What are my Composite Breast Augmentation options?

This procedure involves placement of the breast implant in the usual way through an incision in the inframmary crease or as part of a breast lift incision. Fat is then removed from the body via liposuction and transferred to the breast. The location that the fat is harvested from is dependent on the amount of fat needed as well as the patient’s desires. Fat can be taken from anywhere in the body, processed and injected using cannulas that are inserted through tiny incisions around the areola.

The fat to be transferred must be harvested from the patient’s own body. Using someone else’s fat is not possible. A side advantage of fat transfer is that you will also be benefiting from body contouring as a result of the initial liposuction. You and your surgeon will decide together on the area(s) to be liposuctioned.

In addition to combining implants with fat grafting, fat grafting to the breasts can also be performed alone or in conjunction with a breast lift or revision.

As with all breast augmentations, you will have options when it comes to implant size, shape, and material. Your surgeon will help you choose from silicone, saline, or IDEAL® breast implants. 

What are the risks of Composite Breast Augmentation?

Because a composite breast augmentation involves two procedures, surgery time is longer. However, these surgeries are considered very safe and effective overall. More information on breast augmentation risks can be found here. The risks specific to fat grafting are the same as those related to liposuction procedures. Because the fat is grafted after the liposuction there are additional risks of asymmetry or contour abnormalities where the fat is placed.  This is quite rare. Finally, fat is a living tissue and responds to the new environment in a variable way. This means that, while your surgeon will place the appropriate amount of fat in the prescribed locations, there will be some decrease in the volume of fat that ‘takes’ or stays in those locations over time. 

It’s important to note that if a patient’s weight fluctuates, the transferred fat in the breast will act like regular fat, and may shrink or expand depending on weight gain or loss.