Is Breast Fat Transfer a good alternative to implants?

Question

Price is not a factor, safety and results are. After reading about BII/Cancer/Autoimmune diseases, I'm very anxious about breast implants. I'm now considering fat transfer. I read one surgeon say she is against it bc of calcification cysts. Can someone weigh in on this? Also, some before & afters are gorgeous and others very minimal (which I would hate)...I am very healthy and fit (distance runner) so was thinking maybe a lot of fat would survive.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Photos you have seen on the internet are the good ones. And they’re not so great. So imagine how bad the average one is. Then you have to worry about lumps and trying to figure out what might be cancer. I am no fan of fat transfer anywhere on the body or face. Lousy results at best

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

For those anxious about breast implants, or who want a natural increase of about a cup size, fat transfer breast augmentation is a great technique. There are risks of calcifications and mammographic abnormalities which should certainly be discussed in advance, but the rate of these is comparable or less than what is seen other breast surgery procedures such as breast reduction. Oil cysts that are palpable or require any treatment are relatively uncommon. The important thing with this operation is realistic expectations. For good or bad, the result will not be like an implant. It will basically look like your breast, just a little larger. Of all of the fat grafted, about 50% stays. In most women, this translates to about a cup size increase (though cup sizes are not an accurate measure). I have seen some patients go up by two cup sizes, but they are less common.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Nicolesbox, thank you for your question. It really depends on your expectations with the results. Breast fat transfer or autologous fat lipoinjection is a natural volume technique that can be applied for aesthetic or restorative purposes. It should be noted that lipotransfer does not replace augmentation mammoplasty with prostheses, since each technique has its own indication and requirements. This technique is used to provide symmetry and improve the body contour and therefore does not increase more than one size. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nicole,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat has its own set of problems, including fat necrosis and oil cysts and limited volume. Plus, it is usually not the best choice in distance runners because it usually does not hold up well due to the repetitive trauma to the breasts with running.

Is Breast Fat Transfer a good alternative to implants?

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Is Breast Fat Transfer a good alternative to implants?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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