As we have largely discussed in previous articles, fat transfer surgery, also known as fat grafting, is one of the most requested procedures in much aesthetic practice and its popularity is increasing all around the world. Fat transfer breast enhancement, in particular, is one of the single most popular aesthetic procedures performed in the UK and the US every year.

Rather than using implants for breast enhancement, some women are more fond of the idea of using their own fat to increase the size of their bust, as this procedure is minimally invasive and is proven to have natural, long-lasting results. Dr Rozina Ali, a multi-award winning female plastic surgeon in London, is the leading advocate of fat transfer and a renowned breast expert, and she is here to provide meaningful insights to help you fully understand fat transfer to breast procedure and help you make the right choice.

The process of fat transfer

Transferring fat from an area of excess to a more desirable area, for example, to improve the contour, appearance and volume of breasts, involves 3 important stages:

Fat Harvesting: implies gently harvesting live fat cells from areas of unwanted body fat - such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Successful fat transfer procedures require as many fat cells as possible to remain viable during the grafting process.
Processing & Purifying: after the adipose tissue is removed, the surgeon must prepare the fat suitable for injection by washing and filtering it - usually using a sterile centrifuge.
Injecting Fat: lastly, the purified fat component is injected into the recipient areas of need - in this case, the breasts.

The fat that is grafted from another location comes without its own blood supply, which means there is a crucial period it must undergo after being transferred in order to survive for the long term. Studies suggest that most of the transferred fat cells die off in the early period, and it is the adipocyte-derived mesenchymal cells that eventually differentiate and grow into the new fat cells. Thus, the survival rate of fat cells is boosted by the addition of certain additives, such as stromal vascular fraction (SVF).

before-and-after-breast-augmentation-fat-transfer

When to consider Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

When considering whether or not you are suitable for a fat transfer procedure, the primary consideration should be your OWN needs and expectations. Speaking from a professional perspective, to fit into the description of a fat transfer breast enhancement patient, you should have a certain amount of body fat and expect a mild to moderate increase in breast size 1 cup size).

On the other hand, if you are dealing with noticeable sagging of the breasts, a breast lift surgery with or without implants will deliver better results than fat transfer. Simply increasing breast volume through fat transfer alone does little to lift or reshape the breasts.

Advantages and disadvantages of fat transfer to breast

An extremely attractive proposition that draws many patients to this procedure is “Killing two birds with one stone”. The liposuction that is used to harvest fat provides the second benefit of body contouring, alongside the augmentation of the breast.

Moreover, by using only your own tissues, the final results will look and feel very soft and natural compared to silicone or saline breast implants. 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 (1-1.5 cup sizes) but hopefully also your self-image and self-confidence.

However, if you are looking for a significant increase in breast size, the fat transfer procedure cannot guarantee the results you are looking for. Breast implants, in contrast, can produce a, two or three cup size increase in breast size. Also, data indicates the resorption of fat rate is over 30%, despite controlling all the influential factors. Thus, the percentage of fat that is needed is not always predictable, so patients may need multiple sessions to achieve their desired breast size.

Post-surgery recovery

While some types of treatment require a short recovery period, it’s likely you’ll be able to resume your normal activity immediately following your procedure. Recovery from fat transfer is usually minimal - the only incisions will come from liposuction.

Results will become apparent over a few months as swelling retreats and the transplanted fat establishes itself in the new areas. Once fat cells are suctioned out, they are eliminated permanently if you maintain your weight. The fat cells transferred to a new location will stay there and thrive because they are from your own body.
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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