Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs

For silicone implants, an MRI is the only way to detect a leak or rupture.

Yes, an alternative way to enlarge the breasts is through liposuction and fat transfer. This is a great option for patients wanting a more natural breast appearance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.