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Popular Questions About Breast Fat Transfer

Written by Dr. Smita Ramanadham on . Posted in Blog.

Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to move fat from one body part to the breasts. This procedure can be a wide choice for women who want a slight boost in their breast size and prefer a method without silicone or saline implants. Some women also choose to have a breast lift during their fat transfer.

Below are some of the most popular questions about fat transfer to the breasts if you’re interested in this procedure.

What Are The Advantages Of Fat Transfer To The Breasts?

Breast augmentation with fat transfer features many benefits that make it an attractive option for many women. Some advantages of this method include:

  • No artificial materials: If you want to put your fat in your body instead of an implant, this could be the procedure for you.
  • Natural feel: Your fat will feel more natural than a silicone or saline implant.
  • Avoid breast implant complications: Some of the most common issues include capsular contracture, rippling, and implant leakage.
  • No scars: Breast implant scars are usually minor, but they are there. Scars from fat transfer are so tiny, you might not notice them after you heal.
  • Adaptable results: You can have the fat quantity adjusted based on your needs and desired.
  • Eliminate fat from other areas: You will have two procedures in one – liposuction and breast fat transfer. So, you can have fat removed from your stomach or rear at the same time.

Does Breast Fat Transfer Work?

How well the procedure works depends on how viability your fat cells are; some cells will die when injected, but most will survive. Remember that fat cells will change in size if you gain or lose weight.

For most people, fat transfer to the breasts is effective and long-lasting. It’s essential to have a highly skilled surgeon perform the procedure to transfer the right amount of fat.

What Are The Risks Of Fat Transfer To The Breasts?

Most women have excellent results with this procedure, but any surgery has risks. The risks of breast fat transfer include:

  • Infection
  • Cysts
  • Death of fat cells
  • Some transferred fat will migrate from the breasts
  • Macrocalcification

Your surgeon may recommend a tissue expansion device during the weeks before the procedure to enhance your results. Note that you may need future injections to retain the results over time.

Is Fat Transfer To The Breasts Permanent?

Fat transfer to the breasts is intended to be long-lasting. But it’s important to remember that you’re moving live tissue into your breasts, so not all of the fat may survive. It also can be reabsorbed by the body after a few months.

That’s why your plastic surgeon will overfill the treatment area carefully, knowing that some of the fat cells will eventually be absorbed. But after about six months, you should see long-term results you can count on.

How Much Larger Can I Make My Breasts With Fat Transfer?

Most breast enhancement procedures can increase your breast size. But some people prefer fat transfer because it’s natural, as opposed to breast implants.

However, you can only increase your breast size by ½ to one full cup size in one session. That is enough for many women, but those who want a more significant increase may need to consider other options.

How Painful Is Breast Fat Transfer?

This procedure is usually done with general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. So, you can generally go home the same day. You may experience soreness in the breasts and in the area that you had treated with liposuction.

The good news is the pain and discomfort are usually mild and dissipates after a week or so.

Can I Transfer Belly Fat To My Breasts?

Yes. Fat from the stomach can be transferred to the breasts. This means you can have larger breasts and a flat stomach. The results last a long time and are natural, unlike breast implants.

What Kind Of Liposuction Will I Have With Breast Fat Transfer?

Which type depends on your surgeon, but the current gold standard is for fat transfer is tumescent liposuction. This procedure involves injecting the donor area with lidocaine, saline solution, and epinephrine. Using these liquids before fat removal reduces swelling and bleeding.

Also, this form of liposuction causes the least amount of fat cell death and trauma.

How Often Are There Complications?

All plastic surgery procedures, from tummy tucks to breast augmentation, have a chance of complications.

If the surgeon is board-certified and experienced in fat transfer, serious complications are infrequent. Specifically, the most severe complications, such as blood clots and infections, rarely happen in healthy patients with a highly skilled surgeon.

Another possible complication is fat necrosis or cell death that could cause small, solid masses in the breast. But this is very rare.

Can I Have Fat Transfer For a Breast Reconstruction?

Yes. This can be highly effective in reconstructing the breast after mastectomy. It’s popular for women who don’t want to have implants. However, the fat transfer also can be used with breast implants for breast reconstruction.

Request a Breast Fat Transfer Consultation

Interested in New Jersey breast procedures? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the results you want with this popular procedure.

In your consultation, Dr. Ramanadham will go over your options, goals, preparation and more, to determine if you’re a good candidate.

You won’t regret your decision!

References

 Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Safety. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation/safety

 Pros and Cons Of Autologous Breast Augmentation. (March 2021). Accessed at https://www.verywellhealth.com/bigger-breasts-without-getting-implants-pros-cons-2709949

Fat Grafting History And Applications. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/fat-grafting-history-and-applications

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