Breast fat transfer is a type of cosmetic procedure that, as the name implies, involves transferring fat to the breasts from a different area of the body. Although results vary and each procedure is personalised, it is considered to help achieve a different result than “traditional” breast augmentation (mammoplasty).
In this article, we will cover some of the most commonly asked questions about breast fat transfer procedures. If you have further questions, you may book your private consultation with Dr Rastogi, who can answer any concerns and guide you in making decisions about your desired procedure.
Here are some of the most common FAQs about natural breast augmentation mammoplasty:
What is Autologous Fat Grafting?
Sometimes called ‘fat grafting to breasts,’ the procedure is an alternative to breast implants, or a traditional augmentation mammoplasty. It aims to augment the breasts with the patient’s fat tissue instead of synthetic breast implants.
In other contexts, the word “natural” means: caused by nature, or unaffected by human intervention. But this is not what we mean here. “Natural breast augmentation (mammoplasty)” doesn’t mean the breasts are augmented completely naturally. Instead, we use the word “natural” to highlight the difference between this procedure and breast implants. While breast implants use synthetic materials to augment the breasts, fat grafting uses the patient’s harvested body fat – their own natural fat tissue.
How does breast fat transfer work?
Fat is extracted from a part of the body using liposuction, usually from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The fat is then processed to purify the fat cells before injection in the breasts. This means patients will have several treatment areas that will need to heal after the procedure.
Is breast fat transfer considered surgery?
Yes, breast fat grafting is a surgical procedure. However, it’s considered less invasive than other types of surgery, as it only involves small incisions. The incisions made during liposuction are typically only a few millimetres long, meaning there is less risk of large or visible scarring. Then, when it comes time to transfer the fat to the breasts, no incisions are necessary; the fat is administered via small injections.
Who is a candidate for breast fat grafting?
In order to be considered a candidate for this procedure, you should:
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit smoking for several weeks
- Have excess fat that you would like removed from an area of the body
- Want a modest increase in breast size
- Desire more breast volume but don’t want implants
- Have good skin quality in the treatment areas
These things can be assessed by Sydney surgeon Dr Rastogi during your consultation.
Why might I choose breast fat transfer instead of implants?
Both breast implants and fat grafting are different techniques for the breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure. What suits one patient’s goals might not be ideal for another. Therefore, it’s important to know the differences in what each method can achieve.
Breast augmentation (mammoplasty) using implants is a common technique. The implants come in specific sizes and shapes, which allows patients to predict their potential results more accurately. Implants also allow for a more dramatic change in breast size, whereas breast fat transfer typically creates a more subtle augment.
On the other hand, patients may prefer breast fat grafting due to its use of the patient’s own fat tissue rather than implants. This reduces the risks associated with inserting foreign materials into the body and eliminates certain risks associated with breast implants, such as implant rupture or rotation. In addition, fat grafting allows patients to target excess fat in another bodily area using liposuction.
Who is not suitable for breast fat transfer (autologous fat grafting)?
You might NOT be suitable for this procedure if you:
- Want a dramatic breast size increase
- Have unrealistic expectations for the procedure
- Are unable to take time away from work to rest and recover
- Have not considered the risks involved
- Have minimal body fat, as this can make it difficult to harvest fat tissue
What are the risks of fat transfer to the breast?
The following are some of the risks and complications of the breast fat transfer procedure. Experienced surgeons like Dr Rastogi prioritise the health of their patients and provide appropriate care to reduce risks. However, no surgeon can completely eliminate risks.
So, ensure you’re aware of the side effects and possible surgical complications. This can help you make well-informed and realistic decisions.
- Fat reabsorption – Some fat will be reabsorbed into the body after being transferred to the breasts. While a percentage of fat cells typically survive and remain permanently, patients may need to have additional procedures to achieve their desired augment.
- Asymmetry – Although surgeons aim to create a balanced appearance, there is a risk that the results may be asymmetrical or otherwise undesired.
- Fat necrosis – This occurs when fat cells die and can to symptoms such as lumps, redness, bruising, and pain.
- Scarring – It is true that incisions of fat grafting are small. But there’s still a risk that these small scars may become larger or hypertrophic.
- Bruising and swelling – These symptoms are common after fat grafting and should resolve on their own. However, there is a risk that the swelling or bruising could be prolonged.
If you are concerned about any of the above, ensure that you speak to Dr Rastogi to assess your symptoms and give appropriate advice.
Why should I choose Dr Rastogi for breast augmentation (mammoplasty) in Sydney?
Getting the guidance of a knowledgeable and empathetic doctor can make a big difference when deciding if a procedure is right for you. Dr Rastogi has over two decades of surgical experience and a passion for helping patients reach their goals. He can design a treatment plan that accommodates your desired treatment areas, health, lifestyle, and cosmetic desires.
If you have more questions, learn more about autologous fat grafting here, or book your consultation for a personal discussion with Dr Rastogi about your breast fat transfer procedure.
