Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting - A Natural Alternative

May 31, 2024 - By Dr. Jules Feledy

While breast augmentation with implants remains a popular choice, concerns regarding foreign materials in the body often arise. At Belmont Plastic Surgery we offer breast fat grafting as a safe and effective alternative, utilizing your body's own tissue to enhance breast volume and shape while minimizing the need for future interventions.

The Fat Grafting Process: What You Need to Know

A good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation typically:

1. Desires a moderate increase in breast size: Fat transfer breast augmentation is best suited for individuals seeking a modest enhancement rather than a significant increase in breast size.

2. Has sufficient donor fat: The patient must have an adequate amount of donor fat available in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips for harvesting.

3. Is in good overall health: Candidates should be in good physical health with no medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during surgery or impede the healing process.

4. Has realistic expectations: Candidates should understand the limitations of fat transfer breast augmentation and have realistic expectations regarding the results.

5. Prefers natural-looking results: Fat transfer breast augmentation provides a more subtle and natural-looking enhancement compared to traditional breast implants, making it suitable for individuals seeking a more natural result.

6. Is willing to undergo multiple procedures: Fat transfer breast augmentation may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results, as not all of the transferred fat may survive.

7. Is non-smoking: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications, so candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after the procedure.

8. Is mentally prepared: Candidates should be emotionally prepared for the surgical process and understand the potential risks and benefits associated with fat transfer breast augmentation.

It's essential for individuals considering fat transfer breast augmentation to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure to determine if they are suitable candidates and to discuss their goals and expectations in detail.

Harvesting Fat from Your Body:

Fat is harvested from areas with excess fat deposits through a gentle liposuction procedure. Common donor sites include the abdomen, flanks, upper/lower back, neck, arms, and thighs, providing ample tissue for transfer.

Limitations on Fat Removal:

For outpatient procedures, where patients return home the same day, we adhere to a limit of removing 5 liters of fat and fluid in a single session, ensuring safety and optimal outcomes.

Does fat transfer to the breasts last:

The longevity of fat transfer to the breasts can vary from person to person. While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the months following the procedure, the surviving fat cells can remain in the breasts indefinitely. However, it's important to note that not all the transferred fat survives, and some degree of volume loss over time is normal. Factors such as the patient's metabolism, lifestyle, and changes in weight can also affect the longevity of the results. To optimize the longevity of fat transfer to the breasts, patients are typically advised to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, some patients may opt for touch-up procedures or additional fat transfer sessions to maintain or enhance their results over time.

Overall, while fat transfer to the breasts can provide long-lasting results, individual experiences may vary, and periodic follow-up appointments with a plastic surgeon may be recommended to assess and address any changes in the breasts over time.

Volume of Fat Injection:

The amount of fat injected into each breast depends on factors such as skin laxity, but most patients can comfortably accommodate several hundred milliliters per breast, resulting in a noticeable increase in cup size.

How many cup sizes can you expect to gain with fat transfer:

The amount of increase in cup size that can be achieved with fat transfer breast augmentation varies depending on several factors, including the amount of donor fat available, the patient's anatomy, and their aesthetic goals. On average, fat transfer breast augmentation can typically achieve a modest increase of about half to one cup size per session. However, it's important to note that not all the transferred fat survives, so multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.

Does fat grafting to the breasts leave scars:

Fat transfer to the breasts typically involves small incisions through which the fat is harvested and injected, resulting in minimal scarring. The incisions used for fat harvesting are often very small, like those used for liposuction, and are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips.

Since fat transfer breast augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure, the resulting scars are usually quite small and may fade over time. However, it's important to note that scarring can vary from person to person depending on factors such as skin type, genetics, and the skill of the surgeon.

Overall, fat transfer breast augmentation tends to result in minimal scarring compared to traditional breast augmentation with implants, where larger incisions are typically required.

Breast Cancer Monitoring:

Although fat grafting does not alter breast cancer risk, it is recommended that if you’re at the appropriate age, obtain a new baseline mammogram 6-12 months post-surgery to monitor any changes in breast tissue.

Recovery Process:

Expect some swelling, soreness, and bruising post-procedure, varying in intensity among patients. Many individuals require minimal pain medication and can resume normal activities within a day. Bruising typically resolves within 1-2 weeks, while swelling may persist for 6-8 weeks.

Results Timeline:

Patients can anticipate initial sculpting effects around the 2-week mark, with significant improvements becoming evident by 6-8 weeks as swelling subsides. The final volume and shape of the breasts become most apparent during this time.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of fat transfer to the breast, inclusive of liposuction, is approximately $9000. This investment covers the comprehensive procedure to the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and facility fees, ensuring optimal results and patient satisfaction.

Experience the natural enhancement of breast fat grafting at Belmont Plastic Surgery, where personalized care and superior outcomes converge. Discover a safer, more sustainable approach to achieving your aesthetic goals, tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.