Fat transfer to the hips and buttocks: A complete guide to natural improvement

Dr. Everardo Valdés
Dr. Everardo Valdés
Plastic Surgeon
Date
September 29, 2025

Fat transplant Hips and buttocks is a procedure that uses body fat to improve the shape and volume of these areas. This technique allows natural curves to be sculpted by Extracting fat of areas with excess and then inject it into the hips and buttocks. It's a popular option for those looking for aesthetic enhancement without implants or foreign materials.

This method offers results that look and feel natural. In addition, when using the patient's own tissue, the risk of rejection or allergic reactions is very low. Many choose this procedure to correct asymmetries or to increase volume in a personalized way.

In this blog, we show you what you need to know to understand how the process works, what benefits it offers and what care is needed after the intervention.

Key points

  • The procedure uses body fat to shape the hips and buttocks.
  • It is a safe technique with natural results.
  • The selection of a good specialist is vital for a good result.

Fundamental concepts of fat transplantation

Fat transplantation is a surgical procedure that uses the patient's own fat to improve body contour. This method offers a natural and safe alternative for Increase the volume in specific areas such as the hips and buttocks. The technique seeks a harmonious and personalized result, avoiding the use of materials foreign to the body.

What is a fat transplant?

Fat transplantation, also called lipofilling or fat grafting, consists of extracting fat by Liposuction of areas of the body with excess, such as the abdomen or thighs. That fat is then processed to remove impurities and injected into areas that need extra volume, such as the hips or buttocks.

This procedure is outpatient and is usually performed with local anesthesia combined with sedation or regional anesthesia. The process takes 2 to 3 hours. Initial recovery takes approximately two weeks, and definitive results appear 3 to 6 months later.

Advantages over implants

Unlike implants, fat transplantation uses its own tissue, providing a more natural texture and appearance. There is no risk of rejection or complications related to foreign bodies such as capsular contracture.

In addition, when combined with liposuction, it simultaneously remodels donor and recipient areas, creating a more defined body contour. The movement of the treated area is freer and more organic, without the stiffness that implants can cause.

Differences between fat transplantation and other methods

Fat transplantation is clearly different from other procedures such as dermal fillers or synthetic implants. Fillers offer temporary results and can cause an allergic reaction, while the transferred fat can be permanently integrated if a stable weight is maintained.

Compared to implant surgery, the Fat Transfer avoids large incisions, reduces the risk of infections and offers a smoother result. However, it requires precision to avoid complications and ensure the viability of the reinjected tissue.

Fat transplant procedure on hips and buttocks

The procedure involves extracting fat from areas with excess, processing it to select the healthiest cells, and then injecting it precisely to improve shape and volume. Each stage is key to ensuring natural and lasting results in treated areas.

Fat selection and extraction (liposuction)

Fat extraction is performed by liposuction in donor areas such as abdomen, thighs or hips. Small incisions are made to insert a cannula that carefully sucks out the fat.

This method minimizes damage to fat cells and reduces the risk of visible scarring. The amount of fat that is removed depends on the patient's need and their body's ability to recover.

Obtaining high-quality fat is prioritized, as it will be transferred to the hips or buttocks. Un Skilled surgeon, like Dr. Everardo Valdés, ensures that the process is safe and effective, using techniques that preserve living cells.

Fat Purification and Grafting Techniques

Once extracted, the fat undergoes a purification process. This removes traces of blood, fluids and damaged cells to keep only viable fat cells.

Purification is essential to maximize graft survival and prevent infection or inflammation. Clean fat is prepared in small quantities for subsequent injection.

Various grafting techniques ensure a uniform distribution. This avoids lumps and improves the integration of fat into the natural tissue, promoting a more harmonious and natural contour.

Transfer techniques for hips

The transfer of fat to the hips seeks to contour and gently enlarge this area. The fat is injected into superficial and deep layers to achieve volume and balanced definition.

A thin cannula is used to make multiple small injections. This allows the desired shape to be precisely shaped, improving the silhouette without sudden changes or deformations.

