How much of my fat transfer to each breast survived?

Question

I had my implants removed and 100 cc fat transferred into each breast at the same time. The fat seemed to have taken very well. Two months ago I had another 470 cc fat transferred into each breast. I think my breasts are wider and have more lateral fullness now but am unsure how much increase I got. Could you help estimate how much of the 470 cc survived based on the pictures?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 90210a,
In most cases 30-50% of transferred fat will survive. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the breasts as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area. IF you want a significant increase in size, you might need to repeat fat transfer. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Paletta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. At two months you should have a good idea of what has taken and what has not. Hundred cc in each breast seems like a reasonable amount. 470 mL per breast seems like a lot of fat transfer.  It would not be unreasonable to anticipate anywhere from 25% to 50% of the fat will get reabsorbed.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons.  It is not that more cannot be injected; but on average, this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer.  Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc's.  In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites, but fat from other areas can be used.
Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival.  Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. I typically transfer from 250 cc to 400 cc or so per breast, as only 50% of the fat typically survives.  Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant.  
Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and your expectations.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not post photos, but if all fat survived, you should gain about 3 to 3.5 cups in increase in size. You would have 570cc's of fat placed.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

The best resource of information would be your board certified plastic surgeon as he/she knows your condition best. Usually, fat transfers produce good results when the fat donor site is healthy and the individual as a whole maintains a stable, healthy lifestyle. Fat survival also depend on the surgeon's skill and techniques.

Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Good Morning and thank you for your question and photos.  Generally speaking, approximately 30-50% of the fat will be reabsorbed, leaving the rest behind as your longterm result.  This is usually evident by approximately 6 months post op.Dr. K.

How much of my fat transfer to each breast survived?

Answers (6)

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