Despite the vast popularity of fat grafting to breast, patients still consistently worry about one thing: fat transfer breast augmentation scars.
Will they be visible? How big will they be? Will they last forever?
These are common questions we receive from patients interested in this procedure. Fortunately, we always have good news on this front.
That’s because, for the most part, fat grafting breast augmentation scars are extremely hard to see once they’ve healed. Moreover, they are very small to begin with. And even though they will never really go away, they do fade with time and become nearly imperceptible.
But let’s get into the details of the healing process fat transfer breast augmentation scars actually go through. Below, we’ll outline what these scars typically look like right after surgery, how they progress once they’ve closed and begin to heal, and what you can expect from them down the line — after six months, a year, and longer.
Finally, we’ll discuss how to get rid of fat transfer breast augmentation scars because even though they’re small and will fade, we do have some clutch tips for reducing their appearance even more.
Let’s dive right in!
What Are Breast Fat Transfer Scars?
A breast fat transfer procedure requires incisions, and whenever a surgery requires incisions, scars will result.
Fortunately, scars created by the breast fat transfer process are actually much smaller than those required for breast implants. Furthermore, scars from a breast fat transfer actually only result from the liposuction portion of the procedure.
When the fat is injected into the breasts during the second portion of the procedure, only small syringe pricks are needed. These pokes leave small, hardly noticeable marks on the skin, which heal well and should not scar over.
What Do Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer Scars Look Like?
Again, when the unwanted fat is injected into the breasts, no scars should result. Only liposuction, which is used to harvest fat, will create scars.
In order to remove excess fat for your breasts, liposuction is typically performed on areas like the abdomen or thighs. Wherever you decide to lose fat, this is where your main scars will be. Fortunately, they will be quite small.
That’s because liposuction only requires tiny incisions so that your plastic surgeon can insert their cannula for fat suctioning. Normally, each fat transfer breast augmentation scar should be less than a centimeter long.
The location of your scars will depend on where you get liposuction. Good surgeons will hide their incisions as much as possible. So, with thigh lipo, for example, your incision sites may be within the creases beneath your buttocks or in the natural creases at the tops of your legs.
When these incisions are carefully closed by your surgeon and well cared for during recovery, you can expect them to flatten out nicely and heal and fade well. Looking at most fat transfer breast augmentation scars after 6 months, you should be able to hardly notice small marks of a slightly different shade than your normal skin.
Do Fat Transfer to Breast Scars Ever Go Away?
No, unfortunately, scars never actually disappear — whether they are from fat grafting procedures, injuries, or other surgeries. Once scar tissue forms, it will technically last forever.
Scars do fade and flatten out with time, however, and that’s just what should happen with your breast fat transfer scars as long as you take good care of them. See the next section for tips.
How to Get Rid of Fat Transfer to Breast Scars
After your breast augmentation with fat transfer, it’s most important that patients follow their plastic surgeons’ guidelines for the recovery period.
Patients will be directed to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, refrain from vigorous physical activity, take their pain medications as directed, and possibly wear compression garments. Whatever guidelines your plastic surgeon gives you should be followed meticulously for optimal results and the minimization of scars.
Next, patients might consider silicone gel sheets, which can help soften, fade, and flatten scars from any type of surgery or injury. One thing to keep in mind with silicone for scar minimization is that it must be used consistently and for an extended period.
Intermittent or short-term use has not been proven effective at reducing the appearance of scars. But with regular, long-term use, you should see notable improvements.
Finally, stay out of the sun. Even on overcast days and when your scars are covered by clothing, we recommend wearing sunscreen. UV rays can damage scarred skin further and may make scars appear hyper-pigmented (and thus, more noticeable) over time.
FAQ: Breast Fat Transfers
Is a breast fat grafting procedure painful?
Your breast augmentation fat grafting procedure will not be painful as anesthesia will be utilized to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
After surgery, during your recovery, you may experience some soreness and discomfort. As with any surgery, there are fat transfer breast augmentation risks to be aware of, so if your pain persists or gets worse, always reach out to your surgeon.
How much does fat transfer to breast cost?
It’s difficult to estimate the cost of any cosmetic surgery because all surgeons have varying surgeon’s fees, and every patient’s situation is different. Overall, your fat transfer breast augmentation cost will depend on where (geographically) you undergo surgery, what your surgeon’s fee and anesthesiologist’s fee are, how much the hospital or surgical facility charges, and what other expenses you are charged.
Does fat transfer breast augmentation look natural?
Yes, because this procedure utilizes your body’s own fat cells to add volume to your breasts, the effect is typically very natural looking. Of course, you must choose a board certified, highly skilled and experienced surgeon to achieve optimal results.
How big can you go with fat transfer breast augmentation?
Generally speaking, patients can expect a maximum of a one-half to one cup size increase after a natural breast augmentation with fat transfer. Although a Brazilian butt lift utilizes similar techniques, patients can typically have more fat transferred with a BBL.
If you are interested in a more substantial breast size increase for your breast augmentation, a traditional breast augmentation (breast implant surgery) or a different type of breast surgery may be a better solution for you. Talk to your surgeon about your options at your consultation appointment.
Call to Book a Consultation With Dr. Ramanadham
Fat transfer breast augmentations can help women achieve just the right amount of volume increase and balance for their breasts. If you are interested in a breast fat transfer procedure, and looking at fat transfer breast augmentation before and after photos, please contact us today to set up a personal consultation appointment with female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation