Can I achieve my desired results with a fat transfer only? Not looking for an extreme increase (photos)

Question

I have been cleared as healthy and qualified to undergo surgery, but one of the office's I've consulted with claims the results I seek are not possible with just fat transfer. I have no desire for implants and don't need an extreme increase. I've consulted with other surgeon's who disagree, claiming I can achieve a modest increase based on what I presented in the before/after photos. Any insight based on my photos would be very helpful, thank you.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

I think it is reasonable to perform a modest fat transfer to the right breast to help with volume. It will not address your asymmetry completely as your right breast crease is noticeably higher than the left . . . Having said that, given your desires and expectations, I think it is a good plan. Thank you for sharing.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for the question and the photos.
You appear to be a good candidate for fat transfer to the breasts procedure also known as breast lipofilling which can help increase breast volume and projection. This is usually done through tiny incisions with minimal scarring. It also allows improvement of contour in the areas where the liposuction is performed in order to harvest the fat for transfer.
In general, about 50-70% of transferred fat will survive after the surgery and the fat that does survive will act like normal fat. Often, more than one fat transfer session is required to achieve desired results.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Fat grafting can do an excellent job of increasing breast volume. There are however limits to how much volume one can expect in one surgery. Essentially I advise patients that if they have enough fat that we can probably double the size of their breast at the time of surgery. Not all of the fat is going to survive and to be conservative I would estimate 50% might be lost. Many patients do better than that however. (Results certainly can vary.) That leaves a breast which is approximately 50% fuller after one surgery. If breast fat transfer is done again then the breast can be more than double the original size, potentially. Excessive fat grafting at one surgery can lead to a lot of fat loss and formation of cysts. Fat grafting requires patience on the part of the surgeon as they must place the fat carefully so as not to create a large lump of fat in one location. Not all plastic surgeons perform the surgery. Seek somebody who does it regularly.

It would not be uncommon to be able to increase the size of a breast after fat transfer by a cup size, and possibly more.

Dr. Rodger Shortt, plastic surgeon, Oakville, Ontario.

It would not be uncommon to be able to increase the size of a breast after fat transfer by a cup size, and possibly more.

Dr. Rodger Shortt, plastic surgeon, Oakville, Ontario.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Fat transfers to breasts add about 1/2 a cup size of volume. So difficult to say if that will be enough for you. We typically suggest an implant if the patient wants increase by over a cup size.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear GoodGalGoneGone,
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Fat transfer is a real hit or miss iricedure so keep your expectations modest. Theft are surgeons who think it works great and there are those that think it’s a wasted effort. I tend mire to think of it as giving disappointing results so I hint even offer it.

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Fat grafting is an excellent option for correcting breast symmetry.
You have sufficient fat  for grafting and should achieve an excellent result,

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may need at least two fat transfers to achieve the size you want.  The amount of increase with each transfer is about one half up to one cup in size. Not all of the fat transferred lives.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear GoodGal,
Your photos are great and the imaging program is very impressive in terms of a predicted result.  Those results are certainly plausible with fat transfer breast augmentation.  However, there is an unknown variable in fat grafting in any part of the body, breast, buttock, etc.  That variable is how much of the transferred fat is actually going to survive.  The plastic surgery community is just beginning to get a handle on some factors that may affect fat graft survival, but it is by no means a precisely predictable process at this point in time.  Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Great posted photos, but no surgeon can ever guarantee results. I think you could achieve a very acceptable outcome with lipo and fat grafts to grafts. Fees $8,000*. Best yo virtual consult with….

Can I achieve my desired results with a fat transfer only? Not looking for an extreme increase (photos)

Answers (11)

More Breast Fat Transfer Questions

Implant removal with fat transfer 1 year post op. Is fibrous fat common and are there methods around this?

When can you go back to an office job after fat transfer to breast?

I was told I have too much loose skin and not enough fat to get more than 150cc for each breast. Is this true? (Photo)

Would a lift and fat transfer solve issues? (Photo)

Who is a good candidate for breast fat transfer? (Photo)

Explant, breast fat transfer, lipo revision?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS