How Long is the Process of Fat Grafting to Breasts?

There are 3 parts to fat transfer, and the length of time can vary a lot depending on the techniques used.

Part 1)  liposuction of the donor sites.  If small cannulas or syringe liposuction is used - it takes longer.

Part 2) processing the fat.  Centrifuging the fat in small volumes takes longer.

Part 3) injecting the processed fat into the new area.  Using micro-injection techniques takes longer.

Surgeons debate which technique is better.  Some experts, like Dr. Coleman of NYC, feel that the longer way at each step gives the best results.

Most surgeons report that fat grafting to the breast takes between 3-6 hours, depending on the exact methods used.  Dr. DelVecchio of Boston, and Dr. Khouri of Tampa have been making important contributions in trying to reduce the procedure time, but still get good results.

fat grafting is still not widely accepted by plastic surgeons but is becoming more popular:


it has been used worldwide a number of yearsa

if done correctly at least 60% of the fat should remain as living fat

it has been used widely for gluteal augmentation

it shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours but it depends on how much liposuction is being done and the cannula technique preferred

there is no complete agreement on best technique

Fat grafting is a growing movement for breast augmentation and reconstruction.  The "typical" breast augmentation case takes around 2 1/2 hours, which includes the liposuction to harvest the fat, the processing of the fat, and the time to inject it.

Time variation? There are many reasons for this.  Is the fat hard to harvest? A skinny woman with little fat may take longer to harvest because you have to work harder to find the fat and harvest enough.  As with everything, when you are newer at doing the procedure (which most doctors are as this technique still is not mainstream) it may take a little longer.  I spent time with Dr. Khouri in Miami (who along with DelVeccio are among the most experienced) who has a team of people who assist him and do it day in and day out- so his times are likely faster.  Also, for some of my patients, they don't mind if I harvest a little extra fat, to maximize the changes from the liposuction portion of the procedure.

Cost? This will vary by surgeon, time, where you live.