Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation: Everything You Need To Know To Make A Decision

April 24, 2024
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Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation, like other forms of surgery, is a major decision. It can be life-changing for many; therefore, the decision must be made paying attention to some important factors. You must take the time to understand what the procedure entails, who is the right fit for it, and what benefits it offers along with the risks involved.  

This blog will cover all these aspects so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're curious about enhancing your curves or considering a cosmetic transformation, we've got you covered.  

What Is Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer?  

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance breast size and shape. It can be of two types: implants or fat transfer. Breast augmentation with fat transfer or fat grafting uses fat from the patient's own body for the procedure.  

Excess fat cells from areas of the body are suctioned out through liposuction, typically from the stomach, hips, thighs, back, or arms. These fat cells are then transferred into the fat of your breast to reconstruct it into the desired shape or add the desired amount of volume. The amount of fat inserted into the breast will depend on the type of changes the patient wishes to see. The result of the procedure is fuller and plumper breasts.  

How Does It Differ from Breast Augmentation with Implants?

Breast augmentation with fat transfer differ from breast augmentation with implants not only in their procedures but also in the results they offer.  

Where breast augmentation with fat will take fat from your own body, implants are a foreign material. They are typically silicone or saline implants that are inserted into the breasts, mimicking the feel of natural breast tissue. They are good, but not as good as fat transfer. Fat transfer to the breasts will give a much more natural look and feel. It is also a less invasive procedure as the fat is inserted using small incisions, which leave imperceptible scarring. In most cases, these scars are virtually invisible. On the downside, fat transfer will not be able to add as much volume as silicone or saline implants, so you should weigh your options accordingly.  

Who Is Recommended for Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer?

Now that you have a basic understanding of what fat transfer breast augmentation is, the next step is to know if this is the right procedure for you. Here are some cases where breast augmentation with fat transfer might be the right choice:  

  • You should be a healthy individual, not pregnant or lactating, and you must have enough fat in your body for the procedure; those with slim profiles are not suited for the procedure.  
  • Fat transfer to breast is ideal for those who do not want an extreme change in breast size but instead want minor augmentations (such as enhancing the breast size by up to 1 cup).
  • It is recommended for those who might want to remedy breast asymmetry.
  • For those who wish to increase the size of the breasts but do not want to alter the shape.

Fat transfer to breast is not recommended for those who wish to have extreme changes to their breast size or shape. For instance, those with sagging breasts may benefit more from a breast implant instead. It is also not recommended for those undergoing breast cancer treatments, individuals under the age of 18 or those who cannot quit smoking before the procedure.  

The Procedure

Now, let's take a look at how breast augmentation is carried out. The procedure should only be undertaken by a qualified professional for the best results:

Patients are administered general anaesthesia during the procedure. The surgery is typically carried out in two steps. First, areas of the body are selected from where excess fat cells are to be removed using the liposuction technique. The thighs, abdomen, and arms are popular choices, so the procedure can also lead to a slimming effect where liposuction is done. Once removed, the fat is then purified by running through a centrifuge device to eliminate any impurities. The purified fat cells are then ready for injection.  

This is the second part of the procedure. Minor incisions are made around the areolar area or the fold under the breasts. The fat cells are filled into special syringes and inserted into the tissue layers of the breast. A small amount of fat is placed at a time. Depending on the amount of fat to be transferred, the procedure can take anywhere from three to five hours.  

Some Important Points

The fat inserted is usually slightly more than the amount you need. This is because some of the injected fat will be reabsorbed into the body over time. It may take up to six months for you to see the final results.  

After your breast fat transfer procedure, you will notice swelling and bruising on the sites used for fat grafting that may last up to a week. At the same time, you may experience swelling and bruising around the breasts that can last up to two weeks.  

Apart from minor swelling and bruising, you won't experience any major pain. After one week, you should be able to head back to work. The swelling and bruising should disappear in three weeks. However, you won't be able to see the final results for at least six months.  

What about breast fat transfer cost? Fat transfer breast augmentation cost vary depending on the size and complexity. However, you can expect to pay anywhere between £3,000 and £8,000.

What Does Recovery Look Like?

The general recovery time can last anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. During the recovery period, there are certain steps you can take to optimize your procedure’s results. This includes:

  • You can return to work at least one week after the procedure. However, you must avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
  • Avoid swimming for at least six weeks
  • Ensure that you do light walking for brief periods throughout the day
  • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet complemented with adequate hydration
  • You may have to wear a compression garment following your procedure for a minimum of six weeks.  
  • Avoid smoking during the recovery period, as this can alter fat cell survival rates.
  • Lie on your back when you sleep.

How Long Does A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Results Last?

The results you get from a fat transfer breast augmentation are permanent. During the six months after the injection, the fat cells settle into the new places, where they remain for life. This is also why it is preferred over similar procedures.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

There are several benefits of fat transfer to boobs.  

  • It is ideal for those who do not want the unnatural look or feel of implants but instead want a more nuanced change. Perhaps a slight change in the breast shape, a plumper look, or a simple fix for breast asymmetry: in these cases, a breast fat transfer is more favourable than the insertion of breast implants.  
  • Breast augmentation with fat transfer also offers dual benefits. It not only helps you increase the volume or augment the shape of breasts but will also help you reduce body fat in other places. You can use it to help change the appearance of your overall curves.  
  • Where breast implants need replacement surgery every 10 to 15 years, you do not have such re-dos with fat transfer breast augmentation. In fact, the results from a breast augmentation using fat transfer will remain for a lifetime.  
  • Finally, breast augmentation with fat is the most natural solution. Unlike implants, the fat is taken from your own body, making it highly compatible. It also has much fewer post-operative complications and a better success rate than other types of breast augmentation. You won't have to deal with issues of breast implant rupture or breast tissue atrophy with breast fat transfer.

Potential Side Effects/Disadvantages

There are minimal potential side effects associated with Fat transfer to breast. The main concern is the limited increase in breast size. The most you may increase in breast size is around one cup size. For a more significant change, you will have to opt for a breast lift or augmentation with implants. At the same time, not all candidates are ideal for this procedure. If you have small breasts but have a lean profile as well, you won’t have enough fat for the procedure.  

Finally, there is no real way to estimate how much fat your body will end up reabsorbing. Depending on how much fat is reabsorbed, you may need to repeat the procedure to gain your desired results.  

Final Thoughts

Fat transfer to breast can be a viable option if you're seeking a modest increase in breast size or improvement in breast shape, particularly if you prefer a more natural approach without the use of implants. However, it's important to have realistic expectations and to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon to achieve the best results possible.