Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Are you unhappy with your breast size, but don’t want breast implants, and want a small increase in your breast volume? Do you have asymmetries between breasts and want to add a small amount of volume to one breast? Do you wish there was a more natural alternative to breast augmentation? Well, there is! It’s called a fat transfer breast augmentation.
At M-E CLINIC, our surgeons are highly skilled at performing long-lasting fat transfer procedures to increase the size of the bust. Find out if you are a good candidate for this innovate procedure.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
A fat transfer breast augmentation is a good option for patients who have mild asymmetry between breasts, or want to add a small amount of volume to their breasts. In this procedure, fat is removed from the patient’s body wherever they have excess fat deposits. The fat is cleaned and then carefully injected into the breasts. The fat cells in the breasts will take to the new area, eventually establishing a blood supply. This means that the results from a fat transfer breast reduction are long lasting. To be able to add lasting volume, the procedure may need to be repeated 2-3 times to increase the fat take.
Fat Transfer vs Implants
The first thing a patient needs to consider when deciding between implants and a fat transfer is how much volume they hope to add to their bust. Implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which makes them accessible to many women looking for different outcomes. Implants are the gold standard for breast augmentation, and are best for moderate to larger augmentations. On the other hand, a fat transfer breast augmentation can only increase the breast by a small amount. This means that it is better suited for women who are looking for a small increase, not a dramatic change.
Both breast implants and fat transfer procedures are considered safe and are FDA approved. However, a fat transfer has the added benefit that it uses no foreign material. Since all the material comes from the patient’s own body, there is no chance for an allergic or adverse reaction. Since implants are synthetic, the body may reject the material. One of the more common issues with implants is capsular contracture. This is when the body forms a hard outer shell around the implant as a means of defense. Although we use the safest and most advanced techniques available when performing breast implant procedures, each body is unique and may react differently to the introduction is foreign material.
Fat transfer breast augmentations and implants also differ in their maintenance. A fat transfer does not require the same amount of upkeep as implants. However, if the desired results are not met after the first surgery or if the breasts lose volume with age, patients may have to undergo a second fat transfer breast augmentation. Implants, on the other hand, are not designed to last forever. As a rule, they tend to last an average of 10 years before they need to be replaced. Issues like capsular contracture or rupture could be reasons why they need to be replaced sooner. Furthermore, silicone implants require routine MRI testing to check for silent rupture, which can be costly.
Patients can read more about the differences between implants and fat transfer here. However, in order to ultimately determine the best technique for your body, we recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in both types of procedures. Contact M-E CLINIC today to request a consultation with Dr Mohamed ElAssal.
Recovery
Once the doctor has completed the procedure, the patient will be properly bandaged and taken into a recovery room. In the recovery room, the patient will be observed by our staff until they wake up from anesthesia. The patient will be able to return home on the same day as their procedure, but they will not be able to drive themselves. All patients should make arrangements for somebody else to drive them home prior to the day of their operation.
At home, patients should keep the compression garments around the liposuction sites. This will help the body settle into its newly contoured shape. Patients will be instructed to wear these compression garments at all times, with the exception of in the shower, for two to three weeks. During this time, the patients may experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort. They will be provided with prescriptions for medication to help ease discomfort.
Patients should plan on taking one to two weeks off from work in order to allow their body to fully recuperate. However, they should wait even longer to return to their job if it requires heavy lifting. At the time of the consultation, the doctor will advise the patient on when they can return to activities such as exercise.
Patients will notice the immediate change in the size following surgery. However, the final results will take some time to develop. Over time, the fat cells introduced into the breasts will take to the new area, gaining blood supply. However, not all of the fat cells will survive and some will be naturally eliminated through the body. There is no harm in undergoing additional fat transfer procedures to further augment their results, as long as the patient is still a good candidate.
