Can You Take Fat From One Body Part And Put It Into The Breasts?

It is hard to deny that breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgery procedures by women of all ages and all walks of life. With the rising trend of an all-natural lifestyle, more and more women are searching for alternatives to increase the volume of their breasts without the use of synthetic implants. Thanks to the groundbreaking developments in cosmetic surgery tools and techniques, breast augmentation patients now have the option to achieve their ideal results through the use of a cutting-edge process known as fat transfer to the breast.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief Plastic Surgeon for VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, is highly experienced in fat transfer to the breast, helping patients successfully enhance their look time and time again. If you are interested in fat transfer as an alternative to breast implants, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified, certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. To better prepare you for your initial consultation, here are some basics about the fat transfer procedure itself, including what it is, how it works, and what kinds of results you can expect.

What is a fat transfer to the breast? 

A fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure during which fat is extracted from one part of the body and injected into another part of the body. Fat grafting is useful in cases where patients desire an increase in the volume of a particular body part but do not want to use artificial implants or synthetic substances, such as fillers.

How does a fat transfer to the breast work? 

During an autologous tissue transfer to the breast, Dr. Khorsandi begins by extracting fat from an area of the body where the patient has enough excess fat to spare. Common areas where fat is harvested for subsequent transfer to the breast include:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Back
• Thighs

After the fat has been extracted via liposuction, it is separated and purified using a centrifuge. While this is happening, Dr. Khorsandi will close the liposuction incision(s) with sutures and prepare for the next phase of the procedure. Once the fat has been prepared in syringes, Dr. Khorsandi will strategically inject it into the breasts in order to sculpt a beautiful, natural, and improved breast contour. It is essential that you select a talented and experienced surgeon who is highly familiar with fat transfer in order to achieve a smooth, even, stunning result.

Am I too skinny for a fat transfer? 

Thinner patients may, understandably, be concerned about whether or not they have enough fat to be used in a fat transfer to the breast. One common misconception is that gaining weight before the procedure can help make you a better candidate for a breast fat transfer. However, patients should not gain weight before any fat grafting procedure, including a Brazilian butt lift or a fat transfer to the breast, unless they are willing to maintain that weight gain after the surgery. The newly transferred fat cells will respond to weight fluctuations, just like the fat in the rest of the body. Therefore, if a patient gains weight before the surgery and then loses it right afterward, the transferred fat cells will shrink and compromise the results of the procedure.

In the majority of cases, patients do have enough excess fat to be transferred to the breast. However, if Dr. Khorsandi determines that you do not have an adequate amount of fat for the procedure, he may recommend a breast augmentation with saline or silicone gel implants.

What is the recovery like after a fat transfer to the breast?

One aspect of fat transfer that patients enjoy most when compared to a breast augmentation with implants is the shorter recovery period. Most of the discomfort and swelling in the breasts will subside within the first week. For many patients, the recovery from liposuction is the more significant part of the postoperative period, though it is generally well-tolerated and fairly uncomplicated. You will be advised to wear compression garments at the donor sites to promote healing and reduce swelling. It is important to avoid direct pressure to the breasts during the first several weeks or months following a fat transfer in order to ensure that the maximum number of transferred fat cells survive.

What results are possible with a fat transfer to the breast?

While a fat transfer to the breast can certainly result in a gorgeous new look, it is important that patients have realistic expectations about the procedure and what results may be possible. For women desiring a dramatic increase in volume, a breast augmentation with implants would be more appropriate than a fat transfer procedure, as the latter does have limitations in terms of the amount of volume increase that can be achieved. Another consideration is the position of the breasts. Women with sagging, excess breast tissue may require a breast lift in order to get the look they desire. A breast lift can usually be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation. Dr. Khorsandi and the knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery will help determine what course of action will best fit your needs and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

If you are ready to explore a breast augmentation via fat transfer, call the convenient Las Vegas office of VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today. We look forward to helping you create, restore, or achieve the body of your dreams.