Fat transfer to breast, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that makes use of your own body fat to increase breast size. This involves harvesting excess fat from a body part through liposuction. Common body areas are thighs, buttocks, hips, and/or abdomen. The harvested fat is processed in the laboratory to ensure only healthy fat cells remain. Our surgeons at Sculpted Clinic in the Gold Coast will then inject the processed fat into your breasts to add volume. Before undergoing the procedure, there are several important things that you should know.
Uses the Patient’s Own Body Fat
Fat transfer to breast involves using your body’s own fat to add breast volume and size. Your surgeon uses a procedure called liposuction to harvest fat. Common body areas are thighs, buttocks, hips, and/or abdomen. The harvested fat is then purified in the laboratory to remove impurities and damaged cells. This ensures only healthy fat cells remain. Once purified, your surgeon injects the refined fat into your breasts. Over time, the transferred fat cells integrate with the existing breast tissue. This allows them to establish their own blood supply for long-term survival. The use of your own body fat during fat transfer to breast offers benefits. This includes a reduced risk of allergic reactions or rejection since it does not use implants. While not all transferred fat cells may survive, a portion becomes a permanent part of the breast.
Provides the Additional Benefit of Body Contouring
Fat transfer to breast involves a two-step process. Excess fat is first harvested from donor areas through liposuction. This provides the additional benefit of body contouring in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. During the liposuction phase, the surgeon removes excess fat from specific donor sites. Once the fat is purified, your surgeon injects it strategically into your breasts. The procedure not only adds breast volume and size but also contours the donor regions by removing fat through liposuction.
Results in Limited Volume Increase
Fat transfer to breast can result in a limited volume increase compared to breast implants. The amount of fat that can be transferred in a single session may have limitations. Achieving substantial changes might need multiple sessions. In general, the body can only accommodate a fat volume of 120 to 250 mL (average, 205 mL) per breast per session. Injecting an excessive amount of fat may compromise the blood supply to the transferred fat cells. This leads to decreased viability and potential fat necrosis (death of fat tissue). Moreover, it may lead to an uneven distribution of fat, resulting in asymmetry.
The Longevity of Results can Vary
The longevity of results of fat transfer to breast can vary among individuals. It’s important to keep in mind that not all transferred fat cells will survive. Over time, some may be naturally reabsorbed by the body. Despite this, a portion of the transferred fat integrates permanently with the existing breast tissue. The variation in the survival of transferred fat cells is influenced by many factors. These include blood supply, injection technique, harvesting method, volume of fat, postoperative care, and your overall health.
Involves Small Incisions for Liposuction and Injection
Fat transfer to breast involves small incisions for both liposuction and fat injection. In liposuction, small access points are strategically placed to allow the insertion of thin tubes for fat removal. Similarly, during fat injection, small incisions are made to introduce the purified fat. Your surgeon creates the incision in natural body creases or hidden areas. This helps reduce the visibility of scars.
Can be Combined with Implants
Combining breast fat transfer with breast implants can provide added volume and contouring. This combination allows for a customized and personalized outcome tailored to individual preferences. It’s important to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine whether this combination approach aligns with individual preferences and desired results. This allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits and considerations associated with the combined use of fat transfer to breast and implants.
Requires Maintenance of a Stable Weight
Maintaining a stable body weight is a crucial factor in achieving and preserving the long-term results of fat transfer to breast. Significant fluctuations in body weight can affect the appearance of your new breasts. Rapid weight gain or loss can affect the distribution of fat in the body. When body weight is stable, the transferred fat cells are more likely to settle and integrate into the breast tissue. It’s important to note that individual responses to weight changes can vary.
Associated with Risks and Complications
While the fat transfer to breast uses your own body fat, it has certain risks and complications like any surgical procedure. Some potential risks include infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Moreover, the survival rate of transferred fat cells can vary. This leads to the need for touch-up procedures in some cases. There is also a possibility of oil cysts forming, which may require drainage or removal. Fat necrosis, where a portion of the transferred fat does not survive, can result in firm lumps. As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and asymmetry.
Not Suitable for Everyone
Fat transfer to breast may not be suitable for everyone. You are not a good candidate for the procedure if:
- You have unrealistic expectations: The procedure can only result in a limited breast volume increase.
- You have insufficient donor fat:This can limit the amount of fat available for transfer.
- You are seeking a substantial increase in breast size: A significant increase in breast volume can be achieved by breast implants.
It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon to determine candidacy for fat transfer to breast. During the consultation, your surgeon can assess the availability of donor fat, discuss realistic expectations, and explore alternative procedures that better align with your goals.
Requires Adherence to Postoperative Instructions
Adhering to postoperative instructions is crucial for the success of fat transfer to breast. Following the surgery, you will receive specific guidelines from your surgeon at Sculpted Clinic. These instructions typically cover various aspects of postoperative care:
- You need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
- You need to wear compression garments.
- You need to take prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics.
- You need to monitor your breasts for any unusual changes, such as excessive swelling, redness, or signs of infection.
- You need to avoid direct pressure on your breasts.
- You need to attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
Reasons to Choose Dr Sawhney for Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery in Gold Coast
Dr Sawhney’s medical journey began in London, where he pursued his medical degree at Guy’s & St. Thomas’ Hospitals, qualifying as a doctor at the age of 22. With diverse experience in various surgical specialties, including general, paediatric, orthopaedic, vascular, transplant, and cardiac surgery, Dr Sawhney’s extensive background sets the foundation for his expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Commencing his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2007, he earned Fellowship from the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – FRACS (Plast) in 2011. After his training, he started hospital work where he soon became Director of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He played a crucial part in developing a comprehensive unit to meet the demand for breast cancer resection and reconstruction, lower limb trauma, and complex head and neck cancer resection and reconstruction.
