Fat Transfer Breast Augmentationin Minneapolis

There are a number of reasons why women choose a fat transfer breast enhancement procedure. Some of the key benefits of this procedure include:

• A subtle, natural increase in breast size and fullness
• Improved body contour, since fat is removed from areas like the abdomen, flanks or thighs during the process
• No implants, so there is nothing artificial to rupture, leak or replace down the road
• Natural feel, since the results are made up of your own tissue
• Minimal scarring, as the procedure is done through small liposuction incisions rather than a larger breast incision
• A simplified recovery compared to traditional breast augmentation with implants

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.

Incisions from liposuction are generally small and discreet. Dr. Harrington 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 Dr. Harrington 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, Dr. Harrington will create small pricks in the breast skin similar to getting a shot. These marks should fade in time.

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, Dr. Harrington 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.

Your initial results from fat transfer breast augmentation will appear more dramatic than your final results. This is because the breasts are typically a bit swollen right after surgery, and not all of the transferred fat cells will survive the transfer process.

Over the following weeks, some of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body as the swelling subsides, which is a normal part of healing. The fat cells that do establish a healthy blood supply in their new location will survive permanently, becoming a lasting part of your breast tissue.

Although individual experiences vary, you should be able to see your final results after about 3 to 6 months, once all the swelling has resolved and the surviving fat has fully settled into place. At that point, your breasts should look and feel soft and natural, with a subtle increase in size and improved shape or symmetry.

Because fat transfer results are more conservative than what implants can provide, some women find that one round of fat grafting does not fully achieve the size they are hoping for. If you desire a more noticeable boost in breast size, you may schedule a second fat transfer procedure once you have fully recovered, allowing Dr. Harrington to add further volume using additional donor fat.