19 Sep Question Monday: Can fat transfer be used to augment breasts?

Dr Toogood answers:

Yes, fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or lipofilling, can be used to augment breasts. This procedure involves removing fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) through liposuction, processing the fat, and then injecting it into the breasts to increase their volume and improve their shape.

In my practice, I very seldom do fat transfer to augment breasts to exclusively increase breast size because only small amounts of fat can be used effectively. I mainly use fat transfer to symmetrise uneven breasts or add volume under breast scars (lumpectomy, mastectomy or trauma scars).

Considerations:

• Volume Increase: Fat transfer can achieve only a moderate increase in breast size. For those seeking a more substantial augmentation, implants might be more suitable.
• Fat Absorption: Not all the transferred fat will survive; a portion of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which can affect the final volume.
• Multiple Procedures: Some patients may require multiple fat transfer sessions to achieve their desired results.
• Donor Fat: Patients need to have enough donor fat available in other areas of their body to use for the transfer.

Advantages of Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation:

• Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results tend to look and feel more natural compared to some other implant techniques.
• Dual Benefit: It allows for body contouring in the area where the fat is removed, which can enhance the overall aesthetic outcome.
• Lower Risk of Complications: There is no risk of implant-related complications such as rupture or capsular contracture.

It’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if fat transfer is the right option for your breast augmentation goals and to understand all the risks and benefits associated with the procedure.