Liposuction is the most effective treatment for armpit fat, typically costing from SGD $4,000 onwards in Singapore, depending on the doctor’s experience, etc.
March 15, 2026
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Fat grafting is a cosmetic procedure that uses a person's own tissue for enhancement, providing natural-looking, long-lasting results. It allows the transfer of unwanted fat from areas like the belly, hips, or thighs to enhance the face, breasts, or hands.
A versatile and effective option for various cosmetic enhancements, with the potential for significant lasting results.
Fat grafting treatment is preferred as using one's own tissue rather than foreign materials makes it an advantageous procedure.
It also has the aesthetic benefit of eliminating fat from undesirable locations.
Furthermore, fat grafting results are long-lasting and natural-looking.
You can transfer your unwanted fat to the face, breasts, buttocks and even hands.
Breast Enhancement with Fat Grafting
Breast enhancement with fat grafting is popular in Singapore because it removes unwanted fat, resulting in a slimmer contour, and puts the fat to its best use by transplanting it to where it is needed most, all in one session, organically and safely.
How it works
- During the fat grafting to breast surgery, the performing doctor will identify the donor sites, for example, the belly, hips or thighs.
- Then, fat is removed via liposuction.
- After which, the extracted fat will be centrifuged before being reinjected into your breasts to increase volume.
Suitable candidates
- Suitable for women who would like to increase volume but are not keen on breast implants.
- Suits those who have lost breast volume, especially after weight loss or breastfeeding.
- Candidates will need a sufficient fat source for the doctor to remove and transplant to the breasts.
The same surgical process and suitable candidacy apply to buttock fat grafting.
Facial Enhancement with Fat Grafting
Areas of improvement
- Improve contour in areas of the face, including the temples, forehead, cheeks, under eyes, and chin.
- Fills up sunken cheeks (fat loss from the cheek area)
- Fills deep grooves running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Improves dark eye circles
- Rejuvenates overall skin texture for a more youthful appearance
- Used to treat deep, pitted acne scars
How it works
- Unlike breast fat grafting, facial fat grafting involves only drawing out small amounts of fat via liposculpture.
- The donor site is typically from the waist, inner thigh or belly.
- The aspirated fat is processed, and pure fat tissues will be injected into the face where needed.
"Facial fat grafting is a delicate facial cosmetic procedure as we need to ensure that the fat is evenly distributed into the face where it is needed so that the injected fat is well surrounded by healthy tissue for optimum survival rate and result," explains Dr Ivan Puah, medical director of Amaris B. Clinic Singapore.
Hand Rejuvenation with Fat Grafting
Do you know that the appearance of your hands is a tell-tale sign of ageing? As we age, our hands lose fullness, skin thins, veins and tendons become prominent and veiny.
How it works
- Fat is harvested via liposculpture
- Followed by centrifuging the fat to separate pure fat from the extraction
- Purified fat will be reinjected into the back of the hand through strategic points
- Then, the fat is gently massaged for a smoother appearance
Recovery
- Recovery is relatively quick and fuss-free
- Swelling will gradually subside
- Can use ice compression to relieve the swelling
Fat Grafting for Corrective Surgeries
For patients who experienced post-surgery disfigurement due to botched liposuction, Dr Puah suggests surgical scar revision with autologous fat grafting as a corrective measure.
Fat grafting has been proven to relax tension, soften scar tissue, and relieve pain as the scar entrapment is released.
Fat grafting doctor in Singapore
Wanting to proceed with a fat grafting procedure is a major decision.
Choosing a doctor who is not only experienced but also skilful and a good communicator should be an important consideration.
Dr Ivan Puah and his team have been providing liposuction, fat grafting, gynecomastia surgery, and corrective liposuction surgery since 2004.
He is an accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore, the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee, and known for his meticulous approach to body aesthetics surgery.
FAQ
When can I see the results?
One of the most rewarding aspects of fat grafting is the immediacy of the initial results. You will leave the procedure with visible enhancement in the treated area.
However, it is important to understand what happens in the weeks following your procedure:
- Immediate Results: The volume you see right after surgery includes some overfilling, typically around 20-30%. This is a deliberate and necessary part of the technique, given that some of the transferred fat will naturally be absorbed by the body during the healing process.
- The Settling Phase: Over the subsequent weeks, as swelling subsides and the fat settles into its new position, you will notice the volume gradually reducing to its intended, final state. This is a normal part of the healing journey.
How long do results last?
The longevity of fat grafting results depends on several factors, including the area treated and your individual physiology.
- General Principle: Of the fat transferred, approximately 25–50% is typically absorbed by the body within the first three to six months. This is a natural process. The remaining fat cells that successfully establish a new blood supply in the recipient area are there to stay, often for many years.
