Breast Enhancement w/ Fat Transfer

Women with small or poorly shaped breasts may want to increase their breast size but do not want to use saline or silicone implants. Breast enhancement with fat transfer utilizes excess fat deposits from areas chosen by Dr. Kao to increase breast size and enhance breast shape.

Dr. Kao performs breast enhancement with fat transfer, or “natural breast augmentation,” in Los Angeles, California.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Enhancement With Fat Transfer?

Ideal candidates for breast enhancement with fat transfer are in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. Women who desire fat grafting to the breast should have adequate fat elsewhere in their bodies that can be transferred. Common donor areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, and back. Patients seeking fat transfer desire a modest adjustment to size and shape that looks and feels natural.

What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer to the Breasts?

• Elimination of excess fat deposits improves body contours
• Does not use synthetic products to alter breast size
• Breasts look and feel completely natural
• Creates a subtle increase in breast volume
• Almost no visible scarring on the breasts
• No chance of implant-related complications (when performed without an implant)
• Creates a natural cushion for women with minimal breast tissue who desire an implant

What Is the Difference Between Fat Transfer and Breast Implants?

Breast implants are the most well-known way to increase breast volume and shape. While there are significant benefits to breast implants, including the ability to significantly increase breast size and various shape options, some women prefer a natural option.

The downside to breast enlargement using fat grafting is the limit in size. This option offers a modest increase in size, usually around one “cup.” Additionally, some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body naturally, and a second procedure is needed to make up for that loss.

Fat grafting and breast implants can be combined when women have minimal breast tissue. This is useful when women with implants experience visible rippling. Often, fat grafting can be added as a buffer between the skin and the implant.

How Can Fat Transfer Be Used After Breast Implant Removal?

Fat grafting to the breast is also commonly performed during breast revision procedures. Often, women can choose this option when removing implants permanently to gain some increase in breast size. This surgery pairs well with breast implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy).

How Is Breast Enhancement With Fat Transfer Performed?

Dr. Kao performs natural breast enhancement as an outpatient procedure with the patient under anesthesia. First, liposuction is used to remove the desired fat. Traditionally, the fat is then put through a filtration system to remove blood, oil, and other impurities. Dr. Kao places the fat into a centrifuge as well as through a filtration system. The centrifuge places pressure on the fat cells, destroying old, fragile tissue and leaving only young, healthy cells for transfer.

The healthy, purified fat is then grafted into the existing breast tissue for increased volume and enhanced shape. Dr. Kao adds fat in small, even layers to ensure that it is surrounded by vascularized tissue to provide the best environment for survival.

What Can You Expect During Your Fat Transfer Recovery?

You will experience some bruising, swelling, and redness following your procedure. You may be required to wear a compression garment following your surgery to minimize swelling, facilitate healing, and help improve your results. You might experience mild discomfort, but oral medication will be prescribed to control any associated pain. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for three to four weeks or until cleared by Dr. Kao.

All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to stay at our aftercare facility following their procedure.

You can return to work after one to two weeks and resume your normal exercise routine after four to six weeks. Most major swelling should begin to subside after six weeks, at which time your final results should become apparent.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect With Breast Enhancement With Fat Transfer?

Dr. Kao’s purification technique ensures that the strongest fat cells are being used for transfer. While you may lose some of the initial transferred fat volume after the procedure, the remaining fat after six months will provide permanent enhancement to your breasts. The liposuction procedure used to harvest fat cells will also provide long-lasting body contouring results.

Fat transfer will not result in any visible scarring on the breasts. However, some scarring may develop at the liposuction site. Dr. Kao places all incisions in easily concealable locations. However, some visible scars may develop, but they will likely fade over time.

It is recommended to maintain a stable weight after your breast enhancement with fat grafting. Because the breasts will have a greater number of fat cells after the transfer, they will be more susceptible to weight fluctuations (both gains and losses). Should you lose weight following your breast enhancement and the size of your breasts decrease, you can undergo a revision fat transfer procedure (if you still have adequate fat stores), or you can consider a breast implant.

Thank you for taking the time to read more about this procedure. Due to the uniqueness of every patient, please wait for Dr. Kao’s recommendation at your consultation. Dr. Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He and his helpful, friendly staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact our office at 310-315-9211 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.

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