Posted September 20, 2021 in Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure, but not everyone who wants bigger breasts wants an implant. Fat can be transferred into the breasts to enlarge the size and shape of your breasts.
Fat transfer, also known as autologous breast augmentation, removes fat from one part of the body and transfers it to the breasts to create volume and structure. While the procedure is not for everyone, it has its place.
If you’re looking for a natural way to moderately increase the size of your breasts while adding a bit of shape, and you have extra stubborn fat, then a fat transfer breast augmentation may be the right procedure for you.
WHEN IS FAT AN OPTION
Plenty of women are looking to enlarge their breasts. However, many are apprehensive about putting implants into their bodies. Patients who desire natural results and have enough fat to donate from one part of the body (usually the stomach, thighs, or butt) may want to consider fat transfer breast augmentation.
There are a few different scenarios where fat is usable in the breasts. For example, fat can be combined with an implant or used on its own. Fat transfer breast augmentations also create a naturally soft look in breast reconstruction patients and those who remove their breast implants. Also, some doctors suggest adding a little bit of fat in breast lift patients for further enhancement.
HOW FAT TRANSFER WORKS
You can do fat transfer with or without breast implants.
The procedure requires fat removal from an area where fat is abundant–like the stomach, butt, hips, or thighs, a.k.a. the donor site. After the fat is harvested and cleaned, your plastic surgeon will transfer it into the breasts. The added fat creates an enhanced lock and softens the edges of the breasts. It can add a ‘pop’ of volume at the top portion of the breasts, too.
SURGERY DETAILS
Most plastic surgeons perform fat transfer the same way, but every doctor has their take on the procedure. For the most part, your surgeon will first purify the removed fat to remove any impurities, oil, and debris, which makes for smoother, healthier fat that is more apt to ‘take.’
From there, the cleansed fat is injected using tiny needles that leave behind no scar. It is imperative that your surgeon meticulously place the fat into several different breast planes, ensuring the best results.
Remember, two procedures are performed that comprise a fat transfer breast augmentation: liposuction and fat transfer to the breasts. Therefore, the downtime and recovery process is longer than if your surgeon performed just one of the procedures.
THE RECOVERY
Like all other procedures, fat transfer breast augmentation is an invasive surgery and should not be taken lightly. You still need to give your body plenty of time to heal, even though the recovery process is generally shorter and more manageable than breast augmentation with implants.
Remember that liposuction is done at the donor site, so there will be bruising and swelling there.
Most patients can return to work after one week and resume normal activities, like exercise, by week three or four.
THE PROS
If a minor tweak sits high on the top of your wish list, then a fat transfer to the breasts may be the perfect augmentation technique.
- Some women require a little fine-tuning after a breast augmentation, and fat transfer is an easy way to do it. Fat transfer is often an option for patients with little natural breast tissue since their implants can be more visible than desired. Adding a little bit of fat can create a softer look.
- Your surgeon can place fat during an implant exchange (swapping one set of implants out for newer ones) to amplify the result.
- Fat helps correct implant wrinkling, rippling, and visibility. It also improves mild asymmetries.
- The surgery does not require incisions, so there are no resulting scars.
- There’s no need to maintain or replace the fat like there is with breast implants.
- Fat doesn’t pose the same risks as implants, meaning there’s no need to worry about things like capsular contracture, rupturing, or leaking.
- There’s the bonus of liposuction, so you can take fat from where you don’t want it and add it to where you need it.
- There’s virtually no risk of rejection since the fat used is your own.
THE CONS
Not every patient, or situation, is a good fit for fat transfer to the breasts. Also, it’s essential to understand what the procedure can and cannot correct and, of course, always have realistic expectations.
- If you don’t have enough fat on your body for the transfer, you may not be a viable candidate for the procedure.
- It’s impossible to get an overly round, oversized, voluminous look. So if that’s what you’re going for, implants are a better option.
- Performing fat transfer alone will only provide an increase of about a half-cup.
- Some patients require multiple sessions, which means several recoveries, too.
- Not all the transferred fat stays. On average, only about 30 to 50% of the transferred fat survives, and additional surgeries may be necessary to reach the total result.
- Oil cysts, nodules, and lumps may occur in the breasts. However, regular mammograms can detect any of these issues.