Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

While many women wish they had fuller breasts, not everyone is interested in getting breast implants. Natural breast augmentation uses fat transfer, or fat grafting, to enlarge the breasts with your own fat cells. Fat transfer breast augmentation can be performed on its own or to enhance your breast implant results.

Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons is highly experienced in fat grafting techniques, including fat transfer breast augmentation. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will take the time to discuss your goals for breast enhancement with you and inform you of the results you can expect.

Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and beyond with the help of fat transfer breast enlargement. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about natural breast augmentation, including costs.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Natural Breast Enlargement?

Most women in good overall health can be excellent candidates for breast enlargement using fat transfer. Some of the most common reasons to consider getting natural breast augmentation include:*

You desire a subtle increase in breast size rather than a dramatic boost
Breasts are asymmetrical
You wish to soften or further enlarge your results from breast implants
Weight fluctuations, age or pregnancy have caused breasts to become smaller or sag slightly
You have sufficient fat in another part of your body to be transferred to the breasts

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Incisions

Natural breast enlargement is a two-step procedure, starting with liposuction. Liposuction harvests fat cells from a donor area of the body, usually the hips, love handles or abdomen. The fat cells are then transferred to the breasts by injection.

Watch Dr. Harrington Perform This Procedure on YouTube!

Incisions from liposuction are generally small and discreet. Your surgeon will make a few incisions on and around the agreed-upon donor area. Through these incisions, she will insert a narrow tube called a cannula, which is used to break up fat cells before removing them with suction. Most women have at least a little bit of excess fat around their hips or abdomens, making this an ideal donor area. Furthermore, natural breast augmentation can be seen as offering the additional benefit of slimming down the love handles or waist to further accentuate your curves.* However, if you prefer to use an alternate donor area, you may discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.

After your fat cells are harvested, they will be injected directly into the breasts using tiny needles. The transfer of fat should not result in any scarring, as no actual incisions are made.* Instead, your surgeon will create small pricks in the breast skin similar to getting a shot. These marks should fade in time.*

Your Natural Breast Augmentation Procedure

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a same-day procedure performed at our accredited surgical facility. The entire process usually takes around 3 hours.* Natural breast enlargement will be performed under general anesthesia. Patients that have sensitivities to narcotic medications, may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach. You should plan to arrive at the surgery center 1 hour prior to your procedure start time and stay for at least 1 hour after your procedure is complete. After general anesthesia, an adult should drive you home once you are discharged. A friend or loved one should stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.

After harvesting the fat cells from your donor area, your surgeon will strategically inject the fat into several places on and around the breasts. Women with breast implants whose implants are visible through the skin may find that fat grafting can soften the appearance of their breasts and create a more natural result.*

Depending on your goals, your surgeon may recommend additional procedures to include with your natural breast augmentation. Some women may choose to get a breast lift to complement their results. Many women include fat transfer breast augmentation as part of their mommy makeovers.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery

Most women feel some soreness, tightness and sensitivity during the first days and weeks after their fat transfer breast enlargement procedure.* It’s recommended to take at least 5 to 7 days away from work and other normal activities as your body heals.* Your surgeon may ask you to wear a special compression garment to help promote blood circulation and minimize swelling as your recover.*

Your initial results from fat transfer breast augmentation will be more dramatic than your final results.* This is because not all the fat cells will survive the transfer to the breasts. Although individual experiences vary, you should be able to see your final results after about 3 to 6 months.* If you desire a more noticeable boost in breast size, you may schedule a second procedure once you have fully recovered.

It’s important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your surgeon prior to your procedure. If you notice any sudden swelling in one or both breasts accompanied by sharp pain, notify our office immediately.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs

How do I find a fat transfer breast augmentation plastic surgeon near me?

Many plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation with implants will also offer fat transfer breast augmentation. Look for a practice near you that focuses on breast procedures. Our practice offers a team of plastic surgeons who can help you review your options and provide you with excellent results no matter what procedure you choose.

Is fat transfer the best breast enhancement technique for me?

The best technique for your breast enhancement will highly depend on your specific goals, as well as your natural physical anatomy. Most women who are looking for a subtle increase in volume or who wish to simply correct breast asymmetry can be good candidates for a fat transfer breast augmentation.
However, fat transfer may not be the best solution for you if you have very little excess fat tissue in other areas of your body or if you would like to achieve a significant increase in breast volume.

How painful is fat transfer breast augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward procedure, performed under general anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort. For the first several days after your fat transfer breast augmentation, you will likely experience some tenderness, soreness, swelling and bruising. These side effects are similar to those experienced after a traditional breast augmentation with implants and are typically fairly easy to manage with proper aftercare and pain management methods.

How soon will I see my results?

You should see a visible result nearly immediately after your fat transfer breast augmentation, though keep in mind that not all of the transferred fat cells will survive long-term. Thus, your initial results may be more dramatic than your final results, which should develop around 3 to 6 months after a fat transfer breast augmentation.

Do fat transfer breasts last?

Yes, fat transfer breast augmentation can yield long-lasting results that may age with your body even more seamlessly than traditional breast implants. To help prolong your fat transfer breast enhancement results, adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking if you do, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and managing stress.

Next Steps

Natural breast enhancement can help you increase your breast size without implants.* If you have questions or would like more information, contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your fat transfer breast augmentation consultation.