Reasons for Considering Breast Fat Transfer
Patients who choose breast fat transfer often do so for reasons related to body changes over time, weight fluctuations, or a preference for a more subtle alteration in breast size. Some may want to replace lost volume after pregnancy, while others might seek slight adjustments to their breast shape. The fat transfer breast augmentation approach may also appeal to those looking for an alternative to implants, using their own tissue instead.
Fat grafting allows for adjustments that are tailored to each patient’s anatomy. The level of volume increase that can be achieved will depend on how much fat is available for transfer and how much the body retains after the procedure.
Dr Anh Nguyen’s Philosophy on Breast Fat Transfer
Dr Anh approaches each fat transfer breast augmentation procedure by closely considering each patient’s natural breast shape, available fat reserves, and personal goals. Before surgery, a detailed assessment is performed to determine the areas suitable for fat harvesting and to evaluate whether the patient’s skin and tissue can accommodate the transferred fat.
An important aspect of the fat transfer to breast technique is that the results depend on the survival of the transferred fat cells. Not all of the injected fat will remain in the breasts permanently, as some will naturally be absorbed by the body. The final results may take time to stabilise, and sometimes, additional fat transfer to breast procedures may be required to achieve the intended result.
Essentially, the technique is designed for those seeking a minor to moderate volume change. Patients looking for a significant increase in breast size may need to consider other options, as fat grafting alone has limitations in how much volume can be added in a single session.
Your Consultations with Dr Anh in Perth
When meeting with Dr Anh to discuss the details of your breast fat transfer, your consultation process will focus on assessing whether the procedure is suitable based on body composition, breast shape, and expectations. Your discussion will cover where the fat will be taken from and how much volume change is realistic.
Since the breast fat transfer breast augmentation involves both liposuction and the fat transfer method, the consultation will also consider your overall health and healing ability. Factors such as previous surgeries, skin quality, and medical history will be reviewed to ensure that the procedure is suitable for you.
The consultation will also include a discussion about how the results will develop over time. Since the body naturally absorbs some of the transferred fat, the initial appearance of the breasts after surgery will typically not be the final result. Some slight volume loss is expected initially, and in some cases, a follow-up procedure may be needed.
How is a Breast Fat Transfer Performed?
A fat transfer breast augmentation is a two-step procedure that involves liposuction to harvest fat from one area of the body and then injecting it into the breasts. It is typically performed under general anaesthesia, though local anaesthesia with sedation may be an option for smaller fat transfer to breast procedures.
The first step is liposuction, where fat is taken from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks using a thin cannula. The fat is then processed to remove excess fluids and impurities, leaving purified fat cells for the injection step. Once the fat has been prepared, it is injected into the breasts using small cannulas, carefully layering it within the existing tissue to build an increase in volume. Since not all of the transferred fat will survive, surgeons will often inject slightly more than the intended final volume to account for some reabsorption.
The procedure is usually performed as a day surgery, meaning patients can return home the same day. Swelling and bruising are expected in both the liposuction and breast areas, but wearing a compression garment over the liposuction sites can help with recovery. It cannot be worn on the breasts after a breast fat transfer, so following wound care advice and your general recovery instructions can help with managing discomfort around the breasts.
Costs of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
The cost of a breast fat transfer will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, how much fat needs to be removed and processed, and whether multiple sessions are required. The total cost includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia fees, and hospital or surgical facility costs.
The surgeon’s fee will depend on your surgeon’s qualification level and the details of the procedure. This varies depending on the extent of liposuction needed and the complexity of the fat transfer process. Anaesthesia costs will depend on the type of anaesthetic used and the length of the procedure.
Hospital or facility fees cover the use of the operating theatre, immediate post-surgical care, and any required monitoring after the procedure. Since every fat transfer procedure is tailored to the individual, an exact cost estimate can only be provided after a consultation.
Will Medicare Cover My Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure?
Medicare does not cover procedures that are performed for aesthetic reasons, which is commonly the reason for undergoing a breast fat transfer.
However, some cases may be eligible for some level of cover – for example, if the procedure is carried out as part of breast reconstruction following mastectomy, there may be partial Medicare cover available. However, for volume adjustments unrelated to medical concerns, the procedure is considered cosmetic and will not be eligible for Medicare cover.
If you do have a case where Medicare may be able to provide some level of cover, private health insurance may also provide additional help, depending on the level of cover and whether the procedure meets specific criteria. We recommend contacting your provider for more information before or during your consultation process.
