Can I decide where to place fat when undergoing a breast fat transfer?

Question

I am researching lipo fat transfer to breasts. I'm assuming I cant necessarily decide where I want the fat to go? It kind of goes where it wants? I ask because I'm looking for a lift and more full towards the middle/cleavage look. I feel I am too busty/full on the sides. I really don't want to have anything like silicone in my body so I'm not sure the best way to go about getting the look I want.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size or height and weight. However, if you are interested in a breast lift, the technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your goals.  Discussing your goals with the physician is important.  Our goal is meeting your goals!  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

You should have goal photos and discuss your goals with your surgeon and make sure you are on the same page with them.  Fat can be placed more medially and in the upper pole if that is where you want augmentation.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear RiH93,
you can discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon. 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

Katie Durnen, MD · Answer

During your consultation your surgeon should be discussing your goals with you and giving some options for how to achieve them. I think your preferences should always be considered, but a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will also balance the safety and efficacy of the placement/procedure with your preferences. It sounds like you may be a good candidate for something like a breast lift or mastopexy to achieve your goals, perhaps in combination with fat grafting.

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is an excellent question. When undergoing a fat transfer to the breast, the areas to be filled with fat is decided before surgery. Typically, it is the upper part of the chest and the middle/cleavage area. The area of where to get the fat from (through liposuction) is also decided before surgery. This can be anywhere on the body that there is extra fat available to harvest, and is typically in the abdomen and waist area. This fat transfer can be done at the same time as a breast lift and will give natural results without using implants. Hope this helps!

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

You can definitely dictate where you want the fat to be transferred. The fat is not placed into one space like an implant. Fat is carefully placed in the areas that are deficient in volume and where the patient would like to have more volume. Almost every patient desires more volume in the cleavage area so that it's a totally reasonable request on your part. You can discuss all of these details during the consultation.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

One of the best feature about fat transfer for breast enhancement is the ability to direct the placement of the fat. Though fat transfer has limitations (resorption of some of the fat, limited quantities of fat, among others), it can be directed to selectively increase the top of the breast or to enhance cleavage. The strongest advantage of implants is the ability to predict the outcome; with fat the placement is known, but the quantity of surviving fat is less certain. Photos might help me give more direct advice in your case but, in general, fat transfer is an excellent option.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The challenge is not where to put the fat, but rather getting the fat to take. Fat transfer to the breasts can be dissappointing because most if the fat will go away with time

Daniel Del Vecchio, MD · Answer

Fat grafting to the breast is a great operation when performing the right patient. That grafting does not lift the breast however, so if you’re looking for a breast lift back, grafting is not going to accomplish that. You should probably have an in person appointment with a plastic surgeon in your area who is familiar with fat graft into the breast and you will get the best possible advice and how to proceed. Best regards.