Breast lift with fat transfer - Can these be done at the same time?

Question

Can these be done at the same time? Will the newly grated fat create a wider scar since it will be stretching the skin?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Yes, a breast lift and fat transfer to the breasts can often be done during the same operation, but the plan has to be conservative and tailored to your skin quality, breast shape, and goals.

Fat grafting itself does not usually make scars wider. Scar widening is more related to tension on the incision, skin quality, healing biology, infection, smoking/nicotine, and how much the breast skin is being tightened or stretched. If only a modest amount of fat is placed, it should not significantly stretch the skin or place extra tension on the lift incisions.

The concern with doing both together is that a lift tightens and reshapes the breast, while fat transfer adds volume. If too much fat is placed at the same time, it can increase pressure in the tissues and may reduce fat survival or compromise healing. For that reason, many surgeons use fat grafting mainly to soften the upper pole, improve cleavage, or correct small contour deficiencies during a lift. Larger volume goals may be better staged.

Your surgeon should examine your tissue thickness, degree of sagging, scar pattern needed, and donor fat availability. A staged approach may be recommended if you want a major size increase, have thin skin, poor scar history, nicotine exposure, or need a more extensive lift.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Yes, a Mastopexy (breast lift) and fat transfer can safely be performed in one procedure. We would love to help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself to create a surgical plan targeted towards your goals.

Pedro Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hi-Thank you for your question. A breast lift with fat transfer at the time of surgery is something we perform on a frequent basis. The areas of fat transfer to enhance the appearance of the breasts are discussed with patients prior to surgery. The fat transfer is performed to enhance the appearance of the breasts without increasing undo tension to the surgical sites. Therefore, it should not increase the width of the scar. A breast lift with fat transfer can be performed safely at the same time.Wishing you the best.Dr. Rodriguez

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

A breast lift with fat transfer can absolutely be done at the same time. A breast lift with fat transfer is a procedure that lifts and reshapes the breasts, adding natural fullness by injecting purified fat from the patient's own body. Excess skin is removed to uplift the breasts, while fat, harvested through liposuction from areas like the abdomen or thighs, enhances volume and contour. This technique offers a more natural augmentation and subtle size increase, providing a dual benefit of body contouring and breast enhancement, though the enlargement is less pronounced than with traditional implants.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lvygrl137,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @lvygrl137, thank you for your question. Yes, a breast lift with fat transfer can technically be done at the same time. In combination, these two procedures are not recommended in my criteria. This is because the lift of the mammary tissue could diminish the effect of the fat transfer, causing the fat to die or become infected. A breast lift consists of repositioning the mammary tissue, improving the shape and position and causing inflammation as a result. That's why it is best to wait 3 to 4 months after the breast lift to have fat transfer to get a successful outcome. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, expectations, and takes into account what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.  American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It can definitely be completed at the same time. I would speak to your plastic surgeon about their approach and how much fat grafting you are look for.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Yes, these two procedures, breast lift and fat grafting, can be done in the same surgery, when needed. Fat grafting is a technique which is ment to improve breast shape rather then significantly change a breast volume. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Breast lift and fat grafting can be performed during the same operation without significant risk of poor scaring.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear lvygrl137,
Thank you for your question. Combining fat grafting with mastopexy/breast lift is possible and can be performed at the same time, depending on the lift technique used by your surgeon.
It is essential to note that when performing fat grafting, it should be done solely underneath the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a technique that does not involve significant skin undermining, such as an inverted T technique.
Please consult with your surgeon to determine the most appropriate technique for your situation and discuss any potential risks or complications that may arise during the procedure.
Best regards,

Breast lift with fat transfer - Can these be done at the same time?

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