How Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Work?

If you’re considering enhancing your breasts, you may have heard of fat transfer breast augmentation. This innovative procedure provides a natural alternative to traditional breast implants, using your body’s own fat to create fuller, more shapely breasts. But how does this technique compare to the more common method of using implants, and who’s the right candidate for this procedure?

What Is Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer?

Breast augmentation with fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves removing fat from one area of your body—such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks—through liposuction. The fat is then purified and carefully injected into your breasts. This approach allows you to enhance your breast size while simultaneously slimming down areas with excess fat, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural-looking breast enhancement and body contouring.

Unlike traditional breast implants, which use silicone or saline to increase breast size, fat transfer breast augmentation relies entirely on your own tissue. This tissue provides a softer, more natural feel to the breasts and eliminates the risks associated with implants, such as rupture or capsular contracture.

It can also be combined with a breast lift to further enhance your results, as the photos below highlight.

How Much Fat Do You Need for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

The amount of fat required depends on your desired increase in breast size. Typically, multiple areas of your body are targeted for liposuction to gather enough fat for the procedure. It’s important to note that while fat transfer can create noticeable enhancement, it usually results in a more modest increase in breast size than implants.

Candidates for this procedure need to have sufficient fat available for transfer. If you are very lean, your surgeon may recommend traditional implants or a combination of implants and fat transfer to achieve your goals.

How Big Can You Go With Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

As previously mentioned, the results of this procedure are generally more subtle than those of implants. While it can provide a significant boost in volume (usually about a cup size), those seeking a dramatic increase in breast size might find implants better suited to their aesthetic goals.

What Are the Risks of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

While the technique is generally safe, it’s important to consider the potential risks, such as fat reabsorption, where some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, potentially leading to uneven results. There’s also the risk of fat necrosis, where some of the fat cells die, which can create lumps or firmness in the breast tissue.

Choosing an experienced surgeon such as board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jules Walters at the MODERN Plastic Surgery & MedSpa minimizes these risks. Dr. Walters’ expertise in this procedure ensures that your fat is carefully harvested, purified, and injected to maximize the chances of successful fat transfer and the best possible results.

Ready To Take the Next Step?

To learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation and find out if it’s the right choice for you, we encourage you to request a consultation or call our office (504) 517-6200 to schedule an appointment.