.
I can confirm that I have read, understood, and have taken time to consider all the identified risks as described above. I have also had the opportunity to discuss any additional concerns and questions with my Consultant, and my Consultant has addressed my concerns to my satisfaction. Therefore I have decided to proceed with surgery with the full knowledge of the intended risk and benefits involved. I certify that I have fully informed my Consultant correctly and to the best of my knowledge my full medical history status.

Patient Signature *

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Date

8 July 2026

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