The transferred volume is adjusted according to the patient's anatomy. The procedure is less invasive than traditional implants and produces a shorter recovery time.

Transfer techniques for buttocks

In buttock augmentation, fat is injected into different areas of the muscle and subcutaneous tissue to achieve a bulking natural.

Dr. Everardo Valdés makes incisions to distribute the fat evenly, ensuring that it integrates well and avoids asymmetries or irregularities.

This technique improves the shape, contour and firmness of the buttocks without the need for implants. Fat transfer can also improve skin texture thanks to the cells present in the grafted fat.

Success depends on the adequate volume of fat and on the patient maintaining a healthy post-procedure lifestyle to avoid premature resorption.

Results, Safety and Recovery

The fat transfer procedure to the hips and buttocks offers results that vary from person to person, as well as specific care to minimize risks and achieve adequate recovery. The stability of the results depends largely on following medical instructions and maintaining healthy habits after surgery.

Expected results and duration

Los visible results Initial symptoms appear after the reduction of swelling, approximately in the first few weeks. However, the integration and definitive settlement It can take 3 to 6 months of fat. During this time, some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, so some patients may require retouching.

The final volume is natural because its own fat is used. The changes achieved improve the shape and contour, while providing a lasting result as long as the body weight remains stable.

Postoperative care and compression garments

After surgery, it's essential wear compression garments to control inflammation and help fat to fix itself in its new place. These garments should be worn as directed, usually for several weeks.

You should avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for the first 2 to 3 weeks. For this purpose, special pads are usually recommended to distribute the weight outside the treated area. In addition, keeping the area clean, changing bandages and complying with the care plan reduce the risks of infection and improve healing.

Recovery and return to activities

The first 14 days are critical for resting and avoiding pressure on the buttocks. Swelling and discomfort are common and usually decrease gradually.

It is recommended to start light walks to improve circulation and prevent clots. The return to more intense activities or heavy exercise should wait at least 6 weeks and always with medical approval.

As a patient, you must follow Dr. Valdés's instructions regarding sleeping positions, incision care and use of garments, for the best results in recovering from the fat transfer procedure to the buttocks.

Other things to consider

Ideal candidates and body proportions

Ideal candidates for fat transfer are people with enough fat in donor areas, such as the abdomen or thighs, and who are looking to improve the shape of their hips or buttocks. It is important that they are in good health and do not smoke to avoid problems with recovery.

Body proportion is essential for achieving a balanced and natural look. The search for an hourglass figure involves increasing volume in the buttocks and hips without losing harmony with the waist. By correcting “hip dips” (sagging hips), fat transfer helps create smoother and more attractive curves.

Choosing Dr. Everardo Valdés for your fat transfer surgery

Dr. Everardo Valdés is a cplastic surgeon certified by the Mexican Council of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (CMCPER), with extensive experience in body contouring procedures and fat transfers, including the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). His international training and participation in companies such as the AMCPER and ISAPS guarantee that he works under the highest standards of safety and excellence.

Each patient receives a personalized surgical plan, designed to achieve harmonious proportions and natural results. In consultation, Dr. Valdés listens in detail to your expectations, explains the real scope of the procedure and shows examples of previous cases that reflect his experience.

Beyond the technique, its approach is focused on trust and clear communication with their patients, accompanying them at every stage of the process to ensure not only an outstanding aesthetic result, but also a safe and satisfying surgical experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery take after a fat transplant to the hips and buttocks?

Recovery usually lasts several weeks, although most patients can return to normal activities in about a week. During the first few days, swelling and discomfort are common. It is necessary to avoid strenuous physical activities to ensure proper healing and better results.

What criteria must a patient meet to be considered a good candidate for fat transfer to the hips and buttocks?

A good candidate is a healthy adult with enough fat in areas such as the abdomen or thighs to extract. In addition, you should have realistic expectations and overall good physical fitness. Health and lifestyle influence the safety and success of the procedure.

How long do the results of a fat transfer to the hips and buttocks last?

The results can last for several years if the procedure is performed by a specialized surgeon. Some of the volume may be reduced over time due to the natural reabsorption of fat. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve long-term results.