How many times can a person undergo breast fat transfer surgery?

Question

I realize that fat transfer to breast surgeries usually only increase breast size by one cup, so I was wondering if this is a surgery that is possible to undergo twice (or maybe three times at the most)? I'm already aware that this would be more expensive than just getting implants, & that implants are the better way to go if you want a significant change in size. But I would still like to know if breastfat transfer surgery is possible to undergo multiple times. Thank you for your time and help!

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Yes - often, fat grafting does take several sessions to get the result that both the surgeon and the patient are happy with.  This is especially true for breast reconstruction cases, and when radiation to the chest wall area has been used for cancer treatment.  It's not uncommon for cosmetic patients to have 2 sessions of fat grafting.The analogy I use is that of a sponge:  the sponge (like your breast tissue) can only hold so much water (fat graft).  There's a limit beyond which any extra water is not absorbed, and simply spills out of the sponge.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You ask a great question. The answer fortunately is that it is both possible and sometimes preferred to do staged fat transfer for natural breast augmentation. See below link for additional information.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I don't think fat transfer to the breasts is very consistent at all .  I would not even recommend you gave it done ònce.  A real waste of money, despite what some surgeons may Keats you to believe.

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

A good rule of thumb is that fat grafting at least doubles your breast size. That means a tiny breast can't get that huge, there is just not enough space for the fat cell transfer to occupy. However, on the second session, now you are doubling a double size breast, which means you have more impact on the second surgery. Of course you have to have some fat somewhere else to donate ;)

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, it actually rather common to need more than one fat graft to the breast to achieve the desired look.  So, getting up to 3 is not excessive at all and you should do well with it.  See a surgeon who's comfortable with fat grafting to give you all the details.

David M. Kahn, MD · Answer

Fat transfer usually requires several sessions to reach the desired size. One of the only limitations would be availability of donor fat to transfer. As always, best to have an evaluation with a surgeon who can guide you based on your individual history, goals and examination. Good Luck!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Breast fat grafting often has to be performed in several sessions. This is because there is a maximum amount that a breast can be filled, i.e.  a maximum amount of fat can be added is limited by the increase in pressure created. If over filling is attempted, this will result in loss of the fat graft material. Three sessions of fat grafting is not unreasonable.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and in point of fact it is quite common to do more then one fat transfer to the breastDr Corbin

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Fat transfer to the breasts can be performed in multiple stages. Staging especially in patients who are starting out with relatively small breasts who do not use preoperative expansion could benefit from improved fat survival outcomes after surgery. Thank you for your question. Best wishes.

How many times can a person undergo breast fat transfer surgery?

Answers (9)

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