Breast Fat Transfer


Fat grafting for breast augmentation consists of two separate procedures done on the same day. The first procedure removes fat tissue after local anesthesia is given. The doctor manually removes fat tissue from parts of the patient's body where fat is not desired such as the thighs, belly and abdomen through liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed to remove unwanted components such as blood, oil and water. Following that, the doctor injects the fat tissue with the help of very fine needles into the areas of the breasts which need enhancement.

Patients who desire breast augmentation through fat grafting must have sufficient fat to harvest. Patients who have been pregnant or breastfeeding, and then lost the volume of their breasts, may be candidates as their breast tissue has expanded via pregnancy. Women who had their breast implants removed may be candidates as their breasts are already expanded and should accept the fat without problems. Women with large hips and small breasts are also good candidates. Women with asymmetrical breasts are also candidates for fat grafting techniques. Candidates should be at least 22 years of age.

The procedure will vary in terms of cost and the surgery could run from $3000 to $5000 to $11,000. The reason for the price range is because there are two procedures, liposuction and the actual fat grafting/transfer process, included in the cost. The final cost varies depending on the facility fees, any necessary medical tests, the surgeon’s level of expertise, the geographic location of the procedure and if any other procedures are performed at the same time.

The results of fat transfer for breast augmentation are permanent as the fat that remains after 6 months is considered to be permanent. After undergoing the procedure, it is advisable to avoid vigorous physical activities including exercise and sexual activity for up to four weeks and avoid lying on the stomach for the first two to three weeks. The patient will be required to wear compression garments on the liposuction sites and sports bras for 4-6 weeks after the surgery.

Unwanted Fat Tissue Used to Enhance or Reconstruct Breasts

Unwanted Fat Tissue Used to Enhance or Reconstruct Breasts

submitted on   Wed Nov, 12, 2014 by Joel Aronowitz, MD     
Fat tissue is really unappreciated. We deride it as an unhealthy, even ugly and unnecessary, part of the body and many of us spend herculean efforts to get rid of it. Of course, fat can be unhealthy, and too much of it definitely is not pretty, but fat (or the more technical term 'adipose...