Breast Augmentation
with Fat Transfer
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer to the breasts is very popular. It is often used to improve the appearance of breast reconstructions or to smooth select contours in aesthetic breast surgery. Some surgeons advocate the use of fat for complete breast augmentation. Fat transfer breast augmentations work well when you have a motivated patient who does not need an immediate result, wants limited size increase, and has accepted the controversies that exist with this procedure.
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Fat transfer involves the removal of living tissue through the technique of liposuction and placing it into a new area with the intention of having it survive. There are certain steps that have to be taken to accomplish this.
First, we have to be gentle when we remove it. Most forms of liposuction are fairly destructive to the tissue since it will be discarded later. So, the parameters of fat removal have to be altered to maximize fat cell survival.
Next, the fat cannot simply be poured into a place. If you add a lake of fat anywhere, the fat dies. The body clears up the area, and little if any change is noticed. So placement of fat has to be performed with specialized instruments that lay narrow tubes of tissue into the new tissue. Fat has to get a new blood supply if it’s to survive as anything more than an oily slick. The fat has to be put where the blood vessels are. That means we put fat just beneath the skin, into the fat, and in most areas into the underlying muscle too.
Fat survival is variable. Studies tell us that anywhere between 40% and 80% of the fat will survive if the procedure is performed correctly. So we have to overcorrect the area if we expect a great correction. Fat has to be protected after the transfer, so keeping weight off the area and chilling it slightly to avoid inflammation is very important.
One interesting area of fat grafting research is the use of stem cells. These are cells, which occur, in fat tissue as undifferentiated tissue; they can become nearly anything with the right stimulus. We acknowledge that part of the fat we introduce is made up of stem cells. These differentiate into mature fat cells and blood vessels. There is a body of evidence which demonstrates that the more stem cells, the greater the fat survival.
In fat transfer, more is not necessarily better. It has to be performed very carefully, with the final goal in mind. The final results of fat grafting do take months to be seen.
Careful judgment is important in any fat transfer. With Dr. Geldner’s superior surgical skills, his 25 years of experience, his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our patients’ expectations.
Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a procedure that uses the patient’s own fat to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This natural alternative to implants involves liposuction to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, which is then purified and injected into the breasts. The result is a modest increase in breast size with a more natural look and feel.
Good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are individuals who are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and desire a subtle enhancement of their breast size. Ideal candidates have sufficient fat deposits in other parts of their body that can be harvested for the procedure. Non-smokers are preferred, as smoking can interfere with the healing process and the viability of the fat cells. This procedure is especially suitable for those who seek a natural alternative to implants, want to avoid synthetic materials, or are looking to correct minor breast asymmetries or improve contour and volume.
During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will evaluate the patient’s medical history, body composition, and aesthetic goals to determine if fat transfer breast augmentation is appropriate. He will discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of the procedure, as well as the expected outcomes. This thorough evaluation ensures that the patient and Dr. Geldner have a mutual understanding of the desired results, leading to a more satisfactory surgical experience.
Recovery after fat transfer breast augmentation involves two main areas: the donor sites where fat was harvested, and the breasts where the fat was injected. Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both areas, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications and proper post-operative care.
Most patients can return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and any activities that may put strain on the treated areas for about four to six weeks. Wearing compression garments on the liposuction areas and a supportive bra for the breasts can help reduce swelling and support the healing process. Dr. Geldner will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical sites and recognize signs of potential complications, such as infection or unusual swelling.
Patients should attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Geldner to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. During these visits, he will check the treated areas, remove any stitches if necessary, and address any concerns the patient may have. It’s important to note that some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, and the final results may take several months to become fully apparent.
Adhering to the post-operative guidelines, such as maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, and following a healthy lifestyle, can significantly enhance the recovery process and the overall results of the surgery. With proper care and patience, most patients find that the natural enhancement provided by fat transfer breast augmentation meets their aesthetic goals and boosts their confidence.