Recovery and Aftercare
After a breast fat transfer procedure, post-operative care is important for supporting fat retention and healing. Since the procedure involves liposuction, the donor sites may experience swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside in the weeks following surgery.
In the breasts, some swelling and tenderness are expected as the transferred fat integrates with the existing tissue. Compression garments may be recommended for the areas where liposuction was performed to help with swelling and support the healing process. However, direct pressure on the breasts should be avoided in the early stages to allow the transferred fat to settle sufficiently.
The initial weeks after the surgery will involve some limitations on physical activity. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that could place pressure on the breasts should be avoided until you’re cleared by Dr Anh. Most patients can resume light activities within a week, but full recovery takes longer, and it may be several months before the final results of the procedure become fully visible.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and assess how much of the transferred fat has remained. Since some of the fat will be reabsorbed by the body, it’s normal for some volume reduction to occur in the months following surgery. If further adjustments are needed, a second procedure may be considered, which can be discussed during the follow-up process.
Does Breast Fat Transfer Surgery Leave Any Scars?
Since a fat transfer to the breasts involves liposuction, there will be small scars at the fat removal sites. These incisions are typically very small and can often be placed in areas where they are less noticeable. On the breasts, the injection sites for the fat transfer are also small and tend to heal with minimal scarring.
While scars will initially appear more visible, they generally fade over time. The extent of scarring varies between patients, based on factors like skin type and healing ability. Following post-surgical care recommendations, including scar management techniques, can help with healing.
Risks Associated with the Procedure
As with any surgical procedure, a breast fat transfer breast augmentation can be associated with some risks. These may include:
- Irregularities in fat absorption, leading to uneven volume distribution
- Fat necrosis, where some of the transferred fat does not survive
- Small cysts or lumps forming in the treated areas
- Infection at liposuction or injection sites
- Temporary or long-term changes in breast sensation
The likelihood of these risks depends on various factors, including how the fat is processed and injected, as well as individual healing responses. Dr Anh will go through these risks in detail during your consultation process.
Following your preparation and recovery instructions can help to reduce your chance of encountering complications, so it’s important to make sure that you follow these closely. Please contact our team if you need clarification on any of your instructions. During your consultation process, Dr Anh will also closely assess your suitability for the procedure, which can also help to minimise some of the procedure’s risks.
Breast Fat Transfer Perth: Why Choose Dr Anh?
Dr Anh is a highly skilled and experienced female plastic surgeon located in Perth.
Finding a surgeon with the title of a plastic surgeon is important, as years of training and experience is required to be able to use this title.
Dr Anh takes an empathetic and understanding approach to all procedures, during both the planning process, procedure itself and recovery process.
Essentially, making sure that you choose a surgeon who has the right level of qualifications and experience and who you feel comfortable with will be a highly important step in receiving quality patient care throughout your journey.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs
How much fat is needed to perform a breast fat transfer?
The amount of fat required depends on the volume increase planned and how much fat is available for transfer. Since some of the injected fat will be reabsorbed by the body, surgeons often overfill slightly to compensate. Patients with very low body fat may have limitations on how much volume can be added in a single procedure, so it’s important to make sure that the fat transfer method is a suitable choice during the consultation process.
What type of anaesthesia is used to perform the surgery?
A breast fat transfer is commonly performed under general anaesthesia, however, it will depend on the extent of the procedure. If you will only be undergoing a small volume transfer, you may be able to just use a local anaesthetic with sedation. Essentially, the type of anaesthetic that will be used has to be discussed during your consultation, as it depends on the details of your individual surgery.
Will the results of breast fat transfer be permanent?
Some of the transferred fat will be absorbed by the body in the months following surgery, which means the initial post-surgery volume will reduce over time. The fat that successfully integrates with the breast tissue is generally long-lasting, but weight fluctuations can affect the results.
Can a breast fat transfer be performed more than once?
Multiple breast fat transfer sessions can be performed if additional volume is needed. Since only a certain amount of fat can be transferred at one time, some patients choose to have a second procedure after they have fully healed after the first procedure.
Will there be visible scarring after the procedure?
The scars from breast fat transfer are typically small. Liposuction incisions can often be placed in areas where they are less noticeable, and the injection points in the breasts often heal with minimal scarring. Individual healing responses will naturally vary, and using scar management techniques can help to reduce their visibility over time.
How long does it typically take to recover from a breast fat transfer?
The initial recovery takes about one to two weeks, with most swelling and bruising improving during this time. However, full healing and fat stabilisation take longer, and it can take several months to see the final results of the procedure. Strenuous activities should be avoided for the first few weeks to allow the fat to settle sufficiently.
