What is fat transfer breast augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is a breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results.

Am I Suitable for Breast Fat Transfer?

Fat Transfer is suitable for those wanting to shape their figure while achieving subtle enhancement to the breasts. Fat Transfer is not recommended if you:

Want a significant increase in breast size.
Don’t have enough fat to transfer.
Require an uplift.

Are considering having children within the next year.
Are solely after breast augmentation, without liposuction.
You will need to have enough fat to transfer for treatment, meaning it is not always suitable for those with low body mass, and we advise all patients to be cautious with their expectations. Breast Fat Transfer will add shape and definition but will not provide a substantial increase in size (for which we recommend implants).

Before going ahead with fat transfer you will always require a full consultation with one of our doctors who will advise on your suitability. This costs is fully redeemable against your treatment and transferable to consultation with our surgeons for implants should fat transfer not be the best way forward for you.

The Fat Transfer Procedure

A Fat Transfer procedure begins with the use of an advanced, minimally-invasive liposuction treatment like VASER or MicroLipo to extract fat from a patient’s chosen area(s). This is usually performed under local anaesthetic and will require no incisions or hospital stay.

The extracted fat is then refined before it is carefully injected in layers into the breasts to create volume and definition. As both parts of a fat transfer are minimally-invasive without the need for general anaesthetic, no hospital stay is usually required making recovery and downtime far less than traditional breast implant surgery.

If you are unsuitable for an Breast enhancement procedure with Fat Transfer, our world renowned Plastic Surgeons offer Breast Enhancement surgeries, such as:

Breast Enlargement with Implants (Breast Augmentation)

Breast Reduction (Mammoplasty)

Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

The Breast Fat Transfer Results

A subtle fullness is restored to the breasts. As implants are not used the final results are soft and natural-looking. Areas of the body that the fat is harvested from are slimmed and toned, with greater definition and an improved overall shape.

Downtime

Downtime is minimal. However, because there may be some bruising and swelling, it is best to wait one to two weeks before you hit the gym or do any rigorous physical activity. You may be recommended to undertake a course of MLD Massage to aid your recovery, which your team will advise on during consultation.

FAQs

What does the treatment involve?

Fat Transfer is a 2-in-1 procedure that involves the collection of fat from pockets of fat on your own body using the VASER Lipo or Microcannula Liposuction techniques. The PureGraft™ system is then used to produce the fat graft which is then injected into the breasts. We use a revolutionary filtration technology which leaves the fat cells intact.

The fat cells then integrate into the surrounding breast tissue over a number of weeks, resulting in more defined and firmer breasts.

What happens during the procedure?

Fat transfer breast augmentation should be seen as a 2-in-1 procedure with the liposuction taking place at the first stage of the treatment. The ideal candidates for breast enlargement with Fat Transfer are those women who are keen to lose stubborn fat, typically from areas such as the thighs, abdomen and flanks together with those wanting fuller, firmer breasts.

Once the minimally invasive liposuction process has taken place, the refined fat will then be administered under local anaesthetic, beneath and around the breast with a small needle and cannula using an advanced layering technique.

The entire procedure typically takes 3 hours to perform and can be done under local anaesthetic, resulting in a quicker recovery for the patient.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically around 3 hours.

How soon will I see the results?

You will see results straight away, however results will improve as the implanted fat becomes a part of your breasts during the months after treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Most patients will experience discomfort around the treated area for 1-3 days and may also notice a dull ache for a further 1-4 weeks. You may also notice some swelling and bruising. Possible complications include the risks outlined with the prescribed medications and the risks associated with any surgical procedure.

Is the procedure safe?

Our focus is on patient safety. Full details of possible complications will be highlighted and fully explained at consultation stage.

What aftercare is required?

A small waterproof dressing to the injection site on your breasts will be applied, which you will need to wear for ten days. We will also prescribe a course of antibiotics to help reduce the chances of infection. You are advised to wear a supportive sports bra at least three days a week and are advised to avoid vigorous exercise for approximately three weeks.

For areas that have been treated with liposuction you will need to wear a compression garment for three weeks and avoid strenuous exercise whilst wearing it.

Does fat transfer to the breast really work?

For the right candidate, fat transfer is a highly effective volume enhancing procedure and is ideal for those seeking to achieve natural looking, firmer breasts in a minimally invasive way.

The procedure can offer a long-term solution to both stubborn fat on the body and a lack of volume in the breast. However it is important to remember that the success of a fat transfer procedure relies on the precision and experience of the doctor or surgeon, and your suitability as a candidate.

As the fat for your transfer is sourced from your own body, the treatment is not appropriate for those with little body fat and an experienced professional will need to assess you through consultation to ensure it will be beneficial for what you are looking for. Likewise, as the procedure engages naturally with your body, it won’t be effective for those looking to make drastic changes to their weight post-procedure.

Fat transfer offers volume enhancement to the body, providing you work with the right professionals to ensure you are both suitable for it beforehand, and able to maintain it afterwards.