Aesthetic Procedures: Breast
Fat Grafting To The Breast
Fat grafting to the breast is another form of breast enhancement but using your own fat. This is harvested from areas of excess using liposuction techniques, after which the aspirate is purified to retain fat cells, stem cells and growth factors. These are then injected into the breast at the appropriate depth to maximize aesthetic outcomes as well as fat retention, which ranges from 50-70%. As it is your own fat, it is completely natural, and the results feel like your own breast tissue. There is, however, a physical limit to the amount of fat graft that your breast can accept before the fat retention rate decreases. This may necessitate a few sessions of fat grafting, depending on how large a breast you desire.
How is fat grafting to the breast performed?
The procedure is usually done as day surgery under sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the volume of fat required. The steps involved include:
- Marking of the areas that require filling and the donor sites. Potential donor sites are usually areas of the body with excess fat and is an ideal opportunity for concurrent body contouring.
- The fat is harvested using liposuction techniques through small, well-hidden incisions.
- The lipoaspirate is processed to separate its components, and the portion containing fat cells, stem cells and growth factors is retained for injection.
- Through small puncture holes in the breast, the fat is injected to structurally alter the shape of the breast while maximizing fat survival.
What to expect after a fat grafting to breasts procedure?
There may be mild pain and bruising at the fat graft harvest sites. This is usually well controlled with oral painkillers. Complications with fat grafting are uncommon, and these can include the complications of liposuction such as pain, infection, contour irregularities and damage to the deeper tissues. For the recipient areas, there may be infection, irregularities, asymmetry, and graft loss. These can be corrected by a second minor procedure.
Breast augmentation with implants VS Fat grafting to the breasts
Fat grafting to the breast or breast augmentation with implants are both good methods for breast enlargement.
Fat grafting to the breast is the most natural way of enhancing your breast shape and size, with minimal scars. There is no chance of rejecting your own fat and the risk of infection is much lower compared to breast implants. The main drawback of fat grafting is the limited amount that can be injected in each sitting.
Breast augmentation with implants is faster and can be performed in a single stage, but carries a higher risk of infection, scars, and capsular contracture. They also do not feel as natural as your own fat. Additionally, there is also the option of a hybrid breast augmentation, where both methods are used.
Each method has its pros and cons, and the right method should be decided in a thorough consultation with one of our plastic surgeons who is experienced in both. Through close discussion, you and your plastic surgeon can determine the best procedure for you.
FAQs
How much fat can be transferred and how long does it last?
There is a limited space in the breast for the fat transferred to develop an adequate blood supply. Fat which does not survive can disappear or cause hardening. If large volume breast enhancement is desired, you may need a couple of sessions of fat grafting usually spaced 3 to 6 months apart. You should expect about 50-70% of the fat transferred to remain, with the final result seen at 3 months after the procedure and lasting a lifetime. The fat injected into your breasts would fluctuate with your weight.
References
1. Choi M, Small K, Levovitz C, Lee C, Fadl A, Karp NS. The volumetric analysis of fat graft survival in breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Feb;131(2):185-191.
2. Salibian AA, Frey JD, Bekisz JM, Choi M, Karp NS. Fat Grafting and Breast Augmentation. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open [Internet]. 2019 Jul;7(7):e2340-6.
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At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we provide the highest standards of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery services to suit the individual needs of each of our patients, placing their well-being and concerns at the center of a seamless, holistic interaction with our practice.
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1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
1 Orchard Boulevard #10-08 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649
3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
6 Napier Rd, #08-01 Gleneagles Medical Center, Singapore 258499
Tel: +65 6737 4565 | Mobile: +65 8828 4565 | Email: clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com | Business Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 1pm | Sun/Ph: Closed
