Does more transferred fat survive in a second round of fat grafting to breasts?

Basic science elucidating the volume of fat persisting long-term after fat grafting does not exist. Their differences and technique including harvesting the fatty tissue, processing the fatty tissue, and injecting fatty tissue.

I can not give you a reply based on scientific research. Based on my experience my impression is that in the second session, the survival rate for the same volume of fat is probably higher.  

You can have more fat transferred to the breast but it is unknown whether it will take better or not.  Fat transfer is something that the surgeon has limited control over and sometimes works better than others.  If you go through a second procedure I hope it works for you.

Dear ElizabethJ,
It is hard to tell for sure but in most cases of fat transfer 30-50 % of transferred fat is lost after some time. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival.

Successful fat grafting to the breasts usually requires several procedures.The more procedures done the larger the volume of the breast will be.My personal observation is that more fat appears to survive after the first Surgery.Remember every patient responds differently. 

Just based on my experience, the same percentage of fat survives with each transfer. However, you do have a larger breast for the second transfer.

Unfortunately, there are no studies that I am aware of that have studied secondary fat grafting.  So, the answer is unknown.  If you are in need of a second round of fat grafting and you were happy with the first, then I would proceed with confidence.Good Luck!

I have done repeat that transfer the breast and it does work.  The percentage of fat survival is variable.  I don't think there's any pattern for the amount to survives the second time versus the first time.

Elizabeth,No one can tell you if the second round of fat transfer to your breasts will be better or worse than your first procedure.  What I can hypothesize is that since you had a good response the first time and are using the same surgeon who should use the same technique, you should have a good retention.  If I had to guess, I would say expect around the same...50-60% take.Best of luck with your procedure.Dr T