- Weight Fluctuations: Because the grafted tissue is your own living fat, it behaves like the fat elsewhere in your body. If you gain weight, these cells can expand. Conversely, if you lose a significant amount of weight, you may lose volume in the grafted area as well. Maintaining a stable weight is the best way to preserve your results.
- Hand Fat Grafting Specifics: For hand rejuvenation, approximately 50–70% of the transferred fat survives permanently. Hands are a unique area with thinner skin and less structural support, but once the fat integrates, it provides long-lasting volume restoration that can turn back the clock on ageing hands for years.
How to care for your hands after fat grafting?
Just as with any other post-op guidelines, do not overuse your treated area and avoid water activities for at least 10 days.
For hand fat grafting, avoid straining your hands, including doing heavy household chores and carrying heavy things.
Do not submerge your hands in water, including handwashing dishes, handwashing laundry, swimming, baths, or saunas. Do not apply nail polish products or scented hand creams.
Can I sit down after the buttocks fat grating?
To protect the newly grafted fat cells and allow them to establish their own independent blood supply, it is best to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for at least three weeks post-procedure.
You will need to learn to sit in ways that offload pressure from the buttocks area:
- Use a doughnut or horseshoe-shaped pillow that allows you to sit with your weight transferred to your thighs.
- Lie on your stomach or side when resting or sleeping.
- When sitting is unavoidable, keep sessions brief and use the proper cushion.
Do I avoid bras after breast fat grafting?
Support, not compression, is the goal after breast fat grafting.
- First Two Weeks: You may be advised to wear a soft, non-underwire crop top to avoid any compression on the healing tissue.
- From Week 2 onward, opt for a well-supported, soft bra with a thick band and a front-hook closure. This provides comfort and support without underwires that could dig into the delicate area.
Is it safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced, qualified liposuction doctors, fat grafting is a very safe procedure with distinct advantages.
- Uses Your Own Tissue: Because the procedure uses your body's own fat cells, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is virtually eliminated. No foreign material is being introduced.
- Dual Benefit: You benefit from contouring the donor site (where fat is taken from) while enhancing the recipient area.
How much, if any, pain or downtime?
Every patient's pain tolerance differs, but here is a general guide:
- Discomfort: You can expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas. This is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and subsides significantly within the first week.
- Downtime: Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks to protect the grafted fat.
- Swelling: Initial swelling usually peaks within 48-72 hours and gradually resolves over the following weeks. You will see continued improvement in contour as swelling subsides.
Where is the fat taken from?
Fat is gently harvested from areas with excess, providing the added benefit of body contouring. Common donor sites include:
- The abdomen (tummy)
- The inner or outer thighs
- The flanks (love handles)
- The hips
During your consultation, Dr Puah will assess your anatomy and discuss the best donor site to achieve your goals.
Can I get a large increase in breast size?
Breast fat grafting is best suited for patients seeking moderate enhancement. It is an excellent option for:
- Adding natural volume and improving breast shape
- Correcting asymmetry between breasts
- Enhancing upper pole fullness
- Reconstructing contour after lumpectomy or other procedures
Dr Puah will provide honest guidance on what fat grafting can realistically achieve for your unique anatomy.
Will there be scars?
As with any procedure involving incisions, scarring is a possibility. However, Dr Puah takes great care to minimise visible scarring:
- Strategic Incision Placement: Incisions are made in natural body creases or folds where they are less noticeable (e.g., the inframammary fold for breasts, the gluteal crease for buttock fat grafting)
- Meticulous Technique: Fine instruments and careful handling minimise trauma to the skin edges.
- Post-Operative Scar Care: You will be provided with instructions on wound care and will be advised to use medical-grade silicone gels or sheets to optimise healing and minimise scar appearance.
What should I avoid post-op?
You will receive a comprehensive post-operative guide tailored to your specific procedure. General guidelines include:
- No Smoking or Vaping: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and can compromise fat survival. You must be a non-smoker for a period before and after surgery.
- No Pressure on Grafted Area: Avoid sleeping on the side of your face after facial fat grafting. Do not wear push-up or tight bras after breast fat grafting.
- No Strenuous Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, high-impact cardio, and bending for several weeks.
- Avoid Heat: No saunas, steam rooms, or hot baths until cleared.
- Follow Dietary Advice: A healthy, protein-rich diet supports healing.
Can facial fat grafting be reversed?
This is an important distinction between fat grafting and dermal fillers.
- Dermal Fillers (eg Hyaluronic Acid): Can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you are unhappy with the result.
- Fat Grafting: Because the transferred tissue is your own living fat cells, the result cannot be reversed. This is why patient selection, surgical artistry, and precision are paramount.
