Fat transfer breast augmentation VS breast implants
Year after year, breast augmentation is consistently one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed around the world. Women who are interested in enhancing the size and shape of their breasts are soon faced with one of the most critical and personal decisions they must make about their surgery: breast implants vs breast fat transfer.
Breast augmentation with implants is a time-tested approach that has been refined by plastic surgeons over decades. Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a more recent innovation that allows unwanted fat to be gathered from another part of the body using liposuction and injected into the breasts. Both techniques can produce beautiful, long-lasting results for the right patient. So which one is right for you?
Rozina Ali, one of the best plastic surgeons in London, highly qualified in breast surgery, shares with us her insights regarding the benefits and particularities of each procedure.
Natural Look
If you are looking for a small to moderate enhancement and natural-looking and feeling is important, then breast fat transfer is the procedure for you. Fat transfer is a minimally-invasive alternative to implants, The good news about the fat transfer is that not only do your breasts become bigger, but also those parts where the fat was taken out from, like your thighs, legs, and abdomen, get smaller.
However, if you’re looking for a more substantial size increase in size, more structural support or re-shaping of your breasts then breast implants may be the best choice for you. Implants can achieve a significant increase in volume, projection and upper pole fullness. Although implants can sometimes be more conspicuous than fat grafting, either approach can achieve a natural-looking result with Dr Ali’s techniques.
Longevity
Breast implants are among the most thoroughly researched medical devices. They have a very high rate of patient satisfaction. Surgeons have an excellent understanding of the results a patient can expect to achieve based on their physique and the type of implant they choose. Even though breast implants are not ‘lifetime devices’, most women will be able to enjoy their benefits for much of their active life.
The downside of fat transfer is that the results can be less predictable in less experienced hands. It’s a specialist technique that is experienced, expertise and equipment dependent few non-plastic surgeons are familiar with the details of fat grafting. Dr Rozina Ali is one of the few specialist plastic surgeons in London, highly qualified in breast reconstruction and breast enhancement techniques using all tissues (free tissue transfer, muscle, fat) and devices (ADM, implants).
Results
Depending on your goals, breast implants produce a very reliable, predictable change in size that patients are able to select. When implants are to be used, the consultation process involves a range of decisions that determine the ultimate outcome of the procedure. Together with your surgeon, you will discuss the shape, size, and appearance of your implants, as well as the incision location and placement technique. Results can be tailored to suit your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Breast fat grafting allows for even greater levels of customisation. Specific areas of the breast and chest can be addressed, asymmetry evened out and bony defects of the chest wall smoothed out. The stem cells moved alongside the fat also enhance the quality and appearance of the overlying skin. Patients who are seeking a large change may not require staged serial fat grafting rather than achieve it predictably in one procedure. Fat transfer is therefore ideal for breast reconstruction if somebody has had a lumpectomy, or for correcting uneven breasts.
What is the best choice?
If you’re considering breast implant augmentation vs fat transfer, the best way to decide is to come in for a consultation. Depending on your body structure, desired results, and personal preferences, your surgeon can explain why one may be better than the other for you personally.
In general, if you want to increase your breasts by more than 2 cup sizes, implants are likely a quicker option. If the natural look and feel and minimising silicone are important then fat grafting is a strong contender. Don’t forget, you can have a combined approach, allowing a small volume implant to offer structural support and fat grafting overlying the implant to allow for a smoother shape, enhanced cleavage and sub-glandular placement (above the muscle) which reduces downtime and discomfort.
Everyone’s needs are unique, every case is different, so the enhancement of breast volume and appearance is a decision best made with a personal consultation with a surgeon who is adept at lots of techniques and can deliver the outcome you want, using what you’ve got or what you want.