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What is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to take fat from other areas of the body and inject it into the breasts. This option is great for people who are looking for a subtle increase in breast size and natural-looking results. And because fat transfer uses the patient’s own fat, there is no implant to exchange or replace.

The benefits of fat grafting for breast enhancement are that there are no foreign objects placed into your body, you are able to contour other areas of your body with liposuction to improve your overall figure, and the results of this procedure are permanent.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting?

Women who have good skin elasticity and are generally pleased with the shape and size of their breasts are often the best candidates for this natural breast enhancement procedure. Other candidates are those looking for breast enhancement through breast surgery but do not want to get breast implants.

People with sagging skin or people who want a significant increase in breast size are commonly not good candidates for this fat transfer procedure. In those cases, Dr. Perry would recommend a breast lift or augmentation with breast implants. A consultation with Dr. Perry can help to determine if this cosmetic surgery procedure is right for you.

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The Fat Transfer (Natural) Breast Augmentation Procedure

This minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure has three steps: liposuction, processing of harvested fat, and finally re-injecting it to the breast tissue. This can be done under different types of anesthesia depending on your specific surgery plan and tolerance.

Liposuction

The autologous fat transfer breast augmentation procedure begins with harvesting your fat. You and Dr. Perry will select a donor site or sites ahead of time (commonly the abdomen or thighs), and liposuction will be used to extract excess fat cells. This process not only provides natural body tissue for breast enlargement, but also slims problem areas you may have in other places on your body.

Dr. Perry always ensures the liposuction procedure used gives you a natural and harmonious figure, taking the natural form and curves of your body and accentuating them in a subtle but significant way.

Processing

Once harvested, the fat will be purified and processed, and then placed into small syringes. This is done using a centrifuge, which spins the fat and fluid collected from liposuction at high speeds to separate it out by density. This ensures only healthy fat cells are used for injection, increasing the likelihood that a large portion of the fat survives in the long term.

Re-injection

The final step is to add the fat in strategic areas throughout the breast to refine the shape, smooth out any asymmetries, and enhance breast volume in a natural way. Fat is meticulously injected into the breasts for a subtle augmentation that usually provides about a cup size more volume, although results may vary.

Featured Procedure Video:

Video Transcript:

We’ve just finished doing the fat transfer to the breast on the right side. We have put in fat into the subcutaneous space, around the breast, and then filled the upper, outer quadrant.

There’s always a depression in here, so we’re trying to fill that depression to give a nice, smooth slope to the breast. And then we’ve filled in all four quadrants, you know, in order to give a more natural breast. Then to the fat transfer, so that it looks natural.

The other part, the advantage is the fat lasts forever. Fat doesn’t go away. It lasts forever. It’s not like an implant that you have to exchange in 10 years. So this is the idea of the advantage of the fat transfer.

So I think it’s a natural-appearing augmentation. You can’t make a terribly big breast. You can’t make it much bigger, but you can make a more natural-appearing breast, a more youthful looking breast. That’s an example of fat transfer on the right side, and we’re gonna get ready to start the fat transfer on the left side.

Thank you.

 

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery

Following fat transfer breast augmentation, swelling, and bruising will occur in the donor site as well as the breasts. Compression garments are to be avoided since the augmentation uses live cells. It is advised that patients take 1-2 weeks off from work to recover. Most of the swelling usually resolves by the third week, and makeup can be used to camouflage any residual bruising.

The areas of natural breast tissue where fat was transferred will appear softer and fuller, though the survival of fat depends on how the fat was harvested, purified, and injected. Some fat will be absorbed by the body, so the results seen directly after the procedure will not be as pronounced after healing. Most patients can expect to retain 50-80% of the fat transferred.

Breast Augmentation Without Breast Implants

Fat grafting promises to be an effective and natural way to enhance both your breast size and body contour in a single, minimally invasive way without silicone implants or saline implants. To learn more about this breast enlargement procedure and how it can have a beneficial impact on your body contour and self-esteem, talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wendell Perry. During a consultation procedure, he can walk through the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and do an examination to determine the right breast enlargement surgery for you. Call us today or contact us online to start the conversation.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs

Can I lay flat after breast augmentation?

After breast augmentation surgery, it is generally recommended to avoid laying flat on your back or stomach for around 4 to 6 weeks. Instead, sleeping in a slightly elevated position or on your back with support pillows is often advised to facilitate healing and maintain proper implant positioning.

How do fat transfers work?

Fat transfer typically begins with liposuction and uses the harvested fat as a volumizing injection in another area that requires enhancement. This method can help restore volume, improve symmetry, and achieve a more youthful contour, catering to personal aesthetic goals effectively.

Can I take my surgical bra off for a few hours?

While removing the surgical bra for a few hours may be tempting for comfort, doing so could compromise the healing process and the desired aesthetic outcome. The compression provided by the bra aids in minimizing pain and maintaining proper blood flow, which is essential for reducing the risk of complications.

Does fat transfer last?

The longevity of fat transfer results can vary from person to person. Typically, the body naturally reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat over time, which means that not all of the added volume may remain permanent.

Is natural breast augmentation safe?

While natural breast augmentation is generally considered safe and effective, as with any medical procedure, it carries certain risks such as fat reabsorption. It's essential to have realistic expectations about the outcomes, as the procedure typically results in a more moderate size increase compared to implants.

When can I run after breast augmentation?

Typically, patients are advised to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery to allow the body to recover adequately and to minimize the risk of complications or discomfort. During the initial weeks, it's crucial to focus on gentle activities such as walking, which can aid in circulation and prevent blood clots.

Can a mammogram detect a ruptured implant?

A mammogram can sometimes detect a ruptured breast implant, but it is not the most effective imaging method for this purpose. When an implant rupture is suspected, imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound may be more effective in accurately determining if an implant has ruptured.

Can belly fat be used for breast reconstruction?

Belly fat is often used for breast reconstruction. Using belly fat can provide a natural, soft feel to the breast tissue while also contouring the donor area, offering a dual benefit for patients.

How long do I need to sleep upright after breast augmentation?

After breast augmentation surgery, many patients are advised to sleep in an elevated position for a period ranging from several days up to two weeks. Adjustments such as using pillows to prop yourself up or reclining in a comfortable chair can help ensure you maintain the recommended elevation during sleep.

How long is recovery after fat transfer?

Recovery after a fat transfer to the breast can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally, patients can expect the initial recovery phase to last about one to two weeks. It's common for people to return to light activities and work within a few days, while more strenuous activities or exercise should be avoided for at least three to four weeks to ensure proper healing.

How long am I going to be swollen after the procedure?

The majority of patients will see their swelling majorly decrease after about 2-3 weeks. The locations that we pulled the fat from will be swollen for a longer period of time. Most patients report that they feel like they are looking great by about 3-4 weeks.

Does this procedure require anesthesia?

It depends on the individual case. If we are extracting just a small volume of fat, we can occasionally complete the procedure with local anesthesia. However, larger volumes always require that the patient be sedated with anesthesia.

Is all of the fat that is transferred retained?

Not 100% of the fat will be retained. It can take some time for the fat to be fully absorbed into breasts. Most patients can anticipate retaining about 50-80% of the transferred fat.

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