Breast Augmentation by fat transfer (lipofilling): How many weeks does it take for the most fat to die?

Question

Is it really after 6 months or can you see the most of the results earlier? And; is there anything I can do to make more fat survive? Like; no alcohol? Eating healthy? Keep it warm?

Edward J. Bednar, MD · Answer

We say that 3 months is the litmus test for what you will keep after your surgery,  We recommend no smoking, no alcohol and no high intensity workouts for 3 months post op in order for fat cells develop a viable blood supply for permanent retention.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

That is a good question for which I am not sure the answer is known.  I have noticed in the hundreds I perform each year that after about 4 to 6 weeks the breasts remain the same size and approximately 50% of the fat transfer obtains permanence.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Richard Zinn, MBChB, MMED, FRACS · Answer

This is a good question and one we are still gaining understanding about through our experience and ongoing studies.

The results of the fat injection are immediate and your breasts will look at their largest immediately post surgery.  Thereafter, 50-60% of the volume injected will remain in position and 40 - 50% will be gradually reabsorbed.  It does not 'die' as such, but will either be reabsorbed or replaced by other cells.  If it does die, you can develop oil cysts and calcification which represents a suboptimal outcome.  This is not harmful and are easily identified on ultrasound and mammogram.

You may want greater volume and the good news is that the procedure is repeatable with the same expected outcome described above.  It is a good way to increase breast volume without scarring the breast or using breast implants.

I hope this helps.
All the best

Breast Augmentation by fat transfer (lipofilling): How many weeks does it take for the most fat to die?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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Breast Augmentation by fat transfer (lipofilling): How many weeks does it take for the most fat to die?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.