How Long Do The Results Of A Fat Transfer To The Breast Last?

Breast augmentation continues to top the list of the most in-demand cosmetic surgeries year after year. The ability to restore or achieve a more feminine contour with a single surgery has made breast implants soar in popularity among women of all ages. However, with the rising trend of all-natural lifestyles, more patients are seeking alternatives to a traditional breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief of Plastic Surgery at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, is proud to offer women a natural, safe, and effective way to enhance their look in the form of a fat transfer to the breast.

What is a fat transfer to the breast?

Fat transfer to the breast, also known as fat grafting, is a surgical procedure designed to take fat from one part of a patient’s body and transfer it to another in order to enhance the size, shape, and contour of the treated area. Most commonly, fat grafting is used to add volume and shape to the breasts, buttocks, lips, and face.

How does a breast augmentation with fat grafting work?

During the procedure, Dr. Khorsandi will extract fat from a predetermined site using liposuction, which involves making a small incision through which a cannula will be inserted. The extracted fat is then separated, sterilized, and purified, and the incision is closed. Once the fat has been prepared, Dr. Khorsandi will strategically inject it into the breasts. With the amount of skill and artistry involved in a fat transfer, it is imperative that patients select a highly experienced and qualified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure. Dr. Khorsandi and the exceptional team at VIP Plastic Surgery have performed numerous breast augmentation procedures using the fat transfer technique with stunning results.

What are the advantages of a breast augmentation using fat transfer?

For patients who wish to improve their appearance without the use of an artificial substance such as breast implants, a fat transfer to the breast offers a more natural alternative. The use of a patient’s own fat means there is little to no risk of rejection. An added benefit of the surgery is that patients may lose a few inches from the areas where fat was extracted. Another aspect of a fat grafting procedure that patients enjoy is the minimal scarring compared to traditional breast augmentation. However, it is important to have realistic expectations when considering a fat transfer to the breast. While the results can be beautiful, it is often not possible to achieve as dramatic an outcome with a fat transfer as you can with breast implants. During your initial consultation, Dr. Khorsandi will discuss your goals and help you determine whether breast augmentation using implants or a fat transfer may be your best option.

How long do the results of a fat transfer to the breast last?

As with any fat transfer procedure, some of the fat that is extracted and transferred will die in the first several days, and a small amount may be absorbed by the body in the first several weeks or months. In general, patients can expect about 70 – 80 percent of the transferred fat cells to survive, though this can vary. It is important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative guidelines carefully to ensure the best chance for fat cell survival. This includes sleeping on your back for at least six weeks and avoiding direct pressure to the breasts, which could cause the fat cells to die.

Once the transferred fat cells have established themselves with new blood vessels, they should be considered viable indefinitely, making the final results of your procedure permanent once the healing process is complete. However, it should be noted that the size of fat cells can change over time, particularly with a significant weight fluctuation. Patients who lose weight may notice a decrease in their breast size, but this does not mean that the fat cells have died. Likewise, patients who gain a large amount of weight will likely experience an increase in their breast volume. For this reason, it is recommended that patients wait to pursue a fat transfer to the breast until they have reached a healthy and stable weight. It is also important that women considering a breast augmentation with fat grafting are finished having children before undergoing the procedure, as the weight fluctuation associated with pregnancy can compromise their results.

With proper postoperative care, a healthy lifestyle, and a stable weight, patients can enjoy the results of their fat transfer performed by Dr. Khorsandi for many years to come.

How do I know if a fat transfer to the breast is right for me?

The best way to determine how a fat transfer to the breast may benefit you is to be evaluated by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. Contact VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV to schedule your consultation with Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today, and learn more about how a breast fat transfer can give you the shape you’ve always dreamed of.