Is a breast fat transfer better, same or worse compared to breast implants?

Question

I am interested in a breast fat transfer vs. breast implants due to health reasons. Are breast fat transfers the same, better or worse than breast implants? My current bust size is on the smaller side; I am only wanting to increase one bra cup up from my current size. I have not had any breast procedures. I am 5’’7’ and 130 pounds.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! In short, neither is "better" or "worse" in an absolute sense, but there are better/worse candidates for each operation. Compared to fat, implants don't require additional surgical sites (to harvest "donor fat via liposuction), they are more "predictable" in terms of immediate results and volume correction, and they allow for larger volume increases than fat can usually not achieve. On the other hand, implants are a foreign body/medial grade device that is not meant to be more life and have "maintenance"/surveillance as well as foreign body concerns for many patients. Fat grafting uses your own natural cells to bypass many of these "maintenance" or surveillance concerns but it does require additional surgical sites/healing to harvest. Also, the "take", or how much of the fat that is transferred that will actually stay around, is not 100% and may be slightly unpredictable, and there are risks associated with fatty oil cysts or scar tissue around fat cells/fat necrosis. Fat also may not provide you with enough volume correction in one operation (1/2cup-1cup) and is more likely to need a second round to "touch up" or further augment the correction.

There is a lot of factors to consider and the best advice would be to seek an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to listen, examine you and answer all of your questions and let you know if you are a better candidate for one versus the other!

There is a lot of factors to consider and the best advice would be to seek an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who will be able to listen, examine you and answer all of your questions and let you know if you are a better candidate for one versus the other!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast fat transfer and breast implants are two different procedures with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Breast fat transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, involves transferring fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to the breasts to increase their size and improve their shape. This procedure is a good option for those who want a modest increase in breast size and have sufficient donor fat available. The procedure is minimally invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and does not involve any foreign objects being placed in the body. Additionally, the results look and feel natural, and there is no risk of implant rupture or leakage.

Breast implants, on the other hand, involve inserting a silicone or saline implant into the breast tissue to increase their size and improve their shape. This procedure is a good option for those who want a more significant increase in breast size or have little to no donor fat available. The procedure is more invasive, has a longer recovery time, and involves foreign objects being placed in the body. However, implants can provide more predictable results and can be adjusted in size, shape, and position to achieve the desired outcome.

Both procedures have their own risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in breast sensation. It is important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of action based on your goals and expectations. They can also discuss the potential risks and benefits of each procedure and help you make an informed decision.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alian200,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

These two procedures should not be confused and compared. While breast implants major purpose is augmentation with a stable volume (which will not change in time), fat grafting is used mostly for contouring and placing small volume of tissue in the areas where breast immplants can not  successfully correct the shape. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would help you to make correct decission. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfers sound easy and great, but they are less reliable in predicting size since not all fat transferred lives. Plus, the breasts may not be even, and lumps might form. Weight change or loss will affect the transfers. Also, you need to have adequate donor fat and not just a tiny area in your inner thighs. Implants are more reliable long term but are not permanent either.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Breast fat transfer can increase breast cup size by about 1/2 cup for most patients. The procedure is subtle in comparison to implants and will increase breast size, but does not change breast shape.
Implants can add a variety of sizes based on what size implant is chosen. Implants make a significant change in the shape of the breast, giving increase to projection, especially in the upper half of the breast.
The two procedures are very different, and generally speaking, the best aesthetic outcomes come from using implants.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Is a breast fat transfer better, same or worse compared to breast implants?

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