Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Baton Rouge
Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. and one of our most popular services. Breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned figure through the placement of saline or silicone implants. However, not every woman wants to use synthetic implants to enhance their breasts.
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. 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 to augment the breasts after breast cancer and fill in small defects. It can also be used to refine the appearance of implants.
Fat transfer increases breast size by roughly one cup size using your own tissue.
Slims down a "problem area" like the stomach or thighs while adding volume to the chest.
Most patients return to their normal work routine within a single week.
Once the transferred fat establishes a blood supply, the results become a permanent part of your body.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a specialized technique that uses autologous fat grafting to enhance the breasts without the use of silicone or saline. This two-step process begins with liposuction to remove healthy fat cells from areas such as your abdomen, hips, or "love handles." This donor fat is then purified and precisely injected into the breast tissue to increase fullness and enhance contours. Fat transfer is ideal for women seeking a modest increase in size or those looking to address minor differences in breast shape. Because it uses your own tissue, fat transfer breast augmentation provides a soft, natural feel that moves exactly like the rest of your body.
While fat transfer is often done on its own for subtle enhancement, it can also be used to refine the results of breast implantation. Strategically placed injected fat can hide the edges of the implant, creating a softer, smoother breast appearance and an added layer of cushion around the implant.
In this procedure, excess fat is removed from an area with excess fat, such as the stomach, hips, or thighs, using liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected into the 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.
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.
Fat transfer is ideal for patients who want a more modest volume enhancement, typically increasing breast size by one cup. Because fat transfer is performed with precise injections, Dr. Stephens can add volume in specific areas, such as the upper pole of the breast, to enhance cleavage. It is also used to address breast asymmetry.
When combined with breast implants, fat transfer helps smooth out rippling or visible edges sometimes seen with implants. Additionally, donor fat can be used to fill small dips or hollow areas left behind after breast-conservation surgeries, such as a lumpectomy, helping restore a smooth, even appearance.
During your consultation with Dr. Stephens, he will evaluate your areas of concern and go over your aesthetic goals. He will then be able to tell you if a breast augmentation with fat transfer is right for you or not. Women who make the best candidates for breast augmentation with fat transfer are those who:
Recovery from breast augmentation with fat transfer is minimal. Most patients return to work in one week. Here are some things to consider:
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.
The fat cells that remain after the initial healing period become a permanent part of your breast tissue, providing a natural, long-lasting volume enhancement. Since these are living cells, they will behave just like the fat in the rest of your body, growing or shrinking if your weight shifts. To keep your new silhouette looking its best, we recommend maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important step in your aesthetic journey. Dr. Stephens brings a high level of clinical precision and an artistic eye to every fat grafting procedure, ensuring that volume is placed with the utmost care for a smooth, shapely result. Our practice is built on a patient-first philosophy, meaning we focus on what makes you feel most confident and comfortable. From our modern facility in Baton Rouge to our attentive support team, we provide a luxury environment where your safety and your results are our only priorities.
The cost of breast augmentation with fat transfer at Stephens Plastic Surgery starts at $5,000 and may vary from person to person. The overall cost of the procedure varies based on individual circumstances, particularly the complexity of each case. The degree of customization required for the procedure, the materials used, and the intricacy of the case can all contribute to potential pricing variance. Recognizing that such transformative enhancements may involve financial considerations, Stephens Plastic Surgery also extends financing options to ensure flexibility for individuals pursuing this procedure. Learn more about financing options.
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.
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.
Fat transfer is more appropriate for a 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.
