How much fat is needed for a breast fat transfer?

Question

I have very small breasts, AA-cup, and I am equally a very small person, 5'5 105lbs. I am completely aware that as of now I am too small to have a fat transfer, as there is very little fat on me. However, I would love to be a B-cup or even a small C-cup and was wondering how much fat I would need to gain to be able to undergo the procedure. Is there a way to measure it? Thank you very much!!

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

The amount of fat needed to raise someone about a cup is dependent on how big you are and how much fat that you have. If someone is tiny like yourself, gaining weight is a poor option to get the fat for a transfer to your breasts. If you then lose the weight and return to your normal size, you will lose the fat in your breasts and well and will have achieved nothing.Make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. They can discuss these issues with you and figure out if fat transfer is appropriate for you or not. Based on your story, you may be more appropriate for implant based augmentation.Good luck.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Please keep in mind that it is nearly impossible to predict cup size prior to surgery.  To get a good idea though of what would be a realistic expectation for you in terms of size, please be seen in person by a board-certified plastic surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As with implant augmentation, it is important for your surgeon to know what volume of fat to aim for when doing fat transfers to the breast.  There are some very different limitations, however.  The sizing process can be the same.  Try on external sizers and you may determine that 200 cc, for example, is what you want to add to each breast.  The actual procedure may require that your surgeon over fill your breasts with more fat as not all of this survives.  In addition, your starting breast size determines how much you can place.  The smaller the starting breast, the less you can add.  Furthermore, you need enough donor fat to get to your goal.  So setting expectations for fat grafting is much more nuanced than with implant based breast augmentation.  I would visit with a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your goals.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately you don't sound like you are an ideal candidate for breast fat transfer because you may not have enough fat. To see an appreciable difference of at least a cup size you would need approximately 200-250cc of pure fat in each breast and remember that close to 30% of the fat will dissolve within a few weeks. If your goal is to go up 1-2 sizes I would recommend an implant that can give you a natural modest long lasting result. You would need to see a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breasts to help you achieve your goals. All the best,Dr. Khuthaila

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you don't have enough fat, even though a small amount may achieve your goals. Gaining weight may be a temporary fix, but if you lose it later, the results may be lessened.To go up 1-2 cup sizes would be achieved better with implants.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Your question is valid, and it brings up some key points. As you may have realized, you are not a candidate for fat transfer for breast augmentation, and that is not the end of the world!  Let me clear up some misconceptions. It is a terrible idea to "gain weight" to add enough fat to allow transfer. It is unhealthy, and if you lose the weight, it will probably come from your breasts. Most patients are not candidates for fat transfer to the breasts because of the significant amount needed to see a change. Breast implants are extremely reliable with regard to desired size and shape, literally hundreds of thousands of women over the years have been thrilled with their results. So if you still desire larger breasts, consider implants and be certain to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck!

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for asking. As said before you do not sound like a candidate for fat transfer. Each patient and fat transfer process is uniquely specific. In general fat transfer may need more than one treatment in order to reach a particular new cup size. This variability changes from person to person depending on each graft process' take. Your situation is probably better handled by breast implants. I would suggest seeing a board certified PS in your area. Best wishes

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

Thank you for your question. The amount of fat I inject depends on the goal of the patient. Unfortunately there are no pictures for me to look at. I would guesstimate you will need approximately 300 to 500 cc injected per breast. Some patients may need a second procedure to obtain your desired size. I hope you find this information useful.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell you without seeing you in person what you might need. I will say that I prefer using implants for primary breast augmentation because I fell it gives the most reliable results.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Go with implants. From my point of view, fat injections into the breasts are not a good way to enlarge your breasts. Implants have been used for over 60 years. They are reliable and can be easily reversed. Fat injections go away, and can  leave calcifications which can require biopsies and mimic cancer. I think it is a terrible procedure.

How much fat is needed for a breast fat transfer?

Answers (13)

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