Fat transfer to breast surgery is a type of breast augmentation procedure that is meant to increase breast volume without the use of artificial implants. Fat transfer to breast surgery is a two part procedure, which utilizes liposuction and fat tissue injection. The fat transfer to the breast augmentation is an excellent option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size, while improving natural breast shape. A fat transfer surgery is an alternative for breast enhancement without the use of traditional implants.
Fat Transfer to the Breast Augmentation
Boca Raton, Palm Beach Florida
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What is Fat Transfer to Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer is also known as fat grafting. The beauty of this procedure, is that it offers the opportunity to enhance the breasts and removes unwanted fat from other areas at the same time. The fat is grafted from the patient’s own body, which removes the risk of rejection of artificial structures in the body.
First, liposuction is performed to extract fat from the patient’s abdomen, thighs, buttocks and/or flank. Once the fat is extracted, it is injected into the breasts, creating increased volume and giving a naturally beautiful shape. A fat transfer procedure can also correct for breast asymmetry.
Benefits of a fat transfer breast augmentation include:
- Shaping and sculpting the breasts
- Minimal incisions
- Minimal scarring
- Eliminating unwanted fat from the midsection and lower body
- Eliminating the risk of implant leakage or rupture
- Eliminating the risk of scar tissue formation around the implant, leading to capsular contracture
- Less trauma to the body as compared to traditional breast augmentation
- Reduced recovery time as compared to traditional augmentation
- Fat transfers are natural and provide long lasting results
Candidates for Fat Transfer to Breast
Women who are good candidates for this surgery are those who are looking for subtle breast enhancement and would like to reduce unwanted fat in other areas of the body. Women who want a more drastic increase in breast size will not be satisfied with the breast enhancement from a fat transfer procedure. It is also important that women have enough body fat available to sufficiently augment the breasts. Many patients choose to have this procedure after having unsatisfactory results from an implant procedure, or in combination with a breast lift.
Fat Transfer Procedure
Fat transfer breast augmentation is performed with two surgical procedures on the same day. The first procedure is to harvest the fat from another area of the body, typically from the abdomen, buttocks, flank and/or thighs. The fat is extracted using liposuction. First, a small incision is placed in the area to harvest the fat. A small cannula is inserted and fat tissue is removed using a vacuum suction. The liposuction sites are sculpted to give the patient smooth and beautiful contours. Once the fat is collected, it is prepared for injection into the breasts, removing any fluid waste or contaminants. Then, the clean fat is placed in a syringe for injection into the breast.
Injection of the Fat into the Breast
The second procedure is the injection of harvested fat tissue into the breasts. The fat is strategically and methodically injected into the breasts by the surgeon. It is injected in a small thread-like manner to promote integration into the breast tissues. The fat is injected into all levels of the breast, with a focus under the skin and above the chest muscle.
Fat Transfer with Augmentation or Lift
Fat transfer can be combined with other surgical procedures, such as traditional breast augmentation and breast lift procedures. Fat transfer with augmentation is typically indicated for complex conditions involving breast shape. For some situations, fat grafting will provide needed volume in a way that an implant alone is unable to. A breast lift will improve the shape, correcting for breast sagging and excess skin. When combining a fat transfer to a breast lift, the patient can increase volume, while correcting for breast shape.
To book a consultation click here or call 561-266-4344.
What to Expect
The entire procedure takes 4-6 hours for harvesting and injection. Patients are typically able to return to light activities and work in one week. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for several weeks. After a fat transfer to breast procedure, the patient should expect some swelling, bruising and discomfort at the fat donor sites and the injection sites. This discomfort is easily controlled and are only temporary.
For some patients, 1-3 fat transfers must be performed in order to achieve the desired outcomes. This is because some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body and not give the desired results during the initial procedure. Typically, breasts keep 60-80% of transferred fat volume. It is important that patients follow post-surgical instructions from the surgeon in order to allow the breasts to heal properly. This will increase the amount of fat that is retained in the breasts.
With fat grafting, the breast shape is improved, enhancing the cleavage of the upper breasts. The size is usually increased ¾ – 1 full bra cup size. It is important that women have realistic expectations for surgery. If looking for a more dramatic increase in breast volume, a traditional breast augmentation with implants will be better indicated. The results of the fat transfer is long term. However, breast changes can occur with natural aging, gravity, and weight changes.
Fat transfer to breast is a newly emerging and growing cosmetic procedure. One consideration is the impact of fat injection into the breasts and how it affects breast health. Just like any other breast procedure, when the fat is injected into the breast, lumps, cysts and calcifications may form. The typical adverse event is formation of fatty cysts within the breasts, which can be suspicious for breast cancer upon imaging. However, most cysts are easily aspirated during a simple office procedure.
Additionally, the grafted fat looks different and is distinguishable from lesions associated with breast cancer. It is important to have regular breast examinations, noting any changes to imaging studies. Research has found no increase in breast cancer prevalence in individuals who have undergone fat grafting. The concern arises in the ability to properly visualize any unrelated lesions. In actuality, the adverse effects of this procedure are low, as the body does not reject its own fat cells.
Fat Transfer to Breast Augmentation Recovery
The most common complaint after this procedure is insufficient fat uptake, if not enough fat survives the transplant. This results in inadequate volume. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of fat grafting makes it difficult to determine exactly how much fat with take and what breast volume can be expected. With multiple grafts, more volume and more dramatic results can be obtained.
To book a consultation click here or call 561-266-4344.
The Ennis Plastic Surgery Difference
At Ennis Plastic Surgery we are proud to offer our patients the most up to date and clinically relevant cosmetic procedures available. Fat transfer to breast surgery is a natural approach to breast enhancement and an exciting development in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery.
Fat transfer to breast surgery is performed by our renowned and respected breast surgeon, Dr. Ennis. Dr. Ennis is a leader an innovator in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the body. He is the founder of BECA (Breast Enhancement Centers of America), which aims to further surgical skill and excellence in the field of cosmetic surgery.
If you are looking for a way to naturally enhance your breasts, while shaping and sculpting your figure, then a fat transfer technique may be for you. Please Ennis Plastic Surgery consultation today!
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