Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

It’s been a dream of many women to take fat from one area of their body and transfer it to the breasts for increased volume. This procedure can be a reality, to an extent.

Breast Augmentation Using Fat Transfer

Fat from a part of the body where you can spare it can be used to plump up another area where volume is needed, such as the face or buttocks. It can also be used to increase the breast size by one cup size or less, as well as augmenting after breast cancer and filling in small defects. It can also be used to refine the appearance of implants.

Advantages of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Minimal scarring: Only very small incisions are used
All-natural: No risk of allergic reaction, and an extraordinarily natural look and feel
Fat is removed: Liposuction is used to remove fat from parts of the body such as the stomach, hips, or thighs
No complications from implants: Common implant issues such as rupture, rippling, or migration are avoided

How Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer Works

In this procedure, normal, healthy fat is removed from an area with extra fat such as the stomach, hips, or thighs using liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into target areas of the breasts to add natural-looking volume. In the right patients, fat makes the ideal filler and delivers just the right amount of enhancement or correction needed. When the fat survives properly, it looks and feels beautifully natural, and because it comes from your own body, you don’t have to worry about an allergic reaction.

Procedure Details for Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

This procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The first step is liposuction. Dr. Stephens will create a very small incision near the area where fat will be removed. He will then insert a cannula (a small, thin tube) into this incision so it can break up and remove the fat from the body into a container. The fat will first be purified, then re-injected into the breasts where volume is desired. The procedure takes 1-2 hours.

Using Fat Transfer to Refine Breast Implants

While fat transfer is often done on its own for subtle enhancement, it can also be used to refine the results of breast implantation. Injected fat that is strategically placed can hide the edges of the implant for a softer, smoother appearance for the breasts and an added layer of cushion around the implant.

Why Choose Dr. Stephens?

At Stephens Plastic Surgery + Skincare Aesthetics of Baton Rouge, it’s our top priority to safely help you look and feel your best. We are a private, patient-friendly practice founded by Dr. J. Anthony Stephens, a board-certified surgeon in both general surgery and plastic surgery. He is also an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, which puts him alongside worldwide leaders in cosmetic face, body, breast, and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Stephens and his staff treat you with honesty. We are never afraid to say “no” or recommend a different procedure if we believe you’re interested in the wrong surgery. We always have your best interest at heart. Dr. Stephens is especially passionate about educating patients about plastic surgery, aesthetics, and why they may or may not be a good candidate for certain procedures. We under-promise and over-deliver, and our results speak for themselves.

Who is a Candidate?

Women who make the best candidates for breast augmentation with fat transfer are those who:

Have fully developed breasts
Have enough body fat to use for the breasts
Only want to moderately increase their breast size (one cup or less)
Want to correct small defects of the breasts
Want to refine the results of their breast implants
Do not need a breast lift
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Are non-smokers in overall good health
Have realistic expectations for the procedure

Recovery

Recovery from breast augmentation with fat transfer is minimal. Here are some things to consider:

Most patients return to work in one week
Bruising, swelling, and tenderness typically subsides within a few weeks
Avoid showering for 48 hours following the procedure
The breasts should not be submerged in water for one week
A surgical bra will be worn for one week
Exercise can usually be continued at six weeks

Results

You’ll be able to see early results shortly after the procedure, but final results aren’t apparent until 5-6 months. About 50%-70% of the fat survives, while the rest becomes absorbed by the body.

Because of this, you may need to have the procedure again to meet your desired aesthetic goals.

During your consultation with Dr. Stephens, he will talk to you about how many sessions you’ll need.

FAQ

Is fat transfer safe?

Does breast augmentation with fat transfer affect a mammogram?

Can fat be used to increase my breast size by more than one cup?

Is fat transfer safe?

When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, fat transfer is a very safe procedure. The technique has been around for over 100 years, and has been refined over the last 30 years.

Does breast augmentation with fat transfer affect a mammogram?

With new techniques, fat can be transferred to the breasts without obscuring mammograms. In the past, the scar created during the procedure would obscure mammograms. However, with newer and better techniques, this is no longer an issue.

Can fat be used to increase my breast size by more than one cup?

Fat transfer is more appropriate for more subtle enhancement. While many women would prefer a more natural filler than a breast implant, the fat transfer procedure simply cannot increase breast size as much as an implant can. It’s much more effective for improving small defects, refining the appearance of implants, and addressing the appearance of the breasts after cancer.