In the realm of breast augmentation, there are diverse options to consider. Some choose augmentation with implants for a more noticeable size increase, while others prefer the natural look and feel that fat grafting offers.
With fat grafting, a patient’s own fat is injected into the breasts, providing subtle augmentation and a more natural appearance. The decision between augmentation with implants and fat grafting often hinges on personal preferences and the desired outcome, with each method offering unique advantages and considerations.
Most breast augmentation patients choose saline or silicone breast implants to improve the size and appearance of the breasts. However, there are new ways to slightly increase the size of the bosom that are worth considering.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is another option that may give you the size increase you’re looking for. Benefits of this procedure are:
- Natural appearance: Not all women want ‘suddenly’ larger breasts that accompany implants. Fat injection is a subtle procedure that offers a slightly larger look that most people won’t notice.
- Natural feel: The procedure uses your natural fat, so the breast will feel completely natural. Some implants may feel firmer than natural breast tissue.
- Won’t be rejected: Fat transfer uses your own fat, so the body can’t reject it. This means there is a lower incidence of side effects from the surgical procedure.
- Long-lasting results: Breast implants need to be replaced after 10 or 15 years, but breast fat transfer procedure results are permanent.
- There is no risk of capsular contracture: This is an occasional side effect of traditional breast augmentation. The scar capsule around the implant may contract and distort the breast’s appearance. Revision surgery is required to replace the implant.
- Minimal scarring: The incisions for this procedure are tiny, so there is virtually no scarring.
- Faster recovery: Breast fat transfer is a less invasive procedure so that you will recover faster than with breast implants.
- Two-in-one procedure: Fat transfer removes fat from one areas of your own body and puts it into the breasts. This gives you a slimmer profile while also enhancing your breast shape and size.
Below is more about how breast fat transfer gives you more options for breast augmentation.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Overview
Traditional breast augmentation involves making an incision below the breast and inserting a silicone or saline breast implant. While this is an effective procedure may increase breast size, some patients want other options.
Breast fat transfer to the breast uses liposuction from the abdomen, legs, or sides transferred to the breasts.
Fat cells are harvested from the donor site with a cannula. The fat cells are washed, processed, and injected into several parts of each breast. This procedure only uses small incisions in the breasts and donor sites, so scarring is minimal.
Fat transfer breast augmentation can be particularly effective to increase the fullness that the top of the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The fat transfer procedure can be coupled with a breast lift to provide them with an uplifted, perkier appearance, too. Opting for a tummy tuck can give your stomach a smoother, flatter appearance. This accentuates the size of your breasts.
Ideal Candidates For Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Patients who want this procedure should be in good health and not have serious medical conditions that could affect the healing and recovery process.
You should not smoke or will need to abstain for at least one month before and after the breast procedure.
Patients need to have enough fat cells stores in other body parts for fat transfer to work. To increase the size of the breasts enough to be noticeable, the surgeon needs to remove at least 1,000 ml of fat on other parts of your body. This is about two pounds of fat.
Thin patients without enough fat may need to have breast augmentation with breast implants.
Further, the skin needs to be reasonably elastic, so there won’t be any loose skin at the donor site.
However, fat transfer can only provide a one-cup size increase to the breasts. Patients who want a bigger boost will need to consider traditional breast augmentation.
Potential Breast Fat Transfer Side Effects
This procedure is less invasive than implants, but there are still risks. Common side effects include bruising, pain, numbness, blood loss, and fat necrosis.
Some patients may not like their results and need a follow-up procedure. For example, this problem can happen if too much transferred fat dies. Or, you may want a more significant size increase.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery
This alternative breast augmentation procedure is less invasive than implants, so you should recover faster. You’ll be tired and sore for a few days, but most patients can go back to work after a week and get back to vigorous activities after three or four weeks.
Remember that the transplanted body fat will need several weeks to ‘settle in’ and grow a blood supply. In addition, the new fat needs to integrate with the natural breast tissue, so it’s vital to avoid putting pressure on the chest for at least 14 days.
You will not wear a bra during this period and need to sleep on your belly. Any pressure put on the breasts can damage the transferred fat and affect your results.
The results with fat transfer will last for many years, as long as you maintain a steady weight. However, it can take up to six months to see the final results. So if you gain or lose weight, you might need a follow-up procedure to refine your look.
Fat transfer breast augmentation offers you a natural way to augment the breasts without implants. People who want a small size increase may want to consider this option to meet their aesthetic goals.
Questions and Answers
Does fat transfer to breasts last?
Results from a breast fat transfer are meant to be enduring, thanks to the resilience of fat cells, especially those used in this procedure. In essence, the outcome is expected to be lifelong.
Is breast augmentation with fat transfer worth it?
Breast enhancement via fat transfer boasts a superior safety track record and fewer post-surgery complications compared to breast implants. Women with implants face risks like capsular contracture, breast implants illness, and ruptures.
Can I go up 2 cup sizes with fat transfer?
Typically, fat grafting results in a minimum of one cup size increase in breast size. Occasionally, it can achieve up to two cup sizes or more, contingent on available fat and post-procedure weight gain.
What is the downside of breast fat transfer?
Fat transfer breast augmentation risks encompass bleeding, bruising, fat cell necrosis, migration of fat cells to other areas of your body, and the potential for infection.
Request A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Consultation
Considering fat grafting breast procedures in New Jersey? Dr. Smita. R. Ramanadham can help you obtain the plastic surgery results you want. Dr. Ramanadham will go over your plastic surgery options and goals to determine if this procedure fits your aesthetic and personal goals.
References
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Include. (2021). Accessed at https://www.allure.com/story/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation
Fat Grafting For Breast Augmentation. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/fat-grafting-for-breast-augmentation
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation