Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation, or fat grafting of the breast, is a safe and natural way to increase breast volume. Some women prefer this method of increasing breast size because it leaves hardly any breast scars and looks and feels completely natural.

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also called natural breast augmentation, uses liposuction to gather fat from different places on your body that is then added into the breasts. Dr. Rankin uses gentle liposuction to collect fat, typically taken from your flanks, tummy, or thighs. Fat transfer breast augmentation can help increase volume in the breasts and remove unwanted fat in other bodily areas. 

Fat grafting is very different from using an implant for breast augmentation. Firstly, it is all-natural tissue from your own body. Secondly, the procedure involves living fat cells, which must be handled differently than an implant. Dr. Rankin will ensure that the fat cells are placed close to their new blood supply so that they can survive. To get the best fat cell survival, the amount of fat injected will vary from person to person depending on your anatomy.

Depending on how extensive the procedure is, a fat transfer breast augmentation can take up to four hours to complete. During the whole procedure, you will be under general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. Fat transfer breast augmentation can take several hours because there are three stages: 

Liposuction

First, Dr. Rankin will use liposuction to remove the fat you donate to the process. The procedure requires only small incisions to be able to harvest the fat from unwanted locations. Dr. Rankin uses a cannula to collect the fat tissue, which is a small, blunt needle. 

Fat Purification

The fat is then purified to separate the fat cells from the tumescent fluid. Tumescent fluid is an anesthetic that Dr. Rankin will use to further numb the parts of the body where liposuction is performed. The tumescent fluid can also help to minimize bruising. Further, he will use a centrifuge to purify the fat and prepare it for transfer. 

Fat Transfer 

The last step involves Dr. Rankin inserting a cannula into strategic parts of the breast. He then transfers the purified fat cells into the breasts to add fullness and volume. The strategic placement helps to modestly correct asymmetrical breasts and ensure there is little bruising or visible scarring after your fat transfer breast augmentation procedure.

Many of our patients can return to their daily lives about a week after having a fat transfer breast augmentation. The full recovery process should take about a month. The reason for the recovery process taking around a month is that you have had both liposuction and fat transfer. Traditionally, liposuction takes a few weeks to recover from, while fat transfer breast augmentation takes a bit longer since the fat cells will be settling in the breasts. Due to the fact that these are your own living fat cells, about one third of them will not make the journey, but whatever volume you see after about 4 weeks is permanent. 

Bruising, swelling, and some discomfort are common at the locations of the liposuction procedure and within the breasts. Generally, the bruises on the breasts will subside within the month of recovery. You will be asked to wear a compression bra after surgery to promote healing.

Light exercising is beneficial during your recovery. You should avoid strenuous exercises until at least six weeks after you have had fat transfer breast augmentation.

Many women with small breasts can be good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation. Ideal candidates should also have excess fat in other areas of the body that can be harvested through liposuction. You should also have realistic goals about fat transfer breast augmentation, as you will modestly go up one to two cup sizes with the procedure.

How much fat transfer breast augmentation costs depends on your surgeon’s experience, surgical center fees, and the anesthesiologist’s fees. The average cost of fat transfer breast augmentation is $12,000 to $13,000. During your consultation, we will help determine your final cost for the procedure.

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Want to learn more about how Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation can help you gain more confidence in your appearance? Schedule your consultation with a NorCal Plastic Surgery provider by calling (925) 856-4800 or filling out the consultation request form below. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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