What is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common types of cosmetic procedures. Like many other medical procedures, it has gone through many changes through the years. One of the lesser-known breast augmentation procedures is fat transfer breast augmentation.¹ 

Fat transfer breast augmentation is not for those who want a significant increase in the size of their breasts or who hope to counteract the sagging brought on by breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging. If you seek a modest increase in the size of your breasts and you are not entirely comfortable with the idea of implanting chemicals into your body, fat transfer breast augmentation may be the solution you have been looking for. 

What is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation? 

As the name implies, fat transfer breast augmentation involves moving a person’s own body fat from the stomach, thighs, or buttocks and injecting it into the breasts.² This common-sense approach to breast enlargement eliminates the risk of rejection or allergic reaction because only your own tissue is injected into your body. As an additional bonus, the fat can be removed from problem areas resulting in a slimmer or shapelier appearance. 

There are some risks associated with this procedure. Fat necrosis happens when the fat is starved of oxygen during the transfer process, causing it to die. Once injected into the breast, this dead fat can cause a host of problems, including painful and unsightly lumps in the breasts, the build-up of scar tissue, and discoloration of the skin.³ A skilled surgeon should know how to minimize the risks of this complication.

What To Expect Before and After Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation 

Before 

Once you consult with your doctor and determine that a fat transfer breast augmentation is the right choice for you, listen carefully to the instructions they give you about preparing for the procedure. Not following these pre-op instructions may result in negative results, surgery cancellation, or an increase in the risk of bad side effects. Each practice will have its own exact guidelines for you to follow, but some of the preparations should include:⁴ 

• Prepare your at-home recovery area. You should spend much of the days following the procedure in bed, so make sure that everything you need is close by. This includes the bathroom, medications, water to drink and needed first aid equipment, your phone, tablet, and laptop (and their chargers), and other ways to entertain yourself that don’t require much movement. 
• Find someone to drive you home and, if possible, to stay with you for a day or two after the procedure. 
• Stop any medications that may affect your blood’s ability to clot, like blood thinners, aspirin, and certain other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about any and all medications you are using, as well as any use of alcohol or cannabis. They will give you a detailed list of things you should stop taking and when. 
• When showering in the days leading up to the procedure, use only antibacterial soaps. This will reduce the chance of infection. 
• In some cases, external expanders will be used to stretch the skin of your breasts before the procedure. 

After 

Immediately after any breast augmentation surgery, it is normal to have pain, bruising, and swelling in the breasts. With fat transfer surgery, you may also experience these things in the areas the fat was harvested. This should resolve independently, although pain medication may be necessary for the first several days. 

In most cases, those who have had fat transfer breast augmentation can return to work within ten days as long as their job is not too physically demanding. Most doctors will tell their patients to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for up to 6 weeks after the procedure.⁴ 

Pros and Cons of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation 

Pros 

• There is no risk of rejection because the material being implanted into your breast came from your body. 
• One procedure, two benefits. Not only will you get the larger, more shapely breasts you were looking for, but you will lose inches of fat from other parts of your body at the same time. 
• There is minimal risk of scarring or infection around tiny incisions. 
• The results are natural in appearance and feel

Cons 

• You can only increase your breast size by about one cup size. 
• The fat may be reabsorbed by the body, reducing the effect of the procedure. 
• This type of augmentation will not lift sagging breasts. 
• The effects of this procedure will change with subsequent pregnancies and weight loss or gain. 
• It is more expensive than other types of breast augmentation. 

Find the Right Doctor 

As with any medical procedure, choosing the right doctor is the best way for you to ensure a positive outcome. Before agreeing to let anyone anesthetize or perform a surgical procedure on you, take the time to do a bit of research. Is this doctor board-certified to perform this procedure? What are others who have had this procedure at this practice saying about their experience and results? 

To find out more about fat transfer breast augmentation and qualified doctors near you that perform it, visit the My Body Treatment website. Here, you will find accurate and reliable information about many cosmetic procedures and their doctors. 

SOURCES: 

1.  Healthline.com: “ Understanding the Risks of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation” 
2.  American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “ Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation” 
3.  Healthline.com: “ Understanding the Risks of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation” 
4.  Rau Plastic Surgery: “ Breast Fat Transfer Surgery” 
5.  Rau Plastic Surgery: “ Breast Fat Transfer Surgery”