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

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!

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

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.