What carries less risk: breast implants or breast fat transfer?

Dear wanderbust,
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

This is a great question! Neither choice is perfect. However in my practice I do not perform fat transfer to the breasts for augmentation. The reason is that the transferred fat can lead to microcalcifications. This can interfere with breast imaging studies. Implants are FDA approved devices which help my patients achieve predictable, beautiful results.

Have a nice day! Here’s Dr. Jose Suarez hoping to answer all your doubts. Both have established risk percentages.

Both procedures carry risks, but implants maintain their size over time and fat may change. Pregnancy may change your breasts size and shape. A fat transfer may go up a half to one cup in size per transfer. Not all women get a cup increase with a transfer. Early on, the fat transfer is more unpredictable as to how much fat survives. Implants always have the risk of needing additional surgery, especially to replace if break. For fat transfer, you need donor fat.