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Lipomodelling

Lipomodelling (Autologous Fat Transfer) in Sydney

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Overview

Lipomodelling—also called autologous fat transfer or fat grafting—is a surgical technique that uses a person’s own fat to adjust volume and contour in selected areas of the body. Fat is typically collected from a donor area (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and then transferred to a recipient area where additional volume or soft-tissue correction may be clinically appropriate. This procedure is not a weight-loss treatment and outcomes vary between individuals.

Add volume to breasts

Reduce sagging

Lift and tighten

Reshape and contour

Before & After

The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Implant Size: 300cc – 450cc

Recovery Timeline: 1–2 weeks light

Tags: Breast Enhancement, Cosmetic Surgery

About This Procedure

Lipomodelling is generally performed in stages within the one operation:

Fat harvesting using liposuction from a donor site.
Processing of the harvested fat to prepare it for transfer.
Fat transfer where the prepared fat is injected in small amounts into the recipient area to support contour or volume goals agreed during consultation.

The exact technique and plan depend on anatomy, the treatment area, and safety considerations.

Your Consultation with Dr Lajevardi

Dr Sepehr Lajevardi is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, dedicated to providing exceptional results to each patient. He takes a caring approach, working with patients to create an individualised treatment plan that helps them feel confident in their outcomes. Book your appointment to receive professional care and guidance from Dr Lajevardi, and find out if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.

Key Benefits

Potential benefits depend on the indication and the surgical plan. Lipomodelling may offer:

Use of your own tissue

rather than an implant or filler material (where appropriate)

Targeted contour change

in the recipient area (results vary)

Donor area contour change

from the fat harvesting process (not a substitute for weight loss)

Soft-tissue correction

in selected cases (for example, contour irregularities)

No specific outcome can be guaranteed. A portion of transferred fat may not persist long-term, and sometimes more than one procedure is required.

Complete Body Guide

Get step-by-step insights, recovery tips, and expert recommendations for your Body. Download our free guide today.

Ideal Candidate

A suitable candidate is typically an adult who:

Is in good overall health and able to undergo surgery and anaesthesia (where required)
Has adequate donor fat available for harvesting
Understands the limitations of fat transfer, including variability in how much fat remains over time
Has realistic expectations and can commit to post-operative care and follow-up

A consultation is required to assess suitability, explain alternatives, and discuss likely risks and recovery.

You May Be a Good Candidate If

You may be a good candidate for lipomodelling if you:

Are medically fit for surgery and healing
Have stable weight for a period advised by your surgeon
Have enough donor fat to safely harvest
Are seeking subtle to moderate contour or volume adjustment (depending on area)
Do not smoke/vape or are willing to stop nicotine use for the recommended period
Understand that results vary and revision or staged treatment may sometimes be recommended

Who Should Not Undergo This Procedure

Lipomodelling may not be appropriate if you:

Have an active infection or untreated medical condition that increases surgical risk
Have significant health issues that impair healing or circulation
Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required
Do not have sufficient donor fat for the intended plan
Have expectations that are not achievable with fat transfer alone, or where surgery is unlikely to address the underlying concern

Surgical Techniques & Approaches

Technique is tailored to the treatment area and safety requirements. In general, lipomodelling involves:

Low-trauma fat harvesting

from the donor area

Processing

to prepare fat for transfer (methods vary by surgeon and clinical context)

Careful placement of small volumes

across multiple tissue planes in the recipient area to support integration and reduce irregularities Your surgeon will explain where fat may be harvested and transferred, whether staging is recommended, and what trade-offs apply (including scarring, contour irregularity risk, and variability in fat “take”).

Anesthesia

Depending on the areas treated and the volume transferred, lipomodelling may be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. The appropriate option is determined during consultation based on procedure extent, patient factors, and facility requirements.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Your surgical team will provide individual instructions. Common considerations include:

Medication review: (including medicines/supplements that may increase bleeding risk)
Nicotine cessation: where required to reduce complication risk and support healing
Health optimisation: (e.g., managing iron, nutrition, and underlying medical conditions)
Planning support at home: for the first 24–48 hours after discharge
Fasting instructions: if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned

Recovery Process

Recovery varies depending on the donor and recipient sites and the amount of transfer performed. Swelling and bruising can occur in both areas.

Timeline

Activity & Expectations

Immediately Post-Op

Dressings and, in many cases, a compression garment for the donor area. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are common.

First 48 hours

Rest and gentle movement as advised. Swelling and bruising may increase initially.

Week 1

Follow-up is typically arranged. Many people can manage light daily tasks, depending on comfort and extent of surgery.

Weeks 2–4

Swelling often reduces gradually. Return to routine activities is individualised. Compression use (donor site) continues as directed.

1–3 months

Ongoing settling of contours. Residual swelling may persist.

3–6+ months

Longer-term contour becomes clearer as tissues soften and healing progresses.

Recovery Milestones

Return to Work

commonly depends on procedure extent, discomfort and the type of work. Many people with desk-based roles return within about 7–10 days, but this varies.

Return to Exercise

light walking is often encouraged early; higher-intensity exercise and lifting are typically restricted for around 4–6 weeks or until cleared.

Assessing longer-term outcome

fat retention varies, and assessment is often made at around 3–6 months (sometimes longer), once swelling has settled.

Resources & Guides

A breast augmentation is a very customized procedure, and selecting an experienced surgeon is paramount. Dr. Lajevardi focuses on patient safety, naturally appearing results, and transparency throughout the process.

Patient Preparation Guide

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Procedure Walkthroughs

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Procedure Walkthroughs

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Patient Preparation Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Procedure & Results

How long does lipomodelling take?

Time varies with the number of areas treated and the volume transferred. Your surgeon will provide an estimate during consultation.

Will I have scars?

Small scars occur at liposuction entry points and injection sites. Scar visibility varies and will be discussed as part of consent.

How long do results last?

Some transferred fat may persist long-term once integrated, but fat retention is variable and changes can occur with weight fluctuations and ageing. Additional procedures may be recommended in some cases.

What are the risks?

Risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, fluid collection (seroma), contour irregularity, scarring, changes in sensation, fat necrosis (firm lumps), and the possibility of further surgery. Anaesthetic risks also apply. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to your anatomy and plan.

Pain & Recovery

Is recovery painful?

Discomfort is common, particularly in the donor (liposuction) area, and varies between individuals. A pain management plan will be provided.

What pain management is used?

This is individualised and may include prescription pain relief early on and gradual transition to simple analgesia as appropriate.

When can I shower?

Showering timing depends on dressings and surgical approach. Your team will provide written instructions. Submerging incisions (baths/pools/ocean) is usually restricted for a period.

Safety & Credentials

Where will surgery be performed? Is the facility accredited?

Procedures are performed in an appropriately licensed facility or hospital setting. The specific facility and aftercare arrangements will be confirmed during consultation.

How do I check surgeon registration?

You can verify registration on the AHPRA public register and ask about training and experience relevant to fat transfer and body contouring.

Important Safety Information

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.