Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing fat from one part of your body and injecting it into your breasts. The liposuction technique usually takes the fat from areas with excess fat, such as your abdomen, hips, or thighs. After the fat is purified, it is injected into your breasts in small amounts to enhance their size and shape.

Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

There are several benefits of breast augmentation over traditional breast implants, including:

Natural Results

Since the procedure uses your own fat cells, breast augmentation results are more natural-looking and feeling than traditional implants. Your breasts will have a more natural contour and shape, and there is less risk of complications such as rippling or implant displacement.

Dual Benefits

Not only will you enhance your breasts, but you will also slim down the areas where the fat was taken from. This can give you a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing figure overall.

Minimal Scarring

Fat transfer breast augmentation requires only small incisions, which means minimal scarring. You will not have any visible scars on your breasts, which can concern many women undergoing traditional breast implant surgery.

What are the risks of fat transfer to breasts?

While breast augmentation is generally a safe and effective procedure, there are some risks and potential complications to be aware of, including:

Infection

As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Your surgeon will take precautions to minimize this risk, but it is important to know the signs of infection, such as fever, redness, swelling, and pain.

Fat Resorption

Not all of the fat that is injected into your breasts will survive. Some of it may be reabsorbed by your body, which can decrease breast size over time. Your surgeon will consider this when deciding how much fat to inject.

Nerve Damage

There is a risk of nerve damage during the liposuction and fat injection process. This can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas.

The Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure

This procedure typically involves the following steps:

Before the Procedure

Initial Consultation

Before undergoing the fat transfer procedure to the breast, you’ll need to schedule an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, discuss your goals and expectations, and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions and address any concerns.

Medical Evaluation

The surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for fat transfer to the breast. This will include a physical exam and a review of your medical history. The surgeon may also order additional tests, such as blood work or imaging tests, to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure.

Pre-operative Instructions

Before the procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions from the surgeon on preparing for the surgery. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to avoid smoking and alcohol for a specified period before the surgery. You’ll also be instructed to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you cannot drive for a few days.

Are you short, accept that you are.
Do you have flat buttocks and breast, accept it.
Are you slim, accept it.
Are you fat, accept it.
The truth you tell yourself does not intimidate you when others tell you!

— The Winlos (@thewinlos) April 5, 2023

During the Procedure

Anesthesia

Fat transfer to the breast is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep during the procedure.

Liposuction

The surgeon will begin the procedure by performing liposuction on the donor site. A small incision is made in the skin, and a cannula is inserted to suction out excess fat. The amount of fat removed will depend on the desired results and the amount of fat available for transfer.

Fat Processing

Once the fat is removed, it is processed to separate the viable fat cells from other fluids and debris. This process typically involves spinning the fat in a centrifuge at high speeds to separate the fat cells from other components. The processed fat is then ready for injection into the breasts.

Injection

The final step of the procedure involves injecting the processed fat into the breasts using a small cannula. The surgeon will use a technique that allows for precise placement of the fat cells to achieve the desired results. The procedure may take several hours, depending on the amount of fat being transferred.

After the Procedure

Recovery

After the procedure, you’ll be given specific instructions on how to care for yourself during the recovery period. You may experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after the procedure and to wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling.

Results

The results of fat transfer to the breast can be seen immediately, but it may take several months for the final results to become apparent. The breasts may appear larger, fuller, and more shapely, with a natural-looking enhancement. It’s important to note that not all of the transferred fat will survive, and the final results may vary.

Follow-up Care

You’ll be scheduled for several follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure that you’re healing properly. Your surgeon will advise you when you can resume normal activities, such as exercise and sexual activity.

Recovery from Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Recovery from fat-transfer breast augmentation is relatively quick, and most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days. However, you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least a week after the procedure.

Following your surgeon’s instructions carefully during the recovery period is important to ensure optimal results. You should avoid sleeping on your stomach or side, wear the compression garment as directed, and attend all follow-up appointments.

Breast fat transfer after 5 years

After 5 years, the transferred fat cells can change due to the natural aging process and other factors such as weight fluctuations and hormonal changes. Some of the transferred fat cells may be reabsorbed by your body, which can slightly reduce breast size.

However, it is important to note that the extent of fat reabsorption varies from person to person and may not be noticeable in all cases. Additionally, the longevity of the results depends on several factors, such as the amount of fat transferred, the quality of the fat cells, and the technique used by the surgeon.

What do I need to keep the results consistent?

To maintain breast fat transfer results after 5 years, you may need additional procedures such as touch-up treatments or additional fat transfer. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific case.

In conclusion, while some reabsorption of transferred fat cells may occur after 5 years, breast fat transfer results can still be long-lasting and natural-looking with proper maintenance and care.

FAQs

Is fat transfer breast augmentation permanent? 

The results can be long-lasting, but they are not permanent. Over time, some of the fat may be reabsorbed by your body, and you may need additional procedures to maintain the results.

Is fat transfer breast augmentation painful? 

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means you should not feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience discomfort and soreness afterward, which can be managed with pain medication.

Does fat transfer to breasts last?

Fat transfer to breasts can provide long-lasting results. However, it’s important to note that not all of the transferred fat will survive. Some of the fat cells may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which can affect the appearance of the breasts.

The survival rate of transferred fat cells can vary from person to person and may depend on several factors, including the technique used by the surgeon, the amount of fat transferred, and the location of the injection. In some cases, a second procedure may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Can fat transfer breast augmentation cause cancer?

No evidence suggests that breast augmentation increases your risk of breast cancer. However, it is important to continue with regular breast cancer screenings and self-examinations as your healthcare provider recommends.

How many cup sizes can you gain with fat transfer?

The increase in a cup size that can be achieved with fat transfer to breasts varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the amount of fat available for transfer, the desired size increase, and the skin’s elasticity.

Generally, most women can expect an increase of about one-half to one full cup size with fat transfer. However, having realistic expectations and discussing your goals with your surgeon before the procedure is important.

Can fat transfer breast augmentation be combined with other procedures? 

Yes, breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures such as breast lift or tummy tuck to achieve a more comprehensive body contouring result.

What is the recovery time for fat transfer breast augmentation?

Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days after the procedure. However, you should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least a week after the procedure to ensure optimal healing.