Breast fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or lipofilling, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses fat from one part of the body to create fuller breasts. It is a less invasive alternative to breast augmentation with implants and can be a good option for people who want a more natural-looking result.
In a breast fat transfer, the surgeon will first remove fat from an area of the body where it is unwanted, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is then processed and purified, and then injected into the breasts. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two to three hours.
Here are the steps involved in breast fat transfer:
- The surgeon will make small incisions in the areas of the body where the fat will be removed.
- A cannula, a thin tube with a blunt tip, will be inserted through the incisions and used to suction the fat out of the body.
- The fat will be processed and purified to remove any impurities.
- The fat will be injected into the breasts using a needle or cannula.
- The surgeon will make sure that the fat is evenly distributed throughout the breasts.
- The incisions will be closed with stitches or staples.
The results of breast fat transfer are typically natural-looking and can last for several years. However, it is important to note that the fat may not all survive, and some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body over time.
Here are some of the benefits of breast fat transfer:
- It is a less invasive procedure than breast augmentation with implants.
- It can create a more natural-looking result.
- It is a good option for people who want to avoid silicone implants.
Here are some of the risks of breast fat transfer:
- The fat may not all survive.
- Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body over time.
- There is a risk of infection.
- There is a risk of scarring.
If you are considering breast fat transfer, it is important to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and goals. They can help you decide if this procedure is right for you and can answer any questions you have.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
- American Society of Breast Surgeons: https://www.breastsurgeons.org/
- National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/
Breast fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that involves using the patient’s own body fat to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure typically consists of the following steps:
1. **Consultation and Evaluation**: The process begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in fat transfer breast augmentation. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s overall health, breast anatomy, aesthetic goals, and suitability for the procedure. They will discuss the expected outcomes, potential risks, and any alternative options for breast augmentation.
2. **Preparation and Anesthesia**: On the day of the procedure, the patient is prepared for surgery. The surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the surgery.
3. **Liposuction**: The first step in breast fat transfer is liposuction. Using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula, the surgeon carefully removes excess fat from specific donor areas of the patient’s body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or flanks. The harvested fat is then collected in a specialized container.
4. **Fat Processing**: The collected fat is then processed and purified to separate the healthy fat cells from other components, such as blood and oil. The purification process ensures that only viable fat cells are used for the transfer.
5. **Fat Injection**: Once the fat is processed, the surgeon makes small incisions in the breast area where the fat will be injected. Using a syringe or a specialized injection device, the purified fat is carefully injected into multiple layers of the breast tissue. The fat is distributed strategically to achieve the desired breast shape and volume.
6. **Closing Incisions**: After completing the fat injections, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures.
7. **Recovery and Follow-Up**: After the procedure, the patient is monitored during the recovery period. The recovery time for fat transfer breast augmentation is typically shorter than traditional implant-based augmentation. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow the surgeon’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing.
It’s important to note that not all of the transferred fat survives in the breasts. Some of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. Therefore, the surgeon may slightly overcorrect the breast size during the procedure to account for this natural fat loss.
Breast fat transfer is considered a less invasive option for breast augmentation compared to traditional implant-based surgery. Since the fat used for the procedure comes from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. However, the amount of breast augmentation achievable with fat transfer is typically more modest compared to implant-based augmentation, and some patients may require multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.