What Is Breast Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting to the breast, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a technique in plastic surgery where fat is harvested from the patient's body—typically from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—then processed and injected into the breast tissue to enhance volume.
It’s a preferred option for patients seeking natural results or wishing to avoid silicone implants.
What Are the Advantages?
1. Natural Look and Feel
- Since the patient’s own fat is used, the result looks and feels more natural.
- No foreign material or implant sensation.
2. Dual Aesthetic Benefit
3. Biocompatibility
4. Less Invasive Recovery
- Performed through small cannulas, leaving minimal scarring.
- Usually does not require general anesthesia.
5. Skin Quality Improvement
What Are the Risks and Limitations?
1. Fat Absorption
- Around 30–50% of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time.
- Repeat sessions might be needed to achieve the desired volume.
2. Calcification and Nodules
- Some fat may harden, forming oil cysts or nodules.
- These changes must be distinguished from other breast conditions on imaging (e.g. mammogram).
3. Limited Volume Increase
- Compared to implants, fat transfer provides a more subtle augmentation.
- Not suitable for patients seeking a significant size increase.
4. Risk of Infection
5. Asymmetry
- Uneven fat distribution may cause volume differences between breasts.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
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Consultation and Planning
Evaluation of breast goals and donor fat areas.
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Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)
Fat is removed from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
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Purification
Fat is processed via centrifugation to remove fluids and damaged cells.
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Injection
The purified fat is injected into the breast tissue in a layered and controlled fashion.
The procedure is usually performed under sedation, and patients can often go home the same day.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Patients desiring natural breast enhancement
- Those who do not want implants
- Individuals with sufficient body fat for harvesting
- Patients undergoing implant removal or correction
- People with mild breast asymmetry
Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate?
- Patients with a history of breast cancer (individual evaluation required)
- Very slim individuals with low fat reserves
- Those seeking large volume increases
- Lactating women
- People with active infections
Recovery and Aftercare
- Rest is recommended for the first 48 hours.
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness may occur in the breasts.
- Avoid intense activity and exercise for 2–3 weeks.
- Final results are typically seen after 3–6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Partially. Around 50% of the fat may survive long-term, while the rest is reabsorbed.
No. The procedure is done through microcannulas, leaving minimal or no visible scarring.
It may cause benign changes (like calcifications), but experienced radiologists can distinguish these from suspicious findings.
If the desired fullness isn't achieved, a second fat grafting session may be performed after 6 months.
No. Since the mammary glands are not disturbed, milk production remains unaffected.
