Insecurities among breast size are a common concern among women, which is one of the reasons that cosmetic procedures like breast implants are so popular. Breast augmentations are consistently among the top 5 cosmetic surgeries women undergo every year.
But in recent years, more talk has come out about the possible problems associated with having implants. From the possibility of needing a replacement every 10-12 years to the increasingly discussed “breast implant illness,” a non-medical term used to describe some of the rarer problems that may occur with having breast implants for an extended period, such as chest pain and fatigue.
While rare, these talks have led to an increase in demand for a Fat transfer breast augmentation, a surgical way to add volume to your breasts without the need for an implant.
What is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
A fat transfer breast augmentation is the name for a medical procedure, which can enhance both the size and shape of a breast and create proper symmetry between them, all without the use of implants.
Instead, this surgery is a two-part procedure. First, liposuction is performed to collect fat from areas on the body designated by the patient and surgeon. Usually, this is an area where the fat is unwanted, such as the stomach, love handles, or thighs. Multiple areas may be required to receive liposuction if the patient does not have ample fat in one designated area.
The removed fat is then surgically transferred and reshaped to the breasts, allowing for symmetrical volume to be added to them. This is a similar method performed on the buttocks during a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), another fat transfer procedure that was very popular in 2020 and 2021.
Benefits of a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
The main benefit of undergoing a fat transfer procedure is knowing that the surgical contents are all-natural. Rather than using foreign materials to enhance the body, it is your fat that was already there, simply repositioned to a more desirable location.
A secondary benefit is that the liposuction performed on the designated areas will help improve the overall body’s contour in those areas, allowing for a more streamlined and tight abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or wherever else the liposuction was performed.
Finally, fat transfers are permanent, lasting, and retaining their size and shape as long as the patient maintains the weight and general fitness level they were are the time of surgery. This can be very appealing, as most implants should generally be replaced once every decade to ensure their structural integrity.
Combining Fat Transfer and Breast Implants
While a great standalone option, a fat transfer does have some limitations to the number of cup sizes it can help a patient go up. If a more dramatic enhancement is required, modern saline and silicone implants are still the way to go.
However, fat transfers can also be performed in conjunction with breast implants to help enhance their overall appearance. The fat is transferred over the top of the implants, acting as a fatty barrier between them and the skin’s surface. This allows the breasts to retain a more natural feel and appearance and can help to hide any rippling and movement under the skin from saline implants.
