Ditch the implants and achieve your desired curves using your own fat for beautiful, lasting results that look and feel like you.
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own body fat to naturally enhance breast size and shape without implants.
Instead of inserting implants, fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own fat cells harvested from other areas of your body via liposuction. The purified fat is then skillfully injected into the breasts to increase size, restore volume, and improve shape.
This is an exciting natural alternative that is growing in popularity. Using your own natural fat eliminates many of the concerns with implants, such as:
- Risk of rupture or leak
- Development of scar tissue around implant
- Potential for implant shifting or rippling
- Need for future implant replacement surgeries
Fat transfer simply enhances what you already have in a very safe and natural way.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The best candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are women who:
- Want a modest increase in breast size (typically 1 cup size or less)
- Have enough excess fat to harvest from other areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks
- Desire a very natural, soft result without using implants
- Are at a stable, healthy weight and willing to maintain it
Reasons you may not be an ideal candidate include:
- Wanting a dramatic increase in size
- Being very slender with insufficient fat to harvest
- Having very low skin elasticity
- Being an active smoker
How is the Fat Transfer Procedure Performed?
The fat transfer breast augmentation process involves the following key steps:
- Consultation & Preparation
- Discuss your goals and have a physical examination
- Get pre-op instructions on medications, supplements, etc.
- Liposuction
- Excess fat is carefully harvested via liposuction from areas like the abdomen or thighs
- The fat is purified and prepared for transfer
- Fat Injection
- Following injections of numbing solution, the purified fat is meticulously injected into the breasts using specialized cannulas
- Fat is injected in small amounts throughout different layers and areas
The entire surgery is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation for your comfort.
- Recovery
- You go home the same day to rest
- Expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort initially
- Must avoid strenuous activity for 2-4 weeks
- Final results gradually appear over 3-6 months as transferred fat “takes
What are the Pros and Cons?
Like any procedure, fat transfer breast augmentation has potential advantages and disadvantages to consider:
Advantages
- Natural enhancement using your own body’s fat
- No implants, incisions, or foreign materials
- Natural look, feel, and continued growth
- Liposuction slimming in fat removal areas
- Long-lasting results if weight is stable
Potential Downsides
- Less dramatic size increase than implants
- Some reabsorption of transferred fat is common
- Results depend on having adequate, quality fat to harvest
- Changes in weight can negatively impact results
How Much Does It Cost?
The average cost of fat transfer breast augmentation ranges from $6,000 to $12,000. This figure can vary based on:
- Your location and surgeon’s fees
- Whether combined with other procedures like a lift
- The facility and anesthesia fees
- Need for multiple sessions for desired results
Many plastic surgeons offer financing plans through companies like CareCredit to make the procedure more affordable by breaking it into monthly payments.
Finding a Top Fat Transfer Surgeon
Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving your best results with fat transfer breast augmentation.
During consultations, ask about:
- The surgeon’s specific training and experience with this procedure
- Before-and-after photos of previous fat transfer patients
- The facility’s accreditation and safety records
- What results you can reasonably expect
Don’t hesitate to get opinions from multiple qualified surgeons before deciding who makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer
How long do fat transfer breast augmentation results last?
With a stable weight, the results can be very long-lasting – often over 10 years or more. However, some fat reabsorption is common in the first few months. Maintaining your weight is key to preserving your results.
Is fat transfer better than implants?
There are pros and cons to each. Fat transfer provides very natural results without implants, but may not give as dramatic of a size increase. Implants can create more projection and cleavage. The “best” option depends on your specific goals.
How many procedures are required?
For most patients, one fat transfer procedure achieves their desired results. However, some may opt for an additional minor touch-up session down the road.
Where is the fat harvested from?
The fat is typically harvested from areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back via liposuction during the same surgery.
When can I return to normal activities?
You’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks after fat transfer. Most patients can return to desk jobs within 5-7 days. Full recovery is around 6 weeks.
Does fat transfer leave visible scars?
No, the tiny incisions for liposuction and fat injection heal very discreetly with minimal scarring.
How is fat survival maximized?
Special techniques are used to gently process and re-inject the fat cells in tiny droplets throughout the breast tissue. Following post-op instructions also helps maximize graft survival.
Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Right for You?
Fat transfer to the breasts is an exciting natural alternative to implants that is worth considering if you desire moderate enhancement with your own soft, natural fat tissue.
While not for everyone, this innovative procedure can provide beautiful, long-lasting results for the right candidates.
If you’re interested in exploring your options, the first step is scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. They can evaluate your specific goals and anatomy to determine if fat transfer breast augmentation could be a good choice for you.
