ARTICLE

While plastic surgeons have been transferring fat into the face and other parts of the body for more than 20 years, breast augmentation by fat transfer is a relatively new procedure.

This is because advances in techniques and technology now make it possible to extract larger volumes of fat (between 100-400ml) to create a modest increase in breast size while rebalancing the figure.

Breast augmentation by fat transfer is certainly our most popular procedure at Avenue Aesthetic Surgery. However, many people who ask us about this procedure are still unsure about what they can expect from the surgery, and whether they’d be an appropriate candidate.

Here, we outline what is achievable with breast augmentation by fat transfer, who might be a suitable candidate and what patients can expect during their post-operative recovery.

Understanding achievable breast size

At a patient’s first consultation, we determine what size increase is achievable through fat transfer. If you desire a larger increase, then a second session of fat grafting may be performed, although this is rarely necessary as we are often able to grow the fat once it has been grafted.

We also ensure our patients understand that their new breasts won’t look like implants. In fact, they will look and feel plumper and much more natural.

Patients must be at a healthy weight   

For optimal results, we require patients to be within their healthy BMI range. This gives the fat cells the best chance of expanding and attaching properly, and the stem cells present in the tissue the best opportunity to thrive and differentiate into fat tissue. For these reasons, breast augmentation by fat transfer is not recommended for patients who are looking to lose weight, or those who are overweight. Above all, this procedure is best suited to individuals who are happy with their weight, lifestyle and diet, but who have some excess fat that can be used to modestly increase their breast size.

Post-operative expectations

Unlike other breast augmentation procedures, pain associated with fat transfer is very minimal. This is because only one very small excision is made (about half a centimetre in length) on the sternum, which is where the fat is injected into the breast tissue’s fat layer. Pain from the fat removal site is also minimal and easily relieved by medication.

While there is minimal scarring (as the fat is transferred by injection), patients can expect some bruising and hardening of the breasts, which softens after approximately two weeks. After one week, most patients can return to work.

Recovering from surgery

At Avenue Aesthetic Surgery, we provide all of our patients with a strict two-week post-operative

regime to minimise discomfort, stabilise the transferred fat cells, and achieve optimal results.

Aside from following the instructions of the surgeon, we tell patients it’s very important to listen to their body, and to find a happy medium between light physical activity (such as gentle walking), and rest.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, and finding out if it’s right for you, contact our clinic at any time.

You can also read more about breast augmentation by fat transfer here.

ARTICLE

Thinking About Breast Augmentation by Fat Transfer? Here’s What You Need to Know

While plastic surgeons have been transferring fat into the face and other parts of the body for more than 20 years, breast augmentation by fat transfer is a relatively new procedure.

This is because advances in techniques and technology now make it possible to extract larger volumes of fat (between 100-400ml) to create a modest increase in breast size while rebalancing the figure.

Breast augmentation by fat transfer is certainly our most popular procedure at Avenue Aesthetic Surgery. However, many people who ask us about this procedure are still unsure about what they can expect from the surgery, and whether they’d be an appropriate candidate.

Here, we outline what is achievable with breast augmentation by fat transfer, who might be a suitable candidate and what patients can expect during their post-operative recovery.

Understanding achievable breast size

At a patient’s first consultation, we determine what size increase is achievable through fat transfer. If you desire a larger increase, then a second session of fat grafting may be performed, although this is rarely necessary as we are often able to grow the fat once it has been grafted.

We also ensure our patients understand that their new breasts won’t look like implants. In fact, they will look and feel plumper and much more natural.

Patients must be at a healthy weight   

For optimal results, we require patients to be within their healthy BMI range. This gives the fat cells the best chance of expanding and attaching properly, and the stem cells present in the tissue the best opportunity to thrive and differentiate into fat tissue. For these reasons, breast augmentation by fat transfer is not recommended for patients who are looking to lose weight, or those who are overweight. Above all, this procedure is best suited to individuals who are happy with their weight, lifestyle and diet, but who have some excess fat that can be used to modestly increase their breast size.

Post-operative expectations

Unlike other breast augmentation procedures, pain associated with fat transfer is very minimal. This is because only one very small excision is made (about half a centimetre in length) on the sternum, which is where the fat is injected into the breast tissue’s fat layer. Pain from the fat removal site is also minimal and easily relieved by medication.

While there is minimal scarring (as the fat is transferred by injection), patients can expect some bruising and hardening of the breasts, which softens after approximately two weeks. After one week, most patients can return to work.

Recovering from surgery

At Avenue Aesthetic Surgery, we provide all of our patients with a strict two-week post-operative

regime to minimise discomfort, stabilise the transferred fat cells, and achieve optimal results.

Aside from following the instructions of the surgeon, we tell patients it’s very important to listen to their body, and to find a happy medium between light physical activity (such as gentle walking), and rest.

If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, and finding out if it’s right for you, contact our clinic at any time.

You can also read more about breast augmentation by fat transfer here.