Fat Transfer | 5 minute read
Fat transfer is a fantastic procedure for patients looking for a natural solution to breast augmentation, offering subtle enhancement without the need for implants. But is it permanent? This blog discusses how fat transfer works, including what fat cells need to survive once transferred, how to increase the likelihood of a successful transfer, and how weight fluctuations affect results.
How Does The Fat Transfer Procedure Work?
Have you ever wished you could take fat from your belly or thighs and put it somewhere else, like your breasts? Well, now you can with fat transfer to the breast, sometimes called a “natural” breast augmentation.
Today, more women than ever are seeking more natural approaches to their cosmetic procedures, including breast augmentation. The premise of the fat grafting procedure is simple: your experienced surgeon removes fat from undesirable areas such as the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, or hips–anywhere you have extra volume you’d like to slim down. Next, the harvested fat is purified and prepared for reinjection. Lastly, your surgeon carefully injects it into your breasts, optimizing their symmetry, shape, and volume.
Is Fat Grafting Permanent?
Fat transfer to the breasts offers stunning results that look and feel natural–because it’s your fat! There is no risk of rejection, rupture, or other complications associated with other augmentation procedures. Once the fat is integrated into its new location in the breasts, the cells are permanent.
However, there may be some variations in results that are a natural consequence of the fat transfer process. For one, fat cells require a viable blood supply once they are transferred to the breast to survive. If they don’t integrate, they die. The integration process can be aided by two factors: your surgeon’s technique and your recovery.
It’s important to choose an experienced surgeon who has successfully performed fat grafting to the breast. It’s not as simple as just filling the breasts with new cells. Your surgeon must layer the new fat carefully to avoid overfilling, as this can deprive the cells of an adequate blood supply. With a gradual, artistic approach, the breasts will be fuller and shapelier, with a better chance of fat cell survival.
Another factor that can improve your fat grafting results is your approach to recovery. You’ll need to follow all instructions carefully to aid in fat cell viability, which includes avoiding putting pressure on your breasts for at least four weeks. Don’t sleep on your stomach or wear extremely tight clothing, as this can cause fat cells to die and lead to an uneven appearance.
How Weight Fluctuations Affect Fat Transfer Surgery Results
Fat transfer seamlessly integrates with your body, and adults maintain the same number of fat cells; they do not grow back once removed. However, the remaining fat cells do fluctuate along with your weight changes. That’s why patients who receive liposuction can regain the weight: while fat cells don’t regrow, the remaining ones can expand, resulting in visible fat increase.
The principle is the same with fat transfer to the breast. When you gain weight, there is a chance your breasts will increase in size, and when you lose weight, they can shrink. Now, we all carry weight differently. You might not always notice weight changes in the breasts; rather, the face or abdomen is more likely to show them. But it’s worth understanding how this works.
So, if you’re considering fat grafting to your breasts, it’s important to maintain a healthy, stable weight before your procedure and remain at it afterward to keep your breast size relatively consistent. Your surgeon will likely not tell you to diet or gain weight prior to your procedure, as long as you have enough adequate fat to harvest. What’s most important is that you remain consistent and healthy. During your consultation, they will discuss your options and provide tailored advice.
Fat Transfer to the Breast: The Most Permanent Technique So Far
Compared with other augmentation procedures, such as implants or facial fillers, fat transfer is the most permanent option available.
While you’ll still experience small, natural weight fluctuations, the fat transfer process is permanent and can only be reversed with liposuction. Most patients will not need a secondary procedure to maintain or enhance results, unless more volume is desired later. For a natural-looking, low-maintenance option for moderate breast volume, fat transfer is the ideal choice.
Learn More About Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in New Orleans
Fat transfer to the breasts offers beautiful, long-lasting results by using the patient’s own fat to enhance shape, size, and volume. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Khoobehi brings years of experience and an eye for beauty to deliver unparalleled fat-transfer breast augmentation results for his New Orleans patients.
To request a fat transfer consultation, call Dr. Khoobehi today at (504) 779-5538, book an appointment online, or complete the contact form.
