Fat transfer to breasts. Will it last? Will it cause lumpiness?

Question

Will fat transfer to breasts last? Will it cause lumpiness? Will the liposuction sites be scarred/lumpy/uneven? Do I really have to wear a compression garment for 6 weeks (and what would happen if I only wore it for 2 or 3 weeks)? If I have fat transfer and a small implant, will the implant be detectable by my partner or look 'fake'?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello Arch1e  Fat grafting is a generally safe procedure with few problems. Loss of volume after the procedure or increased volume with weight gain. Fat necrosis which can result in cysts, scar tissue, calcifications, lumps. Infection is very rare. #options #lumps

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question
  
I perform a natural breast augmentation with fat. This can be removed from any unwanted areas including the breast itself as part of my lipo-lift procedure. I perform the fat grafting in multiple planes including under the muscle to give the best, most natural enhancement. Fat grafting is a great solution for someone who wants to bring their breast size up a cup or so and use natural tissue vs an implant. However, it can also be combined with an implant or used as a secondary procedure to fill in areas that are flat or thin. It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast feeding. It can be a little lump or hard at first but tends to soften over time. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.  About 60-70% of the grafted fat survives.  At 6 months you will have a good idea of your results. Some women have a second or third procedure which continues to increase your volume safely.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast plastic surgery.
  
 
  
Best of luck!
  
   
  
Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of injection recommended by most.  It is not that more cannot be injected, but on average this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer.  The fat must be injected through multiple planes in small amount passes.  Most surgeons will perform more than one procedure for greater augmentations.   About 50% of the fat obtains permanence.  
You have to consider not only which areas will have perhaps the best fat, but also you have to consider which donor sites will have the fewest problems afterward with the liposuction.  In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred, but, if those sites are not available, other areas can be used.  Regarding the length of time to wear the compression bra, follow the guidelines of the plastic surgeon you select to perform your surgery as plastic surgeons differ in their guidance.I am not sure that the data has been collected on rate of calcification, and then the issue becomes whether that is clinically significant. The calcification lumps are usually not an issue.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Thank you for your question.
 fat transfer to breast gives natural look... and lumpiness after fat transfer is uncommon. But one can not predict how much injected fat will stay or get absorbed.
 Same way scarring and irregularity after liposuction is uncommon.
  You have  to wear pressure garment as suggested  by your surgeon for liposuction area
please discuss with your plastic surgeon in detail 
Best of luck
Dr Milan Doshi

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

There is always a potential for lumps with fat transfer, but most women do well with no lumps. Not all transferred fat will stay permanently. If liposuction is done properly, it should be fairly smooth. Yes, you will need to wear the compression garment for liposuction for the instructed time to minimize swelling and get your best results. Since you have so many questions, I recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing your desires and options.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Many of your questions really will depend upon the quality of your tissues and thickness of your own breast tissue.  Lumpiness is not usually result after liposuction but lumpiness can occur with fat injections if oil cyst develop.  This is a fairly uncommon occurrence and most of my patients seem to be very natural feeling after their fat transfers.  We do not yet know the longevity of the fat grafts but we do know that only a portion of the injected fat will survive at best.  Many patients however who wish to avoid placement of breast implants have been quite happy with the conservative improvement that they achieve.I would suggest that you meet with an ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon for face-to-face consultation and examination.  Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, California

Fat transfer to breasts. Will it last? Will it cause lumpiness?

Answers (6)

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