Breast implants with fat transfer to reach desired size or just bigger implants?

Question

Would it be better to get smaller sized implants and keep adding on to it by getting fat transfers to the breast until i reach my desired breast size (half implant and half real breast) OR would it be better to just get bigger implants now to get to my desired size right away? Also, what is the average cost of a breast fat transfer and how long would i need to wait in between each one? Thank you!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Fat transfers are usually only good for about 1 cup size increase but can be done repeatedly.  The cost of fat transfers is $6,000 and you can have them done in 6 month interval.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello.Thanks  for posting your query.Size of breast implant depends on the width and base diameter. Placing implant too small or big will not be aesthetically pleasing and will not help to get desired size and shape. Best is to undergo implant of size that is required to achieve desired goals. Hope I have cleared your doubt. All the best.

Philip Richardson, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

If you have a desired size then you and your surgeon should choose the implant with a goal to achieve this size. Fat transfer is unpredictable and often requires multiple treatments. Generally, fat transfer in tandem with breast implants is used as a way to create closer cleavage or soften the look of implants to be more "natural". It is not a reliable way to increase size for most patients, unless they have abundant financial and time resources to have multiple procedures. Of course, this is a generalised answer and there would be many questions your plastic surgeon would want to ask you to determine the best plan for you.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
If you have a specific size you are going for, then a fuller implant is a better bet than implants + fat. Implants are far more predictable. 
If you are interested in liposuction of another body region - like the abdomen or back - then you can definitely recycle the fat into the breast and not waste it.
As far as costs, in my practice fat transfer costs more because of the time and effort placed into liposuction to provide the fat. Placing implants - while there is a cost to the implant - is less expensive because it takes less time.
I would recommend you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jcrzy83,
fat transfer breast augmentation is a viable alternative for women who desire larger breasts without the use of implants. Fat transfer is also widely used in reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be very effective in correcting the size and shape of the breasts due to genetic problems such as tuberous breast or Poland Syndrome, two conditions that look like misshapen or underdeveloped breasts.In addition, the following scenarios are also reason to consider breast fat grafting:• If you have chest areas that appear creased and sunken• If you desire more permanent correction than is provided by temporary fillers• If you wish to improve your body contour, revise scars, fill bodily depressions and rejuvenate the natural curve of your breasts• To fill in contour irregularities or hide obvious signs of breast implantsYou should discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon and make sure your surgeon understands your concerns and your breast augmentation goals. 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

Breast implants with fat transfer to reach desired size or just bigger implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants and/or fat transfer

Answer: Implants and/or fat transfer

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Breast implants with fat transfer to reach desired size or just bigger implants?

Answers (7)

Answer: Implants and/or fat transfer

Answer: Implants and/or fat transfer

Answer: Breast augmentation

Answer: Breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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