Can you harvest fat from a tummy tuck and transfer it to the breasts?

Question

I want Lipo360, a BBL, tummy tuck, breast fat transfer. Can you harvest the fat from the tummy tuck and transfer to breast? I would love to do a tummy tuck with breast fat transfer and then later do a lipo360, bbl, and round 2 on breast if enough fat is harvested. Just not sure if all that is doable. Thank you for your time.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  During a tummy tuck some Surgeon's will do some liposuction of the flank and bra roll area.  With the fat that they take from those area's yes you could have it transferred to the breasts.  We have to be careful with the amount of liposuction that is done at the same time as a tummy tuck because of the blood supply.  Some patients will choose to have additional liposuction done post tummy tuck procedure and at that time they can take the additional fat and transfer it to the breast as well.  I would suggest speaking to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you, discuss your options and make a plan.  Best of luck to you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear heidilynn74,
it is possible to use fat from abdomen to transfer to breasts. 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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if you can harvest fat from a tummy tuck and transfer it to the breasts. The answer is yes! It's safe to have liposuction on the area that's getting excised. It's dangerous to lipo around the excision because of blood supply. It's also SAFE to have liposuction on areas that are not getting operated on. For example, you can get back, arm, thigh, and neck liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding if you can harvest fat during a tummy tuck and transfer it to the breasts.

If you have any more questions regarding a tummy tuck, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 tummy tuck or circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced, tummy tuck or lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @heidilynn74, thank you for your question. To make an informed recommendation, more information is needed. A consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

David Parizh, DO · Answer

I think fat transfer to the breasts is a great adjunct. This all depends on what your aesthetic goals are and where you are starting off. I use this tool to help add upper pole fullness, more cleavage, to already existing breast foundation. There should be a thorough conversation as to the risks and benefits of doing fat transfer to the breast. 
Your idea to perform a tummy tuck and BBL with lip 360 is safe and how I would recommend you to do it so that you get the best possible results!
Hope that helps! Good luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction can be done on the side of your abdomen to harvest fat during the tummy tuck or from the inferior area where the skin will be removed.  Otherwise, a separate donor site will need to be used.

Hakan Demir, MD · Answer

If you ve got enough fat deposit for transfer it is possible to get BBL and breast augmentationand I suggest you to have 360 lipo in the same session. Dr.Hakan Demir Antalya TurkeyBoard certificated plastic surgeon

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, heidilynn74! Thank you for your question.
Fat injection to breasts and buttocks is a common procedure combined with 360 liposuction and tummy tuck. For my practice, it is best to do the BBL and breast fat injection together with 360 lipo and tummy tuck, as it is in the safe limits of duration.
Before fat injection to breasts, you must have a mammogram or a breast ultrasound, to check if there is any breast condition that renders a contraindication for this operation.
We can help you better if you share your photos regarding your concerned areas.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is possible to transfer fat during this procedure, but it is important to speak with your surgeon about goals and to determine if you are a candidate.  Implants may be preferred to fat transfer depending on the situation.  Fat transfer can sometimes cause false concerns during mammograms, so it is important to know the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Ayse Kalay, MD · Answer

These procedures can be done at the same time. When we think about fat transfer, your sample pictures should be examined and what can be done after.

Can you harvest fat from a tummy tuck and transfer it to the breasts?

Answers (14)

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