What is breast augmentation with fat transfer?

If you are considering a breast augmentation or change in breast shape, a breast augmentation with fat transfer (also known as breast fat grafting) may be an excellent option. Fat grafting can be considered alone or in conjunction with a breast lift, augmentation, or revision. In this procedure, fat is removed from an area where it isn’t needed and is used to create additional breast volume or to enhance breast shape.

Who is breast augmentation with fat transfer right for?

Since fat must be harvested from elsewhere in the body, only patients with enough extra fat are good candidates for these procedures. The fat is most effective when used in combination with a breast implant or breast lift. In some cases, a breast augmentation with fat transfer can be performed alone to achieve modest augmentation or to fill in a specific area of deficiency.

What are the risks of breast augmentation with fat transfer?

In general, fat grafting is an excellent option in well-selected patients after a thoughtful consultation. The risk profile is very low and recovery is very reasonable, with most women returning to normal activity within a few days after fat grafting alone.

Risks specific to fat grafting are rare but include:

• Donor site deformity from uneven liposuction
• Change in sensation around the donor sites
• Variable reabsorption of fat after injection
• Cysts or lumps in the area of fat grafting

How long will the results of breast augmentation with fat transfer last?

Fat grafting outcome lengths can be highly variable. Fat is a natural living tissue that will heal differently in different people. As such, the amount of fat that stays in place after surgery can change over time. Some of the fat that is placed may be reabsorbed by the body, but the amount that stays in place is usually stable and permanent by approximately four months after surgery.