A fat transfer breast augmentation procedure uses your own fat (autologous fat) to increase breast size. Fat is first removed from other areas of the body via liposuction, then transferred to the breasts to add volume.
This may be an attractive option for patients seeking a modest increase in breast size (generally up to one cup) without using breast implants.
Before deciding on cosmetic surgery, it is essential to have realistic expectations. During your initial consultation, Dr Mark Attalla will discuss what the procedure involves, including the recovery period, potential risks and complications and possible outcomes.
The breast enlargement fat transfer procedure
Stage 1: Fat Collection.
Fat is collected from other areas of the body using liposuction. Minor entry points are made in the selected areas, and a thin cannula is inserted to carefully remove fat. Once extracted, the fat is collected in a sterile, sealed container and prepared for transfer to the breasts.
Stage 2: Preparing the Fat
Once collected, the fat is processed to separate it from any fluids. This step ensures that only purified fat is set aside for transfer. The prepared fat is then placed into syringes, ready for use in the next stage.
Stage 3: Placement in the Breast Area
Minor entry points are made in specific areas of the breast, determined by the patient’s individual anatomy. The processed fat is then carefully placed into the breast. The fat is layered gradually to help it blend with the existing breast tissue.
Stage 4: Integration of the Fat
Some of the transferred fat may not remain, as the body naturally absorbs part of it. Because of this, a little more fat is placed during the procedure. The remaining fat integrates with the surrounding tissue over time.
Stage 5: Support and Recovery
Once the transfer is complete, support garments are typically provided to help with healing. A surgical bra may be worn initially, followed by a sports bra for continued support while allowing blood flow. Compression garments are also commonly used on areas where fat has been collected, helping reduce swelling and support their new shape during recovery.
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Suitable candidates
Fat transfer breast augmentation can be a good option for select individuals. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients must want only a small increase in breast size and not a dramatic change in size and shape. Additionally, the following factors must be considered:
- Adequate body fat: Patients must have enough body fat for the procedure. The fat is typically harvested from the thighs or stomach.
- Good health: Good overall health is essential to minimise potential complications.
- Stable weight: Patients must be able to maintain a stable weight as fluctuations can affect the transferred fat cells — and hence, breast size.
- Non-smokers: As smoking affects blood vessels and healing, non-smokers are better candidates.
- Breast size preferences: Because this procedure only minimally changes breast size, potential candidates should prefer only minimal changes.
- Realistic expectations: Patients must understand the limits of breast volume increase, as the procedure gives mild-to-moderate increases in size compared to breast implants.
Benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation
Fat transfer to the breasts offers a natural option for enhancing breast size and shape, provided the patient is suitable. As it uses your own body fat, it offers various benefits compared to traditional methods like breast implants.
- Dual benefit: The procedure doesn’t just increase breast size. It also removes unwanted fat from other areas, such as the stomach or inner thigh.
- Minimal scarring: Only small incisions for the cannula are made during the procedure, so scarring is typically minimal and less than other breast surgeries.
- Natural look and feel: Fat transfer creates a softer, more natural appearance and feel as it only uses fat cells (and not implants) to increase volume.
- Tailored results: Dr Attalla can tailor the results to suit the patient’s body type.
- Minimised risk of complications: As no foreign body is used, there is no ongoing concerns about potential risk factors associated with implants.
Your Fat Transfer to Breasts Consultation with Dr Mark Attalla
You can have a consultation at Chelsea Cosmetics to learn more about the procedure. During a consultation, we will review your medical history and goals. You will undergo a physical examination of the breast area and the areas that may be used to harvest fat. Measurements and photos will be taken, as this information will help create a personalised treatment plan. We use the information to create a 3D simulation showing the potential changes to the shape of the breasts.
Before deciding on cosmetic surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Talk to your cosmetic doctor about what to expect from the surgery and make sure you understand the recovery time and results.
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Dr Mark Attalla, MBBCHa FACCS – Cosmetic Practitioner
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
The body may absorb some of the transferred fat over time. The duration the remaining fat lasts can vary between patients and may be influenced by factors such as weight changes, skin quality and individual healing responses.
Patients can drive within a few days to a week, depending on their comfort and recovery. Driving should be avoided if you are still using strong pain medications.
This procedure involves small cuts, which means some scarring is possible. The extent of scarring can vary between patients.
Costs differ depending on the individual and the procedure details. A personalised quote will be given at the consultation.
Potential risks & complications
Risks and complications associated with the procedure include the following:
- Reactions to anaesthetics or medications during surgery
- The onset of an infection
- Visible scarring
- Open wounds
- Contouring defects to the breasts or harvesting areas
- Fat loss in the breasts due to reabsorption
- Fat necrosis
- An asymmetrical result due to variances in the amount of transferred fat that survives
FURTHER READING
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