Is it possible to go from an A Cup to D cup with breast fat transfer?

Question

I have read it time and time again that you only gain about a cup size, which makes sense... but I saw a review on here saying even after several months that they are a D cup, whereas before they were an A cup. Without any other filler or implant. They said the doctor added 500ish cc of fat to each, but I thought could only be 200ish cc. Please help me understand how this is possible? Thanks!

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear finallyme777
Thank you for your question!  The size increase from Breast fat transfer can vary and the amount of fat that a surgeon can transfer depends on the starting size , shape and fat content of your breasts . It is unusual to go up 3 cup sizes !
With Warm Regards
Trevor M Born MD

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Breast fat transfer is a great surgery for the right patient.  It can grow the breast from 1-2 cup sizes in general.

The breast can roughly be doubled in size at the time of surgery.  The volume of fat will depend on the starting volume of the breast and to some extent the laxity of the breast skin.  Volumes can range from small amounts to large amounts, exceeding 500cc's in some patients.

The loss of the fat is a bit variable, but an estimate of 50-60% survival is probably fair based on the literature. Multiple surgeries can be done. With each subsequent procedure allowing for more fat than the previous, as the breast volume at the start of surgery is larger.

Technique plays a role in this surgery more than many, so seeking the care of a surgeon that does this frequently may well make a difference.

Mathew C. Mosher, MD · Answer

Successful fat transfer anywhere in the body is dependent upon many factors. When too much fat is placed, more fat dies and becomes scar. In my practice, we are most successful when less than 200 cc's are transferred to each breast. Studies have demonstrated that only 50-60% of this volume remains long term. There are some doctors who claim that they can successfully transfer large volumes of fat to the breast. Technique, experience and patient factors can influence the success of this procedure. Pre-expanding the breast tissues, essentially conditioning the breast to receive more fat graft is possible but the main device known as BRAVA has been pulled from the market to permit further study on its safety. Depending upon your visual goals for augmentation and on your tissues, you can be provided the best advice by a Plastic Surgeon who performs this procedure regularly. Best regards,

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

Realistically, you are not going to go from an A to a D. You should believe the stuff you read about a one cup size increase. When adding 500 cc, more of the fat will not survive and can cause issues later on. 100-300 cc is more common per breast. As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer to the breast is a great procedure. It works best for modest increases, not usually for A to D, more likely large B/small C.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It may be possible to achieve this however, it would require several sessions. The reason being that you only transfer fat proportionate to the size of the breast is that if you are a 32 B then 100 cc of fat corresponds to 1 cup size change. In a B cup, it may be possible to transfer 200 cc of fat that could possible make you a D. However, not all the fat survives as approximately 60% of the fat survives. You may require several sessions to achieve 500 cc of fat transferred and even more sessions for it to survive.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear finallyme777,
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.
Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons. 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. Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc's. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites but fat from other areas can be used. The fat must be injected through multiple planes in small amounts to the tissue through one tiny incision under each breast. About 50% of the fat obtains permanence
Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival. Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and your expectations.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

In my experience, the amount of fat that can be transferred to the breast and the size that can be attained depends on the size, shape and other characteristics of the breast that the fat is being transferred to.   
For example, breasts that have very dense tissue will not accept as much fat as a breast that has less dense breast tissue.  
At a consultation, a physical exam is completed, and this can provide you with information more specific to your situation. 
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer is not a substitute for substantial breast augmentation.  There is no possibility of an increase of three cup sizes. Keep in mind that everyone measures sizing differently. If you decrease the width of the bra from 38 to 32, there would a proportional cup increase which is spurious.

Is it possible to go from an A Cup to D cup with breast fat transfer?

Answers (14)

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