Is it really possible to have a breast augmentation without using breast implants? The answer is YES! For those women who think implants are not necessarily the best choice for them, another popular, but less talked about option is fat transfer for breast augmentation. Thanks to the advances we’ve seen in fat grafting techniques and technology over the past few years, fat can be transferred into the breasts to enlarge the size and shape of your breasts.

Many patients prefer fat grafting to implants as it’s less invasive and does not involve putting foreign objects into the body. However, there are limitations to the procedure and, in some cases, implants may be the better option. Dr Rozina Ali, who is a top-rated plastic surgeon highly qualified in breast surgery, shares with us some valuable pros and cons regarding fat transfer to breast that may help you make a better decision and get the best possible aesthetic outcome.

Pros

Relocates sites of excess body fat

Fat transfer is the very definition of upcycling! It involves transferring individual live cells (adipocytes and stem cells) to enhance the quality of your own tissues elsewhere.

Fat is removed from areas of unwanted or excess body fat (abdomen, flanks, thighs, knees, back etc.) and transplanted to areas that would benefit from rejuvenation, regeneration or volume enhancement such as breasts. There is no scarring at the injection site, no foreign material implanted, a very low rate of any serious complications, and a typically desirable donor site.

Minimally invasive

Unlike breast implant surgery, breast augmentation with fat transfer is a far less invasive procedure with smaller incisions (~ 4 mm). Additionally, it is an ideal choice if you have sagging boobs (grade 1 ptosis) since volume enhancement can be achieved with less weight fat than silicone implants.

The procedure consists of fat harvest, fat preparation and then re-injection of the purified fat into the donor site it provides easier recovery in less time. Fat harvest involves small incisions, resulting in minimum swelling, bruising, and scarring; you may feel a bit of discomfort post-procedure as your body begins to heal. The fat transfer surgery involves injecting fat into the breasts that leaves almost no scarring and results in quick and comfortable recovery.

Gaining a most natural look and feel

Because the patient’s own fat is used, the breasts will look and feel more natural compared to silicone breast implants. For those who would like a more than 2 cup size volume enhancement then fat transfer combined with small silicone implants offers a superb, sophisticated option.

Cons

Cup Size Limitation

Fat transfer breast augmentation can only produce up to a 1 or 1.5 cup-size increase. Breast implants, in contrast, can produce considerably more. Dr Rozina Ali is highly qualified in lipofilling to enhance breast size and shape, add curves and cleavage where required and even out any asymmetry or differences in volume. She has extensive experience and great outcomes in fat transfer surgery, that will enhance not only your breasts but hopefully also your self-image and self-confidence.

Less Predictable Results

Unfortunately, fat transfer is often misunderstood as a procedure with no limitations, no scars and no downside. This is not the case and the outcome is dependent on the limited fat sources available and fat survival rates. The best plastic surgeons perform fat transfer very carefully, so the survival of transferred fat is maximised. However, even in the best of hands, some of the transferred fat may not survive the process and may be resorbed by the body.

One has to accept that there is a small chance that a large percentage of the transferred fat will be resorbed, which can produce a less-than-desired enhancement or the need for serial or multiple treatments.

Fat transfer is opening impressive frontiers for patients and plastic surgeons worldwide. Breast augmentation is an elective surgical procedure that offers significant benefits to many women today. Before committing to any type of procedure, learn everything you can about it, and, ultimately, book a consultation with a certified surgeon.

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