Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

What is the Success Rate of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Typically, the success rate for fat transfer breast augmentation is measured by how much fat remains after the injection, as cell necrosis and fat reabsorption during recovery can influence the amount of fat that remains at the end of the six-month mark (1)

To increase the likelihood of graft survival, a good cosmetic surgeon will reduce the amount of time the graft remains outside of the body, transferring material to the breast as soon as possible.

A combination of recovery activities, lifestyle habits, the location of the injection, and the patient's own body chemistry can influence the amount of fat re-absorbed post-surgery.

For the average fat transfer breast augmentation, 50-90% of the injected tissue remains part of the permanent results seen at the 6-month mark post-surgery.

Who is a Good Candidate for This Type of Breast Augmentation?

Depending on your body type and goals, you may be a good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation. There is a natural limit to how much fat can be injected into the breasts, as it must come from the natural fat stores elsewhere on the body.

Previous implants have been rejected, burst, or collapsed, and you want to fill the expanded breast tissue.

You have had previous breast implants removed and want to fill the expanded breast tissue.

You have had multiple capsular contractures – where the scar tissue tightens around the implant and potentially ruptures it – and want to try a more natural alternative.

You have prominent hips and small breasts, providing good distribution of available fat from common donor regions, and want to improve the appearance of your breasts.

You have lost volume in your breasts, and breast tissue has expanded due to breastfeeding, pregnancy, or age.

If you identify with any of the above criteria. You may be a good candidate for this type of breast augmentation and should discuss your options with your cosmetic surgeon, including your goals and any potential risks that come with this procedure.

Is Breast Fat Transfer Painful?

No, breast fat transfer is not painful, though you may experience some tenderness or soreness in the breasts and donor region from the area fat was taken. This soreness is a natural part of the recovery process and should subside within a few weeks after the surgery.

Most women choose to use over-the-counter pain medications to mitigate the discomfort caused by soreness and help bring any inflammation down in the weeks after the surgery. While this is enough for most patients, others may be able to opt for prescribed medications that help alleviate their symptoms.

If you experience hot, burning sensations or pain during the recovery process, it's possibly a sign of infection that should be addressed with your cosmetic surgeon immediately. Infections need treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Can Your Body Reject Fat Transfer?

No, your body cannot reject fat from your own body, which is a considerable benefit in utilising your fat cells as your body recognises it.
While maintenance of the breasts' fat tissue is not necessary, additional injections can help upkeep the shape of the breasts as lifestyle habits change – such as increased level of muscle building or lower caloric intake – in a way that would affect natural fat within the body. (2)

However, a risk factor in this type of surgery is the necrosis of fat cells after they're injected into the breasts. While the body accepts these fat cells, they may not receive enough oxygen during the transfer process and recovery period to stay alive. When this happens, the cells die within the breast in concentrated areas, leading to lumps, bubbles, and other formations caused by dead fat cells.

The risk of cell necrosis is mitigated based on the surgeon's skill, the care given to post-surgery recovery, and any pre-existing health conditions and habits such as smoking.

Pros and Cons of Breast Augmentation through Fat Transfer

Pros and Cons of Breast Augmentation through Fat Transfer, like any other medical or cosmetic procedure, fat transfer has pros and cons. More aptly, some benefits and risks come with the procedure, and you should discuss which option is right for you with your cosmetic surgeon before committing to either one.

Benefits:

• Stabilised results last for the rest of your life without additional intervention.
• No foreign materials, as the fat for the procedure is extracted from your body.
• Fat transfer augmentations have not identified long-term side effects, such as cognitive distress, have not been identified.
• Relatively low risk of infection during the recovery period

Risks:

• Fat from the donor area cannot be regenerated, and the potential for necrosis during the healing stage can cause further complications.
• Over the first six months, the fat reabsorption rate can increase to 50% of the injected tissue.

For a complete overview of the benefits and risks of individual procedures, it's important to discuss your concerns with your cosmetic surgeon during your initial consultation. This can help them better assess your goals and provide a better patient experience as you take this step into a new, healthier, and more confident version of yourself.

How Long Does it Take For a Fat Transfer to Look Good?

The weeks after a breast augmentation surgery, the breasts will not look their best as they need time to heal. This means that they may need to be compressed to the chest gently to ensure the fat tissue heals correctly and that the breasts may be tender to the touch, swollen, and bruised around the incision site.

It can take up to 6 months for your breasts to look their best after a fat transfer breast augmentation, which means it takes a little longer than it might with breast implants, but there is little future maintenance required with this type of procedure.

After 2-4 weeks of proper recovery and attention to healing, the swelling and bruising should subside as the body adjusts to the new tissue.
After about a month, the breasts should begin to recover more thoroughly, and you can resume all normal and strenuous activities after your cosmetic surgeon has cleared you to do so.

The breasts should be supported during heavy workouts, cardio, and other physical activity. Your breasts will be larger and heavier than before, and you should still ensure that the area is not overly stressed and follow your prescribed recovery regimen.

After about six months, the amount of fat within the breast settles, and all recovery steps should be complete. It is around this time that the permanent results will become apparent. Check out our guide on Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Results where we cover aspects of the procedure in more detail.

Do you have Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Questions? Or would you like to book a consultation? 

Mr Sheikh Ahmad, with the conveniently located clinics in Truro, Exeter, Birmingham and London, is one of Britain's leading experts in breast augmentation surgery with a focus on patient care.

Whether you are looking for cosmetic surgery to enhance the appearance of your natural breasts or for reconstructive surgery to repair the shape and size of the breasts after a damaging medical procedure or accident, you'll find everything you need here.

For questions or concerns about fat transfer breast augmentation, contact the clinic to book your first consultation and discuss your options with Mr Ahmad. With over 30 years of experience specialising in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, you can take the first step into body confidence with ease.

Few clinics can match the expertise offered at Sheikh Ahmad Cosmetic Clinics.

A better life full of body confidence and better self-image is waiting for you. Contact our clinic today and start on the path to a new and happier you.

CONTACT US HERE

References:
Healthline.com, What are the risks of fat transfer breast augmentation? https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation-risks

PlasticSurgery.org, What are the risks of fat transfer breast augmentation? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation/safety