Breast lift with implants vs fat transfer - which would yield better results?

Dear GoofyLola,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Hello, thank you for your question. It really depends on how much bigger you want to go and how much upper pole fullness you would like. Speak to your plastic surgeon about goals and what you had in mind. Keep in mind that with weight fluctuations the skin quality is not the best since the elasticity decreases so over time you will again have some skin laxity. Feel free to check out our website for some before and after photos to get a better outlook or what you think you would like.

The choice between a breast lift with implants and a fat transfer procedure depends on various factors, including your individual goals, preferences, and current breast characteristics. Both procedures have their advantages and considerations, so it's important to discuss your specific situation with a skilled plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for you. Here are some key points to consider for each option:Breast Lift with Implants:1. Volume and Shape: Breast implants can add volume and improve breast shape. If you desire a significant increase in size or more fullness, implants may be a suitable choice.2. Sagging and Ptosis: A breast lift with implants is often recommended for individuals who not only want to address volume loss but also have significant sagging or ptosis of the breasts.3. Predictable Results: Implants provide a predictable and customizable outcome in terms of size and projection.4. Longevity: Breast implants may require replacement or revision surgery over time due to factors like implant rupture, leakage, or changes in breast tissue.Fat Transfer:1. Natural Feel and Look: Fat transfer provides a more natural look and feel because it uses your body's own tissue. It can be a good option for a modest increase in volume and subtle enhancement.2. No Implants: If you prefer to avoid implants, fat transfer allows you to enhance your breasts using your own fat tissue.3. Limited Size Increase: Fat transfer may not provide as significant an increase in breast size as implants, making it suitable for individuals looking for a more subtle change.4. Two-Step Procedure: Fat transfer is typically done in two steps, with liposuction to harvest fat from another part of your body and then injecting the fat into the breasts. This can lead to longer recovery compared to a single-stage implant procedure.5. Variable Retention: The amount of transferred fat that survives varies among individuals, and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired result.Ultimately, the decision between a breast lift with implants and fat transfer depends on your specific goals and anatomy. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you understand the pros and cons of each option based on your individual circumstances, allowing you to make an informed decision.

For the most predictable outcome I recommend a breast lift with implants. Fat transfers can lead to issues when reading mammograms, among other issues. As for the hypothyroidism, if it is well controlled with medication it does not preclude you from being a surgical candidate. As for the scars, they are permanent as all scars are, but they do fade. Most patients find they heal well. Scar treatments can be helpful in achieving favorable scars.

You did not post photos, so I recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon, being examined and measured, and trying on a range of sizes that best fits your frame and tissue. Then, you can see what size you would like and if you need implants or fat to achieve this size.

Hi and welcome to our forum!Breast augmentation with a prosthetic implant is still the "gold standard" in breast augmentation. With fat grafting, one can usually only add 300-360 cc and differential "graft take" may require a secondary correction. It is a satisfactory alternative, however, in patients desiring moderate augmentation but are adverse to the use of prosthetic implants. The presence of hypothyroidism does not contraindicate breast augmentation. Preoperative surgical clearance is required from your physician to ensure that your thyroid blood levels are under control. If with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, recent data suggest that there may be link between the use of silicone implants and autoimmune illness. There is already a known link with fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis. It may be best to choose saline implants in this situation.Scarring is a natural consequence of surgical intervention. Initially, the scars may be noticeable, but they will fade significantly to an acceptable level over a year's time.Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...