Fat transfer breast augmentation is growing in popularity as a more natural alternative to traditional breast implants. The procedure involves transferring fat from other areas of your body to enhance breast size and shape. This can provide a more subtle, natural look while also contouring areas with excess fat.
Many breast augmentation patients are drawn to the idea of using their own fat, rather than a foreign material (breast implants), for their breast augmentation. However, with any plastic surgery, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved.
In this article, we’ll explore the risks of fat transfer breast augmentation, so you can make an informed decision. But before we dive into the main fat transfer breast augmentation risks, let’s first take a look at the procedure itself.
What Is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting or “breast fat transfer”, is a cosmetic breast surgery that uses your own body fat to increase breast size. The fat transfer procedure process begins by liposuctioning fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
The fat is then purified and reinjected into the breast tissue to enhance its shape and size. Unlike traditional breast augmentation with implants, fat transfer provides a natural result. While this technique has its advantages, such as avoiding the need for breast implants, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you lack enough unwanted or excess body fat for the procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
The best candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are individuals with enough excess body fat to harvest for grafting. Patients looking for subtle breast enhancement rather than dramatic changes may benefit most from this procedure.
Those who are generally healthy, have realistic expectations, and are not planning significant weight loss are also ideal candidates. It’s important for patients to have good skin elasticity and a solid understanding of the potential limitations of fat transfer, such as the possibility of needing multiple treatments to achieve their desired result.
Are Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Risks Common?
The risks of fat transfer breast augmentation are rare. However, while the procedure is generally considered safe, like all surgeries, it carries certain potential complications. These can usually be minimized with proper surgical technique and post-operative care.
It’s crucial to choose a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon to reduce the likelihood of complications. While some patients may experience minor side effects, the overall risk of serious complications is low. Understanding the potential risks involved helps ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable with the procedure.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Risks to Be Aware Of
Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis is one of the risks specific to fat transfer breast augmentation. This occurs when some of the transferred fat cells do not survive and harden, forming lumps in the breast tissue.
Although it is a rare complication, it can lead to the formation of firm areas that may require additional treatment. In most cases, the body reabsorbs the dead fat cells.
Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Infections can occur at the liposuction site or the injection site. While this risk is minimized with proper hygiene and care, it is still something to be aware of. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon reduces the likelihood of infection.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are common after any surgery, and fat transfer breast augmentation is no exception. After liposuction and fat grafting, you may experience some temporary swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas.
Fat Absorption
One of the unique risks of fat transfer breast augmentation is fat absorption. The body may naturally absorb some of the injected fat, which could result in less fullness or volume than expected.
Asymmetry
Some degree of asymmetry may occur after the procedure, as fat is transferred to each breast. The fat may not always take equally in both breasts, leading to slight differences in size or shape.
Changes in Breast Tissue
After fat transfer breast augmentation, some patients may notice changes in their breast tissue over time. These can include changes in texture or consistency, which may be caused by the fat grafts not fully integrating into the tissue.
Fat transfer breast augmentation can sometimes complicate the detection of breast cancer during mammograms. The injected fat may create new masses in the breast, which could make it harder to differentiate between benign tissue and potential tumors. Always tell the tech performing your mammogram that you’ve had a breast fat transfer.
Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer Risks & Procedure FAQs
Can I combine fat transfer with a breast lift?
Can I combine fat transfer with a breast lift?Yes, fat transfer can be combined with a breast lift for patients who want both volume enhancement and an improved breast shape. A breast lift can address sagging skin and reposition the breasts, while fat transfer enhances the volume and fullness.
Are there scars after fat transfer breast augmentation?
While fat transfer breast augmentation typically involves minimal scarring, there may still be small fat transfer breast augmentation scars at the liposuction sites after fat transfer breast augmentation recovery. These are usually well-hidden and fade over time (see fat transfer breast augmentation before and after photos).
Call Today to Set Up a Consultation Appointment
If you have more questions about breast augmentation with fat transfer risks, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg would be happy to answer these at your consultation appointment. We can also talk to you about fat transfer breast augmentation cost, the recovery experience, when you’ll see results, and more.
Contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to your call!
