Though no large clinical studies with long-term follow-up have been done on the longevity of fat transfer breast augmentation results, the transferred fat that remains three months after your procedure is widely believed to be permanent. Â
Itâs difficult to predict how much of the transferred fat will be resorbed within those first few months and how much will survive, according to Dr. Shortt. âThere is notable variability between patients.â
A 2016 meta-analysis of volume retention with autologous fat grafting found 62.4% volume retention in eight studies, with an average follow-up period of just less than 17 months. (The review included selected studies published between January 1996 and February 2016, which involved at least 10 patients who had a minimal mean follow-up period of 1 year.)Â
Another meta-analysis published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2018 reviewed 89 studies involving the use of fat to correct contour deformities in the breasts. According to the researchers, âThough evidence on the long-term volume retention is lacking, based on the current data it was calculated to be 52.4% at one year.â
A more recent review on fat grafting to the breasts states that âpatients should expect about 40% volume loss of transferred fat over time, though reported ranges are highly variable and depend on technique.â
Some surgeons overfill the breasts in anticipation of volume loss, while others transfer smaller amounts of fat in a series of procedures. New technologies and techniques continue to try to improve fat viability rates.
When you achieve your desired results, the fat cells that have been successfully incorporated into the breast tissue will remain permanently. For that reason, Dr. Shortt prefers to work with what you have and does not want patients to intentionally manipulate their body weight before surgery. âThat fat will increase and decrease in size with changes to your body weight, so it is important to go into surgery at a stable weight that you are likely to maintain in the futureâ, he states.Â
Of course, your breasts will age naturally along with the rest of your body, so they may change due to the effects of age and gravity. However, the fat that was transferred and fully incorporated wonât need to be removed or replaced down the road, as is often required with breast implants.Â
Itâs important to maintain your weight so that your breasts remain relatively the same size as you age, notes Dr. Gordon. âSignificant weight gain can increase the size of the breasts and the additional weight can lead to sagging.â
