Is Breast Fat Transer to ONLY ONE breast to improve asymmetry possible?

Question

My breasts are asymmetrical and I would only want a fat transfer to one breast to make it more symmetrical with the other. Is this possible? Also, what if I don’t have a lot of body fat or do not wish to get the super toned/hard liposuction look ?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Persistent14467,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is possible to get fat transfer to only one breast. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Unilateral fat transfer can be performed for asymmetry in volume. The volume increase is limited, and surgeons can rarely increase volume by more than one cup size and more commonly, only a half cup size. Other asymmetries such as differences in shape or sagging are not generally improved with fat transfers.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Fat transfer can work great for breast asymmetry, especially for a more subtle difference.  It would be my preferred technique for a subtle asymmetry.

I typically will put enough fat to make the two breasts symmetric, then overgraft that breast with the expectation that some fat will be lost.  It is always possible that the breast is a little smaller or bigger than the opposite breast after surgery.

Some patients choose to have fat grafting to both sides. So they are better matched then both sides are made larger.

If there is a really notable difference in the breast, including: size, shape, tissue tightness, etc, other options may be necessary.  A surgeon that does a lot of breast fat transfer is always recommended to get the best result from fat transfer.  For more complex breast asymmetry your surgeon should also do all manner of breast surgery (cosmetic and reconstructive) to offer the best options.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can have fat transfer to only one breast. (We have frequently performed in past for breast reconstruction).

All breasts are asymmetrical right to left before and after any surgery. Symmetry can be improved but they will never be 100% identical, especially without a bra.

In my experience, only a modest amount of fat is needed for transfer, several hundred cc’s. Our retention of fat is excellent, sometimes it can be repeated with improved results, which we include if applicable.

A newer option is processed fat off the shelf without the need for liposuction. It is AlloClae and can be costly.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures (not all do) is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

If the only difference between the breasts is a volume asymmetry, then yes, fat transfer can be performed to achieve a closer symmetry in breast volume. Fat transfer alone doesn't have the ability to change the nipple-areolar position or change the shape of the breast significantly. For this option, the surgeon can limit the amount of liposuction performed to achieve only the amount of fat needed to correct the breast size asymmetry. It doesn't have to be a full-blown liposuction 360 case. The other thing I would mention about the fat transfer option is that the surgeon is going to 'overfill' the smaller breast because about 30-50% of the transferred fat isn't going to survive, so they will need to compensate for that at the fat transfer procedure.
An alternative to the autologous fat transfer is to use an injectable like alloClae. This option tends to be very expensive, but the pro is that there is no 'surgery' (i.e. don't have to have general anesthesia, can drive yourself to and from the facility, there's no significant downtime or recovery time) as it can be performed under local anesthesia.

Is Breast Fat Transer to ONLY ONE breast to improve asymmetry possible?

Answers (5)

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