Breast augmentation surgery has been around since 1962 when a Texas housewife with six children became the first woman to undergo a breast augmentation with implants. It is still one of the most performed cosmetic surgeries today. Breast implants have been improved significantly since then and are available in different shapes, sizes, and textures and are filled with silicone or saline.

What is Breast Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer breast enhancement in short is a procedure that extracts and uses excess fat from one part of a patient’s body to enhance their breasts.

How Does A Breast Augmentation With A Fat Transfer Work?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is done through surgery while the patient is under general anesthesia. Areas that contain excess fat are targeted and liposuction is used to extract this fat to be used later to help contour and add volume to the breasts.

Most often the fat that is targeted to be moved is taken from “problem areas” on the body such as the back, abdomen, and thighs. Fat transfer breast surgery offers dual benefits; patients not only achieve pleasing results in their breasts but also the areas where the fat has been extracted will be more contoured and slimmer.

Using specialized liposuction techniques, the fat is removed from these targeted locations and then sterilized in a centrifuge to remove any impurities. Next, this purified fat is strategically injected into areas of the breasts to provide correction, volume, or enhancement.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Breast Fat Transfer Surgery?

Ideal candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are:

• In general good health;
• Women who have lost volume due to breastfeeding or modest weight loss;
• Women who have one breast larger than the other (or other asymmetry issues);
• Women who desire a modest volume increase and/or corrections;
• Women who have enough excess fat in other locations to use for the breast fat transfer;
• Individuals who understand the limits of the procedure and have realistic expectations of the results.

What Are The Limitations Of Breast Fat Transfer Surgery?

Breast fat transfer surgery has a limit to the amount of volume that can be added to the breasts without the risk of complications. If you desire to significantly increase your breast size (more 1 ½ cup sizes) then implants may be the best option. Sometimes, fat transfer is used in conjunction with breast implants to conceal the edges and create smooth transition lines.

Also, adding additional fat in the breast area through fat transfer can help correct a small amount of loose skin but will not address moderate to severe sagging. Combining a breast lift with fat transfer breast surgery may offer optimal results.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Fat Transfer?

• The fat that is used is not foreign so will not be rejected.
• Breasts normally contain fatty tissue so injected fat will feel just like the other natural breast tissue.
• The procedure aesthetically benefits more than one area of the body.
• Fat transfer is a very safe low-risk procedure.
• Results in natural-looking contoured breasts
• Results are permanent and will not require maintenance every 10 years like implants.

What Should I Expect from My Breast Fat Transfer Procedure?

Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics offers fat transfer breast augmentation in Atlanta in our fully-equipped office as outpatient surgery. There is no hospital stay required and you can return home the same day. The procedure generally lasts between 2-3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

1. During the first step of the procedure, the surgeon performs liposuction to extract fat from the inner thighs, abdomen, or other areas based on your pre-determined preferences and the doctor’s recommendations. Usually, the surgeon extracts between 200-500cc, depending on the overall results desired.
2. The second step in the procedure is the purification and injection of the fat into the breasts. The fat is processed and purified and then strategically and delicately transferred by injection into the breast to recontour and add volume.

How Long Do the Results Of Fat Transfer Breast Surgery Last?

Results from fat transfer breast surgery are permanent however it will take about 6 months before the final results will be clear. Surgeons routinely inject more fat into the breasts than is desired to allow for fat that will not survive. The newly relocated fat cells need to tap into the blood supply in their new breast location to become permanent residents. It is normal for approximately 20% of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed back into the body.

Once the fat cells are permanently grafted in the breast, they will respond like any other fat cells in your body and can contract or expand with weight gain and loss.

Breast Fat Transfer Recovery

The Recovery from fat transfer breast surgery will vary by patient and will depend on factors such as the extent of the procedure, how many areas liposuction was performed, the patient’s normal healing ability, and the level of aftercare.

Typical recovery is 1-3 weeks. The surgeon will provide you with specific information based on your surgical procedure but generally, all patients must avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.

Swelling and bruising are normal in the liposuction areas and the breasts as you heal. You may be instructed to wear compression garments for a short time to minimize bruising and swelling.

To get the best results from your breast fat transfer, you need to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon very carefully.

Side Effects of Breast Fat Transfer

Depending on the liposuction technique used, bruising and swelling may be normal and numbness may also occur. A small incision is usually made to insert the liposuction tool but it does not require any sutures. Some patients experience a tiny scar in this area. Learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation risks and side effects.

How Much Does Breast Fat Transfer Cost in Atlanta, GA?

The cost of fat transfer breast augmentation varies by patient based on several factors but starts at around $3,000. During your initial consultation, our team will discuss the details of your procedure and the associated costs. They will also be happy to share information about our flexible financing options.

In just a few hours through a minimally invasive procedure, your own fat can be used to enhance your breasts. The procedure is preferred by patients who desire an alternative to implants and more natural-looking results.

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer fat transfer breast treatments for men and women at Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics in Buckhead, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. To learn more about fat transfer breast surgery, contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.