Will increased running (training for a half-marathon) negate augmentation from fat transfer to breast?

Question

Hello - I currently run 3-5 miles and also hit the gym and lift weights a few times a week. In about 6 weeks I plan to get a fat transfer to breasts. I’m a small 32a, 5’4”, stable 118 pounds, 42 with kids. In a year or so I may begin to again run half-marathons. Could that sort of exercise basically melt all the fat away that I will (hope to) gain on my breasts? Thanks in advance for any insight, especially specific cases you have seen.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

It depends if you gain and lose a lot of your weight in your breasts.  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Because breast fat transfer is a relatively new procedure, few clinical studies with long term follow up have been conducted. Recovery is usually relatively quick. You will wear a sports bra for about six weeks, starting immediately after surgery. Many of my patients return to work after 4 - 7 days if that work is non strenuous and sedentary.  Vigorous exercise should be postponed for two weeks. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation with fat is a great option for women who desire a modest increase in size- typically 1/2 to 1 cup size. Unlike implants which are WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get), some of the fat transferred to the breast will go away during your recovery, leaving about 50-60% when all is said and done.Over the months and years that follow, this transferred fat will behave just like fat elsewhere on your body- as you gain weight, the fat cells will expand and get larger; as you loose weight, the fat cells with shrink and get smaller. This is an advantage of natural (fat) augmentation since the breasts will remain proportional with the rest of your body over time.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear rpmgirasol,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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you plan to run distance, a fat transfer may not be your best choice. You will have more stability with implants. Your body may use some of the stored fat for energy, as it is designed to do.

Ken Dolynchuk, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question. Fat transfer will provide a modest increase in breast fullness an improve contours. Assuming a cup size improvement, you can expect the amount of fat to decrease as you burn fat stores in vigorous physical exercise such as marathon running. It is simply in the body economy to so. If this is your intension then expect about a 1/2 cup size reduction. Hope this helps.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

We are all born with a finite number of fat cells.  When we gain or lose weight, those cells enlarge or shrink in size.  So, if you lose weight, it would make sense that the fat cells will shrink.  However, if you choose breast implants, they do not change with weight fluctuations.Good Luck!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Great question. The success of fat transfer relies on transferring living fat cells. They will shrink or enlarge with changes in the amount of fat they store based on weight changes just as normal breast fat cells do.

Will increased running (training for a half-marathon) negate augmentation from fat transfer to breast?

Answers (8)

More Breast Fat Transfer Questions

Interested in fat grafting post explant but have lots of scar tissue. How successful would it be?

How long does fat grafting to the breast last & is it ever lumpy?

Lumpiness 2 years after lipo. Is there anything I can do apart from a liposuction revision? (photo)

Can you go through the belly button for fat transfer so I don't have any appearances of surgery at all? (Photos)

Doctor says the fat transfer to my breast will regain its volume after 3 months - Is there validity to his explanation?

Trauma to fat transferred to breast 1 week post op. Is this likely to have caused damage?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS