Fat transfer to breast

Breast fat transfer as an alternative

Women looking for a modest increase in breast size may want to consider fat transfer rather than implants.

In this procedure, fat taken from the hips, tummy or thighs is purified before being carefully injected into the breast. The process results in breasts that look and feel very natural.

What are the advantages?

Because the procedure uses your own body fat to increase the size of your bust, there are no foreign bodies used, so there is no risk of the body rejecting the implant.

Removing fat gives a flatter tummy, slimmer thighs or a smaller waistline, so you will also benefit from body contouring as a result of the procedure.

Finally, the process only requires tiny incisions to harvest and inject the fat, so you are virtually scar-free.

What are the drawbacks?

There are some drawbacks to the fat transfer technique, perhaps the most obvious is that it can only be used to increase bust size by a maximum of one cup size per procedure. Read more about breast enlargement surgery here.

There is also a possibility that the body re-absorbs some of the fat cells; this can mean multiple treatments are sometimes needed to achieve the look you want. This can be minimised by careful placement of the fat, but it cannot always be completely avoided.

Some people are concerned about changes to subsequent mammograms, but research has shown that experienced radiologists do not have any issues with this.

Consultation with me

As with all cosmetic surgery, it’s important to understand the risks associated with the procedure and what results you can expect.

During your consultation, we will talk about what you are looking to achieve, the different options available, the likely outcomes and any risks.

I take time to really listen to how you want to change your appearance, so I can undertake the best possible procedure to help you achieve those changes.

The breast fat transfer procedure

You will have a general anaesthetic for the procedure which lasts around two hours.

The fat is removed from the selected area using a small tube in a procedure similar to liposuction. The fat is then spun using special equipment to separate it from any blood or other fluids.

This clean fat is then carefully injected using a needle and syringe through tiny holes in the skin, avoiding the need for any stitches or scarring.

Recovery

Most patients stay overnight in the hospital and leave the next day.

You will probably feel some discomfort for a few days after the procedure, but we will give you painkillers to manage any pain

The treated areas (breasts and fat removal sites) will probably feel quite bruised and swollen for a week or two so you may want to take time off work.

You can start driving again usually after 1 – 2 weeks.

Results

You will not be able to see the final results for around six months so be patient!

Follow up

You will be seen by my cosmetic nurse one week after the procedure. I will see you six weeks after the operation and again six months later for final sign off.

Mr Guy D. Sterne
MB, ChB, FRCS, MD, FRCS (Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon