What is breast fat transfer?
Breast fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or an autologous fat transfer, is a fairly new breast reconstruction technique. In simple terms, a breast fat transfer involves removing fat from one part of the body, often the thighs, buttocks or abdomen, and injecting this fat into the breast area to reconstruct and recreate the breasts following breast cancer surgery. Whilst this is mostly an oncoplastic technique, it can be used as a means of ‘natural’ breast enhancement, without the need for implants.
Why is breast fat transfer done?
A breast fat transfer provides a means of both creating a more natural feeling and look breast enhancement. It is also a technique that can be used when reconstructing breasts that have undergone breast cancer surgery (e.g. a lumpectomy). If the breasts just need to have small differences fixed, a similar technique called lipofilling can be used. An advantage of this technique is that it can be safer than other means of breast augmentation or reconstruction because it is not major surgery, such as breast flap surgery, and it does not involve the risks of having a foreign object inserted (implants).
What does a breast fat transfer involve?
Fat is removed from another part of the body (buttocks, thighs or abdomen) using a thin tube which sucks out small amounts of fat. This process is similar to liposuction. Next, the fat must be prepared for insertion into the breast area. Specialist equipment spins the fat, separating the fat from the blood. Once the fat is prepared, it can be inserted into the breast area. Using a needle and syringe, fat is carefully transferred to the breasts. Stitches are usually not needed as the injections are inserted through very small holes.
A breast fat transfer can take up to two hours and sometimes it is done as a day case procedure, however, sometimes it may be necessary to stay in hospital overnight. It can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic, and whichever is used, there should not be any pain throughout the procedure. Sometimes, more than one session is required to achieve the desired results.
What's involved in preparation for a breast fat transfer?
Depending on the anaesthesia used, you may be required to fast before your procedure. Your health and suitability for breast fat transfer will also be determined before being scheduled for this procedure.
What's involved in breast fat transfer aftercare?
After surgery, you should arrange for someone to take you home as you will not be able to drive initially. You can expect the breast area to be swollen and bruised for the first two weeks. Results are best observed a few months following breast fat transfer. Over time, it is normal for some of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body, so some breast volume may be lost eventually. During your recovery period, it is advised that you do not sleep on your front and that you avoid strenuous activity.
11-13-2012 09-18-2023Breast fat transfer
Professor Andrew Baildam - Surgery
Created on: 11-13-2012
Updated on: 09-18-2023
Edited by: Karolyn Judge
What is breast fat transfer?
Breast fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or an autologous fat transfer, is a fairly new breast reconstruction technique. In simple terms, a breast fat transfer involves removing fat from one part of the body, often the thighs, buttocks or abdomen, and injecting this fat into the breast area to reconstruct and recreate the breasts following breast cancer surgery. Whilst this is mostly an oncoplastic technique, it can be used as a means of ‘natural’ breast enhancement, without the need for implants.
Why is breast fat transfer done?
A breast fat transfer provides a means of both creating a more natural feeling and look breast enhancement. It is also a technique that can be used when reconstructing breasts that have undergone breast cancer surgery (e.g. a lumpectomy). If the breasts just need to have small differences fixed, a similar technique called lipofilling can be used. An advantage of this technique is that it can be safer than other means of breast augmentation or reconstruction because it is not major surgery, such as breast flap surgery, and it does not involve the risks of having a foreign object inserted (implants).
What does a breast fat transfer involve?
Fat is removed from another part of the body (buttocks, thighs or abdomen) using a thin tube which sucks out small amounts of fat. This process is similar to liposuction. Next, the fat must be prepared for insertion into the breast area. Specialist equipment spins the fat, separating the fat from the blood. Once the fat is prepared, it can be inserted into the breast area. Using a needle and syringe, fat is carefully transferred to the breasts. Stitches are usually not needed as the injections are inserted through very small holes.
A breast fat transfer can take up to two hours and sometimes it is done as a day case procedure, however, sometimes it may be necessary to stay in hospital overnight. It can be performed under either local or general anaesthetic, and whichever is used, there should not be any pain throughout the procedure. Sometimes, more than one session is required to achieve the desired results.
What's involved in preparation for a breast fat transfer?
Depending on the anaesthesia used, you may be required to fast before your procedure. Your health and suitability for breast fat transfer will also be determined before being scheduled for this procedure.
What's involved in breast fat transfer aftercare?
After surgery, you should arrange for someone to take you home as you will not be able to drive initially. You can expect the breast area to be swollen and bruised for the first two weeks. Results are best observed a few months following breast fat transfer. Over time, it is normal for some of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body, so some breast volume may be lost eventually. During your recovery period, it is advised that you do not sleep on your front and that you avoid strenuous activity.
Explained: Breast augmentation with fat transfer
By Mr Foued Hamza
2024-12-14
Fat transfer is one of the two main types of breast augmentation procedures available alongside breast implants, and while fat transfer has many benefits, there are limitations to the procedure. If you're unclear on whether it's right for you, internationally-renowned cosmetic surgeon Mr Foued Hamza is here to provide an in-depth look at fat transfer and explain the difference between implants and fat transfer. See more
Breast augmentation: An all-you-need-to-know guide
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In this detailed guide to breast augmentation, highly respected consultant plastic surgeon Mr Muhammad Javaid shares his expert insight on the results different types of breast implant can offer and what to expect from the recovery period after surgery. See more
Using your own fat for a natural breast enhancement
By Mr Alberto Di Giuseppe
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Mr Alberto Di Giuseppe is a top plastic surgeon who is an expert in performing natural breast enhancements. In this procedure, fat is transferred from one part of the body to the breasts to correct asymmetry, volume and shape. See more
Experts in Breast fat transfer
-
Professor Andrew Baildam
SurgeryExpert in:
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast fat transfer
- Breast cancer surgery
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Breast reduction
- Breast surgery
-
Miss Judith Hunter
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast fat transfer
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast reduction
- Breast implant removal surgery
-
Mr Foued Hamza
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Buttock augmentation
- Buttock lift
- Breast fat transfer
- Liposuction
- Breast reduction
- Body contouring
-
Mr Adam Blackburn
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast reduction
- DIEP breast reconstruction
- Breast lift or mastopexy
- Breast fat transfer
- Skin cancer
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
-
Mr Dionysios Dennis Remoundos
Plastic surgeryExpert in:
- Breast cancer
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast reduction
- Breast fat transfer
- Nipple reconstruction
- Mastectomy
- See all
New Victoria Hospital
New Victoria Hospital
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The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Mill Ln, Cheadle, SK8 2PX
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Suffolk Breast Practice
Suffolk Breast Practice
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Top Doctors
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New Victoria Hospital
184 Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG, South LondonExpert in:
- Cardiology
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Breast augmentation
- Pain management
- Spine
-
The Alexandra Hospital - part of Circle Health Group
Mill Ln, Cheadle, SK8 2PX, CheadleExpert in:
- Hip
- Cardiology
- Shoulder and elbow
- Paediatrics
- Foot and ankle
- Knee
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Suffolk Breast Practice
Foxhall Road, IP4 5SW, IpswichExpert in:
- Breast Cancer
- Breast augmentation
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- Breast lift
- Breast reduction
- See all
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