5’5”, 130lbs, no kids, risks with fat transfer to breast & are they common?

Question

I’ve read the complications of breast fat transfer (necrosis, lumps, calcifications, cyst, asymmetry, infection). I’m really interested in this procedure because I don’t want implants, but concerned. Are these complications common? Are the majority of people satisfied? I have found a board-certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of these, so I know he is skilled, but wondering if the complications make it not worth it, or if im worrying too much.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for the question.
Fat transfer to the breasts also known as breast lipofilling can help increase breast volume and projection, and can be performed together with other breast procedures. It is a relatively safe procedure with low risk of complications. 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

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Despite the fact that fat grafting of the breasts was one of the areas where fat grafts were used first, it is still not very predictable procedure. A survival and retention of fat grafts may vary and for that reason multiple procedures (2-3) may be needed to achieve desired volume and symmetry of breasts even in the most expperienced hands. Breast implants are still the gold standard for breast augmentation. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @cedar river thank you for your question. It really depends on the surgical technique of the specialist performing surgery. The risk of lumps happens when there is fat necrosis after de procedure. Technique, experience, and technology used by the plastic surgeon determine the success of the surgery. For more information, you should consult one or several board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear cedar river,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If properly done and not too much volume is crammed into the breast tissue, the risks are low. Most women, however, want more volume than what a fat transfer can achieve. If you would be satisfied with a half to one cup increase in size and have donor fat, then the fat transfer should work well for you.

5’5”, 130lbs, no kids, risks with fat transfer to breast & are they common?

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Answer: Fat transfer

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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5’5”, 130lbs, no kids, risks with fat transfer to breast & are they common?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Risks

Answer: Risks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.