Survival rate for breast fat transfer?

Question

Hello!! I'm pretty slim (about 45kg and 1.55m). My boobs are about 170/180cc each and I'm thinking of breast fat transfer. I'm really hoping for 100cc more in each breast. I've seen a few surgeons who have told me that I can retain between 65cc to 100cc in each breast and they can harvest between 350cc to 450cc. What's the fat survival / retention percentage? I heard that survival rate is around 60-70% but how much goes in after purification? Thanks

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons. It is not that more cannot be injected; but on average, this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer. In general, 50% of the fat transferred survives.  Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc's. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites but fat from other areas can be used. Discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Terence Goh, MBBS, MRCS(Ed), FAMS (Plast Surg) · Answer

The survival rate for fat grafting to breasts can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the technique used, the expertise of the surgeon, the amount of fat transferred, and the individual patient's biology. In my experience, here are some factors that can help in improving the fat graft survival:
1. Harvesting technique: The technique used to harvest the fat can play a role in the success of the graft. Gentle liposuction with low negative pressure and the use of a closed-system can help minimize trauma to the fat cells, which can increase their viability. In my practice, we do this using a Microaire system to harvest the fat, coupled with a Puregraft system to process the fat harvested.
2. Processing of the fat: The way in which the fat is processed prior to transfer can also impact graft survival. We use the pure graft system which has been shown to reliably reduce surgery time and increase fat graft yield.
3. Injection technique: The technique used to inject the fat into the recipient site is also critical. A slow, controlled injection technique, with small amounts of fat deposited in multiple layers, can help ensure a uniform distribution of the fat and minimize trauma to the surrounding tissue. We also use specialised cannulas made by Tulip to inject the fat grafts.
4. Patient factors: Certain patient factors, such as smoking, diabetes, and obesity, can negatively impact fat graft survival. Patients who are in good overall health, have good blood flow to the recipient site, and have adequate tissue volume are more likely to have a successful outcome.
5. Post-operative care: Proper post-operative care, including avoiding pressure on the graft site, maintaining good hydration, and avoiding smoking and other activities that can impair healing, can also help improve fat graft yield. I also advise patients not to lose weight over the next 4 months to ensure maximal take of the fat grafts.
Depending on your fat distribution it may be possible to harvest about 800cc-1.2L of fat from the abdomen and thighs and have about 200 cc to be injected into each breast. This can give an increase of 100-120 cc per side. which is about 1/2 to 1 cup size increase. I routinely inform patients that there may be a need for repeat grafting to achieve their goals if they want to have an increase of more than 1 cup size.
Hope this helps. 
All the best!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Because you are so small I wonder if there is sufficient fat to harvest in your case. Even if there is, the amount of fat retained is usually dissappointing. Look at pictures of fat transfer on the internet to get a realistic idea. And bear in mind those are usually a surgeon’s best results.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Newtoblogs,
Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.
If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can expect from one half to one cup in fullness with a fat transfer. Of the fat transferred, only about 50-70 percent will survive, depending upon technique and how well you follow instructions. You do need to have donor fat available. Implants are usually more consistent and not dependent upon weight.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Fat survival rate is largely based on surgeon technique. In general, most patients achieve less than a cup size but you need to have enough fat to harvest. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with fat grafting. Good luck!

Csaba L. Magassy, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The technique for fat transfer to the breast gained popularity little over ten years ago when there was a product that enhanced the viability of the fat called the "Brava System"  Unfortunately not made any more. I was one of the original 7 researchers to bring the product to market.  Fat transfer to the breast is very technique dependent for survival and long term results.

Survival rate for breast fat transfer?

Answers (7)

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