Brest augmentation via fat transfer & bodybuilding? (Photo)

I have performed under the muscle augmentation in several professional bodybuilders and fitness individuals, and in general, the appearance of the augmentation is better under the muscle, particularly when the body fat is low.  However, there is a decrease in strength of the muscle to some degree. Fifty percent of the fat transferred to the breast will obtain permanence.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello, Thanks for sharing your pic. Yes you are right fat transfer to breast does change according to body weight and body fat percentage. While choosing the donor area for fat transfer ts important that it is taken from areas which are most resistant to weight changes. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon.

You have a great understand of the shortcomings of fat transfer. Being in San Francisco I see a lot of patients who come in for fat transfer for the breasts, but they don't have enough fat to transfer! Depending on how much volume you want in your breasts, you need about twice as much fat to transfer. Typically only 50-75% of the fat which is transferred survives. With you being a body builder things are complicated even more. Once the fat is transferred, your body does not know that the fat in your breasts used to be in your abdomen, so when you cut to lean out, the fat that was transferred to your breasts will shrink along with the rest of the fat on your body. I assume that at the time of competition you still want to have full, natural appearing breasts. In order for you to achieve this, you probably need to have an implant. I utilize 3D imaging on all of my patients to help with the implant selection process. As your weight fluctuates for competitions it's important to select an implant that is going to look good both on and off the stage! Best,~Dr. Sieber

Thank you for your questions.  Under the best of circumstances weight fluctuations can affect a fat transfer result.  In the case of physique competing these fluctuations can be more extreme and rapid.  Therefore your fat transfer result would most likely be very affected by these changes.  There is also a challenge of having enough fat to harvest from other areas in order to have enough for the breasts.  An implant would give you a more consistent volume result.  As always, please consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and best of luck!Dr. K.

Fat grafting to the breasts is a very good option. In your case the amount of fat obtained may not be sufficient to attain the size you desire.
You might want to reconsider the option of implants for a reliable change in breast size.

If you loose up to 2 cups of tissue when you train for competition, a fat transfer will not be your best choice, since that fat will also shrink. Also, you do need donor fat for the transfer. Do you still have donor fat at your smallest weight and fat percentage? At best, as fat transfer will give up to one cup in size. If you do have fat to transfer, you might consider doing it when you are your smallest. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing all your options.

I won't do fat transfer in body builders for the very reasons you mention in your question.  A good and lasting result with fat transfer requires a stable weight and body composition.  I have had two patients over the years lose almost all of the benefit from their fat transfer after becoming dedicated Cross Fitters and dropping their body fat.  They both went on to have implants.  Implants in body builders is also challenging because of the low body fat and the fact that placement under the muscle is usually problematic.  A compromise could possibly be a small, low profile cohesive gel implant on top of the muscle. In general, I find operating of body builders very challenging because of their anatomy and low body fat and their very high expectations.

It sounds like your goal is to enhance your proportioning while you're body building and at a low body fat. Fat grafting will be very ineffective for this and although placement of breast implants will potentially be dramatic, you have to consider what will happen when your body fat returns to a noncompetitive level. You may end up being too large and disproportionate. Think these things over carefully and I would suggest consultations with ABPS board-certified plastic surgeons to formulate a plan that is most likely to make you happy. The best option may be no surgery so please keep that in mind as well. Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd

Based on your photos, you are not a good candidate for fat transfer to the breasts. You don't have enough fat. If you really want larger breasts, breast implants would be your best option. Thank you for sharing your question. Best wishes.