Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (Natural Breast Augmentation – No Implants)

What is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

In cosmetic surgery, there are a number of procedures designed to provide natural-looking enhancement using a patient’s own tissue. These treatments utilize a technique called fat transfer—or fat grafting—to harvest excess fat cells and relocate them to another part of the body for a long-lasting method of rejuvenation or augmentation. While fat transfer is commonly used as a natural filler to smooth wrinkles and enhance sunken facial planes, the cutting-edge technique can also be utilized during breast augmentation to correct asymmetry, smooth contour irregularities, or provide a modest enlargement in breast volume. As a patient’s own tissue is repurposed during treatment, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. Depending on your cosmetic goals, fat transfer breast augmentation can be an innovative means of improving and refining the breast aesthetic without the need for an implant or prosthesis.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation Using Fat Transfer?

Our extensively experienced plastic surgeon, Joe Gryskiewicz, MD (“Dr. Joe”), performs fat transfer to the breasts for patients who desire some degree of volume enhancement, but do not wish to use saline or silicone implants. He can also utilize the procedure to even out the dimensions between both breasts, smooth the surface of the skin covering an implant, or generally soften the breast contours. Ideal candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation include women who:

• Are seeking modest volume enhancement (typically less than one cup size)
• Are searching for an alternative to implant-based breast augmentation
• Wish to resolve asymmetry or contour inconsistencies between the breasts
• Wish to improve the look of implant rippling, dimpling, or visible edges

While breast augmentation using fat transfer can provide notable improvement in both the size and shape of the breasts, this technique is not appropriate for a large degree of volume enhancement. It is important to note that fatty tissue differs from breast tissue, and some patients may benefit from a combination of fat transfer and implant placement to achieve their desired look. If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation, Dr. Joe can help you determine whether this technique is well-suited to achieve your aesthetic goals during a consultation.

How is the Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure Performed?

The fat transfer breast augmentation procedure involves using liposuction techniques to harvest excess fat from either the abdomen, buttocks, or hips, which are typically fat-rich regions of the body. The best harvest site for your fat cells will depend on the degree of enhancement desired, as well as which area is the most conducive to the collection of fatty tissue. After an adequate amount of fat is gathered, the fat cells are processed, purified, and prepared for injection into the targeted regions of the breasts. Dr. Joe will then meticulously inject the repurposed fat into the breast contours to achieve the desired aesthetic. Not all fat cells survive after injection, so our surgeon commonly inserts a larger amount of volume to account for the tissue that may be absorbed over time. The procedure is usually an outpatient surgery performed under local anesthesia, oral sedation, or general anesthesia.

What is Recovery from Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Like?

Dr. Joe will provide specific post-operative recovery instructions in person, but in general, the recovery period for fat transfer breast augmentation can be relatively smooth. Some swelling may be experienced for a few weeks after surgery, but most patients can return to work and normal activities in a few days. Tenderness in the breasts and liposuction site is common after treatment, but any discomfort can be managed well with oral pain medications. As not all fat cells survive after injection, the breasts may initially seem larger or more swollen than anticipated; however, this usually resolves with time. The result of fat transfer breast augmentation can be remarkably natural-looking, yielding exceptional breast enhancement for relatively minimal downtime.

How Much Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?

While your breast surgery expenses will depend on the details and complexity of your treatment plan, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) lists the average surgical fee for fat transfer breast augmentation in 2017 as roughly $3,120. However, this figure doesn’t account for surgery center fees, or the price variations across different locations and in the expertise of a given plastic surgeon. After assessing your needs in a consultation, Dr. Joe will provide you with a personalized quote of your breast augmentation costs. To make it easier for patients to bring the price of cosmetic enhancement into budget, our practice works with CareCredit^® and Alphaeon™ Credit to provide affordable plastic surgery financing for qualified candidates. Once individuals are approved through the easy application process, these healthcare lending companies offer patients an array of low- to no-interest payment plans to finance their treatment over time while accommodating their budgetary concerns. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our practice to speak to a member of our team.

If you would like to learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation, please call or text our office to schedule your consultation today.