What makes you a good candidate for a successful fat transfer to the breast?

Question

What conditions make a fat transfer more successful such as larger increase and better fat survival rates. I already have 34C/32D cups but would love to try increase them by possibly two cups. Also, does anywhere in the UK offer the brava and fat transfer combined. Doe this really help the fat survive better?

Scott W. Harris, MD, FACS · Answer

While reading your question it occurred to me that you want about a 2 cup change, but do not want implants. Why is that? The results are more consistent.But to answer your question, there are several things which improve the likelihood of successful transfer that your surgeon in the UK will discuss. I'm not aware of surgeons doing the combination of Brava and fat transfer there (even though I have journeyed there to teach, etc.), but I suspect that someone is doing it. Still I do not think it reasonable to expect to obtain a 2 cup augmentation from fat transfer.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

One of the main requirements for autologous fat transfers to the breasts is that you have to have enough fat volume that we can easily harvest from your body and transfer to your breasts.  It also helps if you have more breast tissue to begin with and your breast skin is not too tight.  It would be impossible to tell if you would be a good candidate without seeing what you have to work with in all aspects.  The maximum volume increase most experience plastic surgeons who perform this procedure can consistently achieve is no more than 1 cup size.  Patients usually have to expect to undergo multiple fat transfer procedures if they wish to achieve more than 1cup size increase. Generally, the more breast tissue you have to work with the more fat can be transferred as there is just more "space" and tissue to inject the fat into.  Sometimes, use of the Brava bra breast tissue expansion system beforehand can increase the amount of fat that can be transferred at one time just from the fact that there will be more tissue/ space to inject into and the breast skin envelope is "pre- stretched" so as to not be as tight from the transfer process which will increase chances of graft take.  Use of the Brava system would also increase the costs and add more time (months) needed to do the breast fat transfer procedure. You would definitely need to be examined to see if you would be a good candidate.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Fat transfer to the breast can be a great option for many patients. The most significant limitation is the amount of fat that can be transferred at any one time. In general, I try to not transfer more fat than would double the size of the breast. Of the fat transferred, some will be permanent and some will be absorbed.  We refer to this procedure as Up A Cup because that's a realistic expectation. It is possible to have fat grafting done more than once.  As a general concept, doubling a very small breast is still not a very large breast. Doubling a full C or D cup can make a substantial difference because it can mean adding several hundred cc's. The highest success rate is in healthy patients where healthy tissue is transferred. The fat transferred needs to be in small individual particles that are as evenly placed throughout the breast tissue, fat and muscle as possible. Using good technique and minimizing tissue trauma is critical. Avoiding the use of tobacco products before and after the procedure is imperative.We routinely do these procedures while patients are awake, using no needles, no scalpels and no sutures. The recovery is easy. You see immediate improvement not only of the breasts but also in the area where the fat was taken originally. I don't think the BRAVA/fat transfer combination has been proven to be more successful, but it is an exciting concept that I believe may help high-volume fat survival. In terms of finding the right surgeon, I would focus on finding someone who has a lot of experience with fat transfer to the breast. That is in my opinion. It's more important than using the BRAVA combination. I hope that helps. Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

What makes you a good candidate for a successful fat transfer to the breast?

Answers (3)

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