Blog

There comes a time when good things come to an end. Breast implants that have provided years of breast contour can exceed their usefulness, and it’s necessary to remove them. Or perhaps these cosmetic devices interfere with an active lifestyle or an extensive workout regimen.

When it’s time for breast implant removal, there must be something that can fill the void. For patients who want their breasts to look as natural as possible, transferring natural fat from a donor site chosen on the patient’s body is often the best plan to follow. There are many advantages with breast fat transfer including the most natural look and feel, and a very low complication rate. The question, however, is, can a fat transfer compensate for the void left from breast implant removal?

What is Fat Transfer?

This aestheticbody contouring treatment, known as the fat transfer procedure, is relatively straightforward but takes the skill of a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure its success. Fat transfer harvests live, healthy fat cells from a donor site like the thighs or abdomen via liposuction and purifies them through a specialized centrifuge. Then, Dr. Chris Livingston will expertly position these living cells into the breast area left void by the removed implants. The cells will then attach themselves to the adjacent muscle, adding volume as natural tissue.

Although not all tissue will survive the repositioning from the donor site to the breasts, additional sessions of the treatment can fill existing voids as needed.

Understanding Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses a patient’s own fat cells to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. This innovative approach involves transferring fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the breasts, resulting in a more natural-looking plastic surgery result. Unlike traditional breast implants, fat transfer breast augmentation offers a subtle and organic increase in breast volume, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more understated transformation.

Typically performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring patient comfort throughout. The process is highly customized, requiring careful planning and execution to achieve the desired results. By using the patient’s own fat cells, the procedure not only enhances the breasts but also contours the donor site, providing a dual benefit.

Who is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?

Good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are women who desire a modest increase in breast size, usually one to two cup sizes. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations for the outcome and are in good overall health. Women with excess fat in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks are particularly well-suited for this procedure, as the fat can be harvested from these regions to enhance the breasts.

Candidates should be non-smokers and able to maintain a healthy weight to ensure the best possible results. Additionally, women seeking a more natural-looking and feeling result, without the use of breast implants, are excellent candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure is perfect for those who prefer a subtle enhancement and wish to avoid the potential complications associated with synthetic implants.

The Fat Transfer Process

The fat transfer process involves harvesting fat cells from one part of the body, typically using liposuction. Once the fat is collected, it undergoes a purification process to ensure only the healthiest fat cells are used. This purified fat is then carefully prepared for injection into the breasts.

Using a small cannula, the purified fat is injected into the breasts in small increments, creating a natural-looking and feeling result. The entire procedure typically takes between 4-6 hours, depending on the individual case. Fat transfer breast augmentation is a two-step process: first, liposuction to harvest the fat, and second, the precise injection of the fat into the breasts. This meticulous approach ensures a smooth and even distribution of fat, enhancing the overall appearance and feel of the breasts.

Fat Transfer Procedure Benefits

Autologous fat transfer (lipoaugmentation) offers various benefits to our patients. As a reliable means of compensating for the volume lost after removing implants, more patients are choosing this advanced treatment to reshape their breasts with natural results. This method is often referred to as natural breast augmentation due to its use of the patient’s own fat cells, providing a more natural look and feel.

The procedure is convenient, as Dr. Livingston performs fat transfer in tandem with implant removal. During surgery, after he removes the implants, Dr. Livingston will introduce fat grafts throughout the mammary glands. This positioning offers immediate results and lowers the volume loss considerably.

Also, fat transfer involves no additional incisions or scars. As the fillers are fat-based, the benefits include breast enhancement with a natural feel, because the tissue is natural. Additionally, the procedure provides new support around the gland, improving the aesthetic outcome. Some patients desire a more significant increase in volume, which may require another grafting session after the body heals from the first surgery.

Candidates for fat transfer after breast implant removal include patients with sufficient fat available, are in good health, and have realistic expectations. The best way to learn how to fill the void left behind with breast implant removal is to seek the services of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in breast surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with fat transfer breast augmentation. Common risks include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and fat necrosis, where the transferred fat cells do not survive. A rare but serious complication is fat embolism, which occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and causes blockages.

Fat transfer breast augmentation causes minimal scarring, but some patients may experience temporary changes in nipple sensation. Choosing a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can significantly minimize these risks. A qualified surgeon will ensure that the procedure is performed safely and effectively, providing the best possible outcome for the patient.

Cost and Financing Options

The cost of fat transfer breast augmentation varies depending on the individual case and the surgeon’s fees. On average, the procedure can range from $8,000 to $17,000. Financing options are available to help make the procedure more affordable. Patients can discuss these options with their surgeon or a financial advisor to determine the best course of action.

It’s important to note that insurance typically does not cover the cost of fat transfer breast augmentation, as it is considered a cosmetic surgery procedure. However, many practices offer flexible payment plans to accommodate different budgets, making it easier for patients to achieve their desired results without financial strain.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer Limitations

Women looking for very large breasts must rely on breast implants, as breast augmentation with fat only increases the breasts by one size. Someone with an A-cup can only move up to a B-cup and so on. The fat added to the breast does not instantly have its own blood flow. Over time, the vascular system will create a network throughout the fat, but it’s limited. The vascular system in the breasts can only support so many extra fat cells. Even people with all kinds of fat to donate from the hips, buttocks, and thighs can only go up one cup size in the breasts.

Those looking to use fat transfer to compensate for breast implant removal should also realize that their implants may have stretched the skin over their breasts. Since breast augmentation with fat most likely means you’re going down in size, this excess skin will need to be addressed, and with it, nipple placement. In other words, your breast explant procedure will most likely involve a breast lift as well.

Next Steps

Performing fat grafts during breast implant removal is a specialized plastic surgery procedure that requires considerable expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Livingston is a highly trained, plastic surgeon who can deliver exceptional, natural results with a pleasing breast contour.

To learn more about the benefits of fat transfer, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher Livingston, today.