A traditional Breast Augmentation with implants and a Breast Augmentation by fat transfer are both procedures that alter the shape and volume of the breasts. However, they are quite different procedures and often produce very different results. Choosing a Fat Transfer Augmentation if you don’t want implants may not always be appropriate. This article explains why.
What Is a Breast Augmentation with Implants?
A Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants to increase breast volume and alter breast shape. It is performed for cosmetic reasons or to rebuild the breast after recovering from certain conditions, such as breast cancer.
Breast Implants come in different sizes, shapes and profiles. There are teardrop-shaped (anatomical shape) breast implants and round breast implants. The profile (how far the implant projects forward) can be low, moderate, high or extra high. The implant surface can also differ and be smooth or textured.
Implants can also be placed under or above the muscle.
These variables allow Dr Dona to choose the most clinically appropriate implant while meeting the patient’s aesthetic goals. These specific shapes and sizes also offer a more predictable and noticeable increase in volume. With breast implants, you have a known quantity that doesn’t change.
Breast implants are generally more suitable for individuals who want a more significant increase in breast volume.
What Is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (aka Breast Fat Grafting procedure) is a two-part surgical procedure in which fat is removed from one part of the body and transferred to the breasts to adjust volume and shape.
The procedure is suited for women who would like minimal changes in breast volume and not for those wanting dramatic changes.
Unlike a traditional Breast Augmentation, which uses implants, the procedure relies on the body’s own tissues. Therefore, patients must have sufficient subcutaneous fat available for the transfer.
Some women may also appreciate removing unwanted fat from one part of their body, then transferring it to the breasts where they would like more volume.
During the procedure, Dr Dona first harvests fat via Liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, outer thighs or flanks. The fat is then carefully processed before being injected into the breast tissue to achieve the desired contour.
How Much Bigger Can Your Breast Become With Fat Transfer?
Fat Transfer can produce only subtle changes in breast volume. It cannot produce a dramatic change. You may also need several fat transfer procedures to achieve the look you want.
Dr Dona generally does not transfer more than 100 to 150 mL per breast. Although it may seem strange, the more fat you transfer, the lower the percentage that survives. This is because a large amount of fat placed in one area must compete for adequate blood supply.
Keep in mind that with any fat transfer, only some of your fat survives, while your body slowly absorbs the rest. The amount of fat loss varies between individuals but is often quoted to be around 70%.
Fat survival can also vary between your breasts, so that you may have some asymmetry afterwards.
Generally, whatever fat survives the first three months is now permanent.
Potential Benefits Of A Fat Transfer
For some individuals, a Fat Transfer may offer the following potential benefits:
- Uses your own tissues
- No breast implants
- Can provide a mild change in breast volume
- Includes Liposuction of a donor area (which may be appealing for some)
- Uses small incisions rather than an incision to insert a breast implant
Potential Benefits Of Breast Implants
- More predictable increase in volume
- Greater range of sizes
- Different shapes and profiles available
- Can produce a more significant increase in breast size
- Breast volume isn’t dependent on how much donor fat is available
- Typically, only one surgery is required (although with any surgical procedure, there is always the risk of revision surgery)
Acknowledging the Disadvantages or Limitations of Fat Transfer
While Breast Fat Transfer has its advantages and can be appropriate for women who would like to avoid implants and only want a modest change in breast volume, the disadvantages or limitations of a fat transfer should be seriously considered.
First, the individual must have enough available fat to transfer. Even so, you can transfer only a limited amount at a time, and because some fat won’t survive, the final volume is less predictable.
Unevenness may also be a concern. As a result, you may need more than one procedure to even out breast asymmetry or increase the size of both breasts.
Over time, weight fluctuations will affect your breast volume, and the procedure carries risks associated with Liposuction and fat grafting. This can include breast lumps and irregularities.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Once you understand the pros and cons of both procedures and how they differ, choosing the right option will be easier. In summary:
- If you want significant changes in breast volume, implants may be more suitable.
- If you want mild changes and have sufficient donor fat, fat grafting may be an option.
- If you don’t want an implant but have limited donor fat, Fat Transfer may not be possible.
Ultimately, your suitability will depend on your anatomy, available donor fat, breast tissue, desired outcome and Dr Dona’s assessment during your initial consultation.
While using your own tissue may sound like the more natural choice, it doesn’t necessarily mean Fat Transfer will produce a more suitable or predictable result for you.
Book a Consultation With Dr Eddy Dona
If you’re interested in finding out more about both procedures, the best thing to do is to book an initial consultation with Dr Dona in his Sydney-based rooms so he can listen to your concerns and objectives, assess your body, and then discuss which procedures he thinks may be suitable for you, as well as talking through the pros and cons of both.
