Breasts are too small after breast reduction. What are the risks of getting a fat transfer? (photos)

Question

I recently got a breast reduction, I am 5 weeks post-op. In general, I'm very happy, there is a huge improvement compared to the before. But I'm only dissapointed by the size, I wanted to be a large C to small D, but I ended up being a C. I am trying to be statisfied but it bothers me a lot. I feel like my whole body proportions changed and my belly and hips look a lot larger now in comparison. I am contemplating to get a fat transfer, but I am wondering if its safe at what the risks are?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your breasts have a nice size and shape to them. I would do nothing. Although fat transfer is an option it is very much hit or miss. The biggest risk is that it doesn’t work

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are still very early post op and I would recommend to go through the entire healing and tissue/scar maturation process for at least 6-9 months before you start contemplating a significant revision surgery! It is very hard to promise a specific cup size after breast surgery, especially because different stores make inconsistent bra sizes. In general, risks of fat grafting to the breast include asymmetry, scarring/fat necrosis, fatty oil cysts, and need for revisions/repeat fat grafting.

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

Ideally, a plastic surgeon would be able to exactly deliver a desired breast size during breast reduction or mastopexy. This being said, there are a lot of variables that go into bra size. This includes patient chest diameter, brand of bra, and overall natural shape of the patient's breast and body proportions. It is in fact common for patients to feel a difference in their body proportion after breast reduction surgery and therefore it is important that the surgeon explains the limitations of the procedure.
Breast fat grafting is a safe method of contouring breast shape. The procedure can help fill in areas like the cleavage area as well as the overall volume of the breast. The amount of volume that can be grafted at one time is also variable, and usually multiple rounds of fat grafting are required for the desired outcome. There are risks of benign cysts showing up on mammogram, however and experienced mammographer and radiologist should be able to delineate between these benign cysts and more worrisome findings.
Breast reduction as well as fat grafting to the breast for aesthetic and reconstructive reasons are common procedures that I perform. Please see the attached length for more information from our practice.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Ibi22, thank you for your question. A fat transfer surgery to the breasts is always safe when performed by an expert. All surgical fat transfer procedures involve reshaping the body's shape through the extraction of adipose tissue that is then treated in order to enhance the breast. Technique, experience, and technology used by the plastic surgeon determine the success of the surgery. For more information, you should consult one or several board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ibi22,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breasts are too small after breast reduction. What are the risks of getting a fat transfer? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: What are the risks of getting a fat transfer?

Answer: What are the risks of getting a fat transfer?

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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Breasts are too small after breast reduction. What are the risks of getting a fat transfer? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: What are the risks of getting a fat transfer?

Answer: What are the risks of getting a fat transfer?

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Browse related questions

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.