Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs

There are many different areas that can serve as donor sites for fat transfer. Donor sites are areas where liposuction is performed to harvest the fat used for fat grafting. Good donor sites are areas that typically do not change much with weight fluctuations. Common donor sites can include upper and lower abdomen, flanks, and upper back. Fat from these areas can be used for fat transfer to the breasts.

We recommend patients avoid lying flat for 2 weeks after surgery. Instead, we recommend sleeping slightly reclined, with your head elevated above your heart, to reduce swelling.

It is recommended for patients to always wear their surgical garment for 6 weeks after surgery, except when showering or laundering. We recommend patients launder their garments while showering.

Yes, free fat grafting can be performed at the breasts. This is a great alternative for those who have trouble areas they wish to treat with liposuction, while also wanting a subtle volume increase to their breasts.

Yes, fat transfer is considered relatively permanent as long as patients maintain their weight after surgery. Factors such as pregnancy and major weight fluctuations could affect your fat transfer results.

Fat transfer works by harvesting fat via liposuction and purifying the fat intraoperatively with a centrifuge. The purified fat is then artfully re-injected into the the breasts. This procedure can also be combined with a breast lift if necessary, as well as other procedures.

Most patients take pain medications for a short amount of time after surgery. By 2 weeks, the majority of swelling and bruising has resolved. As scar tissue continues to peak up until 6 weeks, patients continue to wear a compression garment and abstain from exercise. At 6 weeks, patients can stop wearing the compression garment and resume all exercise and normal activities. We judge final results at 3 months after surgery, but scarring and sensation changes can continue improving up to 1 year post-operatively.

Natural breast augmentation may come with fewer risks than breast implant surgery, but still carries risks like any other surgery. The best way to determine the risks and rewards is by consulting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Common complications include bruising, swelling, and sensation changes. More uncommon complications can include (but are not limited to) hematoma, seroma, bleeding, contour irregularities, hyperpigmentation, and asymmetry.

Patients may resume exercise and all physical activity approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

If a patient is looking for a subtle volume increase (about 1 cup size) or only an increase in uper pole fullness of the breasts, then fat transfer may be the best option. If a patient is looking for a larger volume increase (more than 1 cup size), then implants may be a more appropriate choice. By choosing a double-board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Coan, you can discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the best option for you.

Ideal candidates for fat transfer to breasts are patients with one more areas of excess fat and desire slightly larger breasts. The ideal candidate for fat transfer to breasts likely has some degree of breast tissue already present prior to surgery.

There are multiple benefits to liposuction and fat transfer to breasts. This procedure can address two different concerns simultaneously, by removing stubborn fat from undesirable areas and also increasing breast size. Since these procedures are performed together, there is only one recovery period. Fat grafting to the breasts also allows patients to avoid the long-term maintenance and implications associated with breast implants.

You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation with fat transfer if you desire a natural-looking increase in breast volume without the use of implants. Ideal candidates typically: -Have sufficient donor fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, upper back, or thighs -Are seeking a subtle breast enhancement -Prefer a more natural feel and appearance -Are in good overall health and maintain a stable weight Fat transfer is best suited for patients who desire natural results rather than dramatic size changes. During your consultation, Dr. Coan will help determine whether breast implants or fat transfer is the best option to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Most patients can expect an increase of approximately ½ to 1 cup size per fat transfer procedure. It is important to note that not all transferred fat survives. Several factors influence the success of fat transfer, including the quality of the harvested fat (the seed), the recipient site where fat is transferred (the soil), and the skill and expertise of the surgeon. For this reason, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential for both safety and optimal results. Some patients elect to undergo staged fat transfer procedures to gradually build volume over time.

Transferred fat behaves like fat elsewhere in the body, specifically from where it is harvested from. As a result, weight fluctuations may affect breast volume. To achieve the best and most predictable results, patients are encouraged to be at a healthy, stable weight before surgery and maintain that weight afterward.

Recovery from breast fat transfer surgery is typically well-managed when patients follow our pre- and post-operative instructions. Common aspects of recovery include swelling in both the breasts and donor areas, some minor bruising, and mild to moderate discomfort and soreness, primarily at liposuction sites. Most patients can return to light activities within 1-2 weeks. However, patients must avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for six weeks following surgery. Compression garments are worn for six weeks to support healing and optimize results. Overall, most patients find recovery manageable and well-tolerated

An increase in breast volume can be visible immediately after surgery; however, postoperative swelling temporarily affects appearance. Swelling occurs both in the areas where fat is harvested and where it is transferred. Swelling typically improves within 4-6 weeks, and final results are evaluated 3 months after surgery. Fat grafting results are considered long-lasting provided the patient maintains a stable weight.

The portion of fat that successfully survives the transfer is considered long-lasting. While natural aging and weight changes can affect breast appearance over time, most patients enjoy lasting results without the need for implants. Maintaining a stable weight is one of the most important factors in preserving results.