Am I a candidate for fat transfer? (Photo)

Question

After breastfeeding two kids I'm looking to get a breast lift. I'd be interested in a moderate increase in volume and am not interested in implants. I'd love to fill in my cleavage a bit and restore some upper pole volume, nothing crazy, maybe to be a full B. Would I be a good candidate for fat transfer?

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question. Based on the photographs provided, the breast volume has deflated after two pregnancies and is starting to droop a little more. You would be a good candidate for a breast lift with fat transfer at the same time.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering fat transfer to the breasts. Based on your frame, you will likely need to have liposuction at multiple areas (like abdomen, waist, and possibly your legs/thighs) in order to get enough fat to transfer. This is important to keep in mind as your recovery will become longer and a little more uncomfortable the more areas that are liposcutioned. Also, about 50-60% of the fat transferred will survive, so initially after surgery, the results will look bigger than what will be the ultimate outcome. It is crucial to keep this in mind so that you are not disappointed 6 months or so after surgery when the size goes down. Also, since only about half of the fat transferred survives, it is possible you may need another surgery to add more volume to fill the breast to your desired shape and size. Given your small frame, that may be difficult is there isn't too much fat to harvest after the first round of fat transfer. Lastly, it is important to know that fat transfers can result in calcifications known as "fat necrosis" that can be seen on mammograms. These calcifications are not characteristic of breast cancer, however, make sure to let your mammographer know the details of your surgery. Hope this helps!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Preencesskiki, Thank you for your question. It is possible to fill the cleavage and achieve a perkier breast through a breast lift.  If you look at the breast and the nipples are below the inframamary fold, the upper pole area has lost volume.  If we only add volume with fat transfer, gravity will have its effects, and the breast will still be looking down. With a breast lift, we can reacommodate the mammary tissue, elevate the nipple, and later have a breast fat transfer procedure if you would like more volume.  I linked to a video on the BRALift technique to shed more light.   I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This will allow you to examine and discuss the best options for your specific case and goals. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.  American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Mahira Tanovic, MD · Answer

Hello,
This is a great question! Fat transfer to the breasts is a great way to improve volume loss with a resulting natural look and feel to provide the cleavage and look you desire! Combining a breast lift with fat transfer can restore a youthful shape. An in-person consultation is required to explain the procedure in detail and in terms of your own anatomy. 
Best,Dr. Tanovic

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

You have adequate fat stores for a breast fat transfer.  Fat is typically harvested using liposuction.  Common areas are abdomen, flanks, and thighs.  In your case the breast lift would be necessary to achieve a good result.   Fat can be added to increase breast volume.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

You could definitely have fat transferred to your breasts to achieve a Full B Cup. As for the lift, you have the option of going with a benelli lift or traditional mastopexy. It all depends on your desired look. I always recommend patients find 3 pictures of their wish breasts to bring to consult. We then go over their current breasts, and their wish breasts and what it’ll take to get them there. If you would like to be seen here at Smith Plastic Surgery, feel free to reach out to my office for a consultation. 702-838-2455

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are a poor candidate for fat transfer but an excellent candidate for breast lift. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

You're a great candidate for a breast lift and breast fat transfer. I find that it's better to stage the two procedures where the breast lift is performed first followed by breast fat transfer about 3 months later. This approach allows for full healing of the breast lift and minimizes complications. Fat transfer to the lifted stable breasts typically allows for more fat to be placed and potentially a greater fat survival percentage. With that said, for out of town patients who really have only one trip available, the two procedures can be combined but it's typically a more conservative approach regarding the fat transfer portion. We always recommend post operative treatments with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We perform these surgical procedures in the office with the patient awake and comfortable on oral medications. The breasts are completely numbed with local anesthesia.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Fat transfer can be a nice adjunct to a breast lift. It can give a bit of a boost, especially in the upper breast and cleavage area. It’s not done by all surgeons. Ideally patients should see someone that does fat transfer regularly. They can go over the pros and cons in detail.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Fat transfer is certainly a useful and effective technique to add fullness, contour and some volume to the breasts. In your photos I note volume deflation as well as ptosis (sagging). You also appear to have a thinner frame. Fat transfer may still be an option for you, but in my opinion your surgeon will likely need to do liposuction to multiple sites (belly, flanks, back, possibly thighs as well) to have enough fat to distribute to both breasts to make a significant difference once we also account for some of the expected fat graft loss during the take/healing process. This technique would be best combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) in order to reposition the nipple/areola to a more youthful position as well as remove extra skin and tighten the skin around the remaining breast gland tissue. Ultimately, seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person consultation and exam will be the best place to get the best plan for you!

Am I a candidate for fat transfer? (Photo)

Answers (17)

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