How painful is the recovery time for breast fat transfer?

Question

Hello! I would an honest description of what the recovery time is for breast fat transfer augmentation. Is it painful? What can I expect during the first few days

Vivian Ting, MD · Answer

In my experience fat transfer to breasts can cause some sensitivity after surgery that can last a few weeks. Most of the discomfort is from the liposuctioning, which is worse with power-assisted or vaser liposuctioning than traditional suction-assisted lipectomy, and even more uncomfortable if you also treat the liposuctioned area with radiofrequency, such as Renuvion.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear JKI_212,
recovery after fat transfer should not be painful, especially with good pain management. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

The recovery depends on a number of factors. In our practice, we perform the procedure under complete local anesthesia with oral sedation and pain management. Being totally numb for the procedure sets the stage for less discomfort from the start. Fat is sculpted from your body. Those donor areas typically include the abdomen, flanks, waist, hips, and back for 360 approach. Other donor areas include the arms, thighs, and knees. The majority of our patients describe the donor areas as feeling sore like they exercised really hard. The breasts will feel tight once the fat is placed. The breast discomfort is again typically described as sore and is nothing like an augmentation with a breast implant.  The first two days is a bit messy from the drainage that leaks out of the tiny skin openings. After your first shower on day 2, you'll feel much better. Most patients return to work in a few days. For example, the procedure is performed on a Wednesday or Thursday and you return to work on Monday. I encourage regular ibuprofen and you'll have prescription pain medicine available. We'll go over everything during the consultation.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Typically, the most painful part of breast fat transfer is the area we will liposuction to get the fat.  Usually around the umbilicus.  Also, the breast will feel tight a couple of weeks. You would need to wear spanx and a support bra for a couple of weeks. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A fat transfer is surgery and most women do have some pain. The more painful part is the liposuction from where the fat was removed. Your surgeon will provide you with medication for the pain.

How painful is the recovery time for breast fat transfer?

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How painful is the recovery time for breast fat transfer?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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