Can you be too thin for fat transfer to breast?

Question

I understand the number of fat cells you have is constant. But can you still be too thin for fat transfer to breast? Also, what is the maximum amount of fat that can be grafted in one operation? If I'm thinner, i.e. my fat cells are shrunken, does this mean more can be grafted in one sitting than if I gained weight? Please correct any misconceptions I have. Thanks in advance!!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello Asaindoll11  A patient who does not have fat in the appropriate places for transfer would be considered not fit for the operation, the best way to know if your are candidate for the procedure is by visiting or contacting a board certified PS. #thin # weight

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

You ask several excellent questions. Unfortunately, there are no certain answer to your questions. Most of us have opinions based on our experience, the literature and meetings. We know that for any given individual, their number of fat cells is relatively constant. The number does change over time and one's number of fat cells doesn't match their neighbor. There are some people with so little fat that transfer doesn't make sense. We don't know exactly how shrunken fat cells respond relative to bigger fat cells. The idea of getting more fart cells to live in a new location is intriguing, but hasn't been demonstrated to date. The absolute limit of how much fat can you transfer at any time is fuzzy. I would say that if the breast becomes too tense with transferred fat, the fat won't survive. We are constantly learning more about the physiology of fat and how we can coax the fat to make breasts bigger. For now, I would suggest that you see a board certified plastic surgeon who has an interest in, and experience in, fat transfer to the breast. Best of Luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Without an exam, or photos is difficult to provide a specific recommendation or determine the amount of fat available for harvesting.   I would not recommend gaining weight and then having liposuction.I typically transfer from 250 cc to 400 cc or so per breast. Fat is placed within the breast, not in the muscle.  About 50% of the fat obtains permanence. If a second procedure is indicated, you can usually tell by 6 weeks.  Depending upon healing characteristics, it may be reasonable to perform the second surgery at 3 months. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are correct that some patients can be considered too thin for fat transfer surgery, although there are some times that we ask patients to gain weight specifically for this operation. As far as the amount of grafting in one operation, it is very patient dependent. In generally I typically transfer 300 - 400 cc's of fat into each breast, but again, it depends on the patient. All the best.

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Yes, you can be too thin for fat transfer to be a viable option for you.  That is why you see a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing this procedure fairly frequently.  That surgeon will be able to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for this surgery.  Best of luck in your search.-

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can be too thin and have no or minimal donor fat. Gaining weight just to do a fat transfer is not wise, since most will later drop the extra pounds and will have less fat. The amount that can be transferred depends upon the amount of donor fat and the size of the recipient areas. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and realistically discussing your options.

Can you be too thin for fat transfer to breast?

Answers (6)

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