Breast lift with fat transfer feasibility? Female, 5'1, 147lbs (Photo)

Question

As a female patient, standing at 5'1" and weighing 147 pounds (with ongoing efforts to further reduce weight), I am seeking professional guidance regarding the feasibility of combining a breast lift with a fat transfer procedure. My preference for utilizing the fat transfer is my desire to avoid future implant replacement. While I greatly appreciate the natural aesthetic, my ultimate goal is to achieve breasts that are lifted and appear naturally full.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Please keep in mind that implants don't have to be replaced based on the passage of time; they only need to be replaced if they are ruptured, and this could occur far beyond a decade. Why this is important is that if you want a particular look or size, fat transfer won't work. These things can be established in consultation and preparation for surgery. Fat is good for thinner people to help with improving upper pole fullness, but it requires liposuction of another body part to harvest fat for grafting. Get a few in person consultations with breast surgery experts.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I think you would be served best with a good quality mastopexy, or breast lift. I would be that you would be very happy with your result as you would have a maximally lifted, tightened and shaped breast with approximately a proportionate "C" cup. Then, if you desire more volume, you can opt for augmentation (either fat or saline implant) at a later date with a safe, predictable and durable result. Thank you.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would highly recommend performing a breast lift with an implant. The implant volume also provides height for upper pole filling (cleavage). Fat transfer can be very unpredictable as only 50-60% of the fat grafted actually is retained. In addition, it is important to select an appropriate size implant and provide support for that implant with Galaflex; I would then perform a breast lift over this new breast mound. Large implants lead to large problems even though they can temporarily fill out the breast skin envelope. I recommend finding a board-eligible or board-certified plastic surgeon with at least 7 years of training in plastic surgery (6 years of plastic surgery residency and 1 year of accredited Aesthetic Society fellowship).

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This would be an excellent option for you if you want additional volume without implants.  The lift will correct asymmetry and shape and the fat will give you 1/2 - 1 cup volume.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear swtkandiee,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Personally, I think that a breast lift is complicated enough, setting the tension correctly in the flaps and dealing with asymmetry that I would not want to add fat grafting to the breast at the same time.  If you achieve good symmetry with your breast lift, you can go back and put fat in to get a larger size.  You seem to have a fair a mount of volume already, so you may not need either fat grafting or implants.  If you just have a little more volume to ddd after the lip, you can do that after you are healed.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Mastopexy, by any technique, is a great solution to improve breast shape. You have to understand what each technique does better than others and how that may impact your scarring. The trade off is often worth it. I frequently increase the breast volume with augmentation. That augmentation can be performed with either an implant or fat transfer. It is perfectly appropriate to use fat transfer as long as you recognize that the breast volume increase will be relatively modest (about 1 cup size, sometimes more). The recovery is somewhat different from implant augmentation (often easier) and includes liposuction.
Surgical planning is extremely important. You certainly demonstrate a difference in shape as well as volume. My preferred tool for planning is Vectra three dimensional photography. This device allows me to measure breast volume and determine the difference. Further, I can simulate a breast lift and show you what the procedure might do. That alone might be your best option. If however, you wish to be larger, the system can add specific implants to see if that additional part of the procedure makes sense. I would add that most experienced plastic surgeons can reach similar conclusions even without this tool, but it's tough to visually demonstrate what we're talking about .

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest doing the lift first and achieve symmetry in size. Once lifted, you may be very happy with your size. If not, fat can be added later once everything has healed. I would avoid anything heavy or you will just sag again.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Nice posted photo. I recommend separating the breast lift from the lipo/fat grafting to breasts, this allows a better deterimation of exact amounts of fat grafts needed to gain asymmetry. Best to virtual consult with....

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Based on your photograph it looks like you have sufficient volume to just do a breast lift .
Further fat can be added later if necessary.

Breast lift with fat transfer feasibility? Female, 5'1, 147lbs (Photo)

Answers (12)

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