Am I a candidate for breast fat transfer? (Photo)

Question

I asked this question before I had a breast lift performed and would appreciate a second opinion now that the surgery is complete. I am mainly looking to bring my cleavage closer together and fill in my upper pole a little, I am not looking for more than a cup size increase (currently either a large A or small B). I've included a picture of the dip in my upper pole that I would like to fill in. Do I have enough fat for this surgery and are my aesthetic goals realistic?

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

To be an ideal candidate for breast transfer requires a few things:
1. Fat to transfer. Flanks, abdo, and thighs are common spots. 
2. A place to put it (can double the starting size of the breast at the time of surgery, but will lose a portion)
3. Ideally nice shape to start 
4. Modest goals of 1-2 cup size increase at most. 
5. An aversion to an implant

It is a great surgery for the right person.

Pick a plastic surgeon that does it a lot and get their opinion.

Dr Rodger Shortt, Oakville, Ontario.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

Beware. Fat transfer, while an attractive idea, has not lived up to the hype. You would have a very nice result, in my opinion, with a breast implant. Seek an experienced plastic surgeon for details and opinions.

I'd be happy to discuss the problems with fat transfer with you during a virtual consult if you wish.

Hope this helps.

I'd be happy to discuss the problems with fat transfer with you during a virtual consult if you wish.

Hope this helps.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

This is an optimal scenario for fat transfer. Localized distribution of the fat in the upper pole of the breast will help with desired fullness in the area of concern. This will no increase your cup size, but will help to fill up your bra. You can harvest from your tummy, hips, waist or inner thighs depending on what area concerns you. Thank you for sharing.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Preencesskiki,
fat transfer breast augmentation is a viable alternative for women who desire larger breasts without the use of implants. Fat transfer is also widely used in reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be very effective in correcting the size and shape of the breasts due to genetic problems such as tuberous breast or Poland Syndrome, two conditions that look like misshapen or underdeveloped breasts.In addition, the following scenarios are also reason to consider breast fat grafting:• If you have chest areas that appear creased and sunken• If you desire more permanent correction than is provided by temporary fillers• If you wish to improve your body contour, revise scars, fill bodily depressions and rejuvenate the natural curve of your breasts• To fill in contour irregularities or hide obvious signs of breast implantsYou should discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon and make sure your surgeon understands your concerns and your breast augmentation goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have fat transfer. A small divot like that will require a small amount, probably 150 cc's since not all the fat survives. Fat can be harvested from wherever you desire, usually the anterior thighs or abdomen.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for posting with photos. Yes! Patients in your situation have only two options. Small implants or fat transfer. If you do not want implants then this basically makes you a candidate for fat transfer….. especially if you don’t want too much volume added. Fat transfer is not great for very noticeable increases in size but it can help fill out your breasts a little bit more improving the areas you are concerned with. 
I do feel that the best way to fill out your upper pole would be with small implants, but if implants are not for you then fat transfer is your best option.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

I like fat transfer to the breast as a good option to implants. You appear be an ideal candidate.

After mastopexy (lift) for moderate upper fullness, about a cup size, in my experience, is a great procedure.

Donor site liposuction would allow for fat transfer after processing. I like Vaser ultrasound as well for good retention and results.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You can get a second fat transfer. But are you happy with the first one. Howling has it been. You don’t really know if you retained the fat until at least six months to one year. You should make your decisions based on those issues

Jordan Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for providing photographs with your question. 
Whether or not you are a candidate for breast fat transfer really depends on what your goals are for your final breast augmentation. You have already had a breast lift which is helpful before breast fat transfer as it will help with overall fat survival following transfer. As you can tell, a breast lift does not often give patients the cleavage they desire. If your goals are to fill out the deflated superior portion of your breasts and increase overall volume by 1/2 to 1 cup size then yes, you are a GREAT candidate for breast fat transfer. 
Fat can be harvested from both your abdomen and your thighs. Seeing as your abdomen has minimal to moderate amounts of fat I would plan to harvest fat from your thighs and have your abdomen available if needed. In my opinion the best fat for fat transfer is the thighs!

Stephanie Dreckmann, MD · Answer

I think you can do fat transfer to the breasts but it will be at best a subtle improvement and will likely not fill in the dips you've highlighted long-term. You also have minimal fat for harvest which will also influence results. I think implants would provide a much more reliable result in this situation given your aesthetic goals.

Am I a candidate for breast fat transfer? (Photo)

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