What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Fat transfer breast augmentation (also known as breast lipofilling) involves harvesting fat via liposuction from areas like the abdomen, waist, thighs, or back, processing it, and reinjecting it into the breast tissue to increase volume and improve contour.
This is a two-step procedure:
- Liposuction – Fat is gently extracted using specialized cannulas to preserve cell viability.
- Injection – The purified fat is injected into multiple layers of the breast for even distribution.
The procedure can typically be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient and scope of the operation.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
This procedure is ideal for patients who:
- Have sufficient fat reserves for harvesting
- Desire a natural and moderate increase in breast size
- Want a soft and realistic feel rather than the firmness of implants
- Prefer to avoid synthetic implants altogether
- Have mild asymmetry between breasts
- Have post-pregnancy volume loss or breast contour irregularities
- Seek corrective or touch-up enhancement rather than dramatic volume
Patients seeking significant enlargement may not be ideal candidates for fat transfer alone and may consider combined approaches.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
After a detailed consultation and preoperative planning, the procedure follows these steps:
- Harvesting: Fat is removed from donor areas (e.g., abdomen or thighs) via gentle liposuction.
- Purification: The fat is processed via centrifugation or filtration to remove fluids and damaged cells.
- Injection: Using fine cannulas, the fat is injected in small, layered amounts into various planes of the breast.
The procedure lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and most patients are discharged on the same day.
What Are the Advantages?
- Natural look and feel – the results closely resemble the texture of natural breast tissue
- Dual benefit – simultaneous body contouring through liposuction
- No scars – since no large incisions are made
- Biocompatible – no foreign materials, no risk of rejection
- Corrects asymmetry
- Can be combined with breast lift or shaping procedures
How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of results varies based on multiple factors:
- About 30–50% of the injected fat is reabsorbed by the body within 2–3 months.
- The remaining fat survives and becomes permanent.
- Long-term results depend on surgical technique, injection method, and patient lifestyle.
- Non-smokers and patients with healthy nutrition tend to have better fat retention.
- In some cases, a second session may be required 6–12 months later for additional volume.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery is typically smooth and well-tolerated:
- Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness may occur in donor and injection sites.
- Compression garments are recommended on liposuction areas for 3–4 weeks.
- No special support bra is usually required for the breasts.
- Return to work or daily activities is possible within 5–7 days.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or direct chest pressure for 3–4 weeks.
- Final results settle in after 2–3 months.
Risks and Limitations
Although generally safe, fat transfer to the breasts carries some potential risks:
- Volume loss due to partial fat absorption
- Infection (rare)
- Fat necrosis or formation of small oil cysts
- Fat embolism (extremely rare with proper technique)
- Unintended asymmetry or lumpiness
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in fat grafting significantly reduces these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Typically, 1 cup size. Larger increases may require multiple sessions.
Yes, the retained fat becomes permanent tissue, with an average 50–70% retention rate.
No. Fat grafting does not increase cancer risk, but regular mammograms should be continued.
No. Only tiny puncture marks from cannulas, which fade quickly and are barely noticeable.
No. The fat remains where it is injected. However, some of it may be absorbed.
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