Breast fat transfer can be a great option for women who want to augment their breasts without implants. Also called autologous fat transfer, it is a surgical procedure that involves taking fat tissue from one area of the body, such as the thighs, stomach, and hips, and moving it to the breasts. This is done via liposuction. The procedure can benefit patients who may not be suited to breast implants, or who desire a more natural-looking breast enhancement. Since every woman’s body is different, Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk will create a treatment plan that fits your needs and desired outcomes.
With over 300 procedures performed at one of the world’s leading breast units, plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk has thorough experience as a high-volume fat grafting surgeon. Book your consultation to find out how this treatment can help you achieve your body goals.
What can breast fat grafting achieve?
To goal of this procedure is to give the breasts an increased size and enhanced shape. The surgeon takes a certain amount of fat from a different region of the body before transferring the tissue to the breasts. An advantage to this is that breast fat grafting takes tissue from the patient’s own body, reducing risks and helping patients achieve a natural shape. Another advantage to this process is that it extracts unwanted fat from a different area, such as the thighs or stomach. As a result, patients can achieve a slimmer and more refined body shape while at the same time enhancing their breasts.
Breast fat grafting can achieve the following:
- An increase of one or two cup sizes while preserving a natural shape
- Less scarring compared to a breast implant procedure
- Removes unwanted fat from other areas of the body, improving the body’s contours
- Less downtime in recovery
- Fewer risks compared to breast implants, which can be at risk of ruptures or capsular contracture
Some patients may combine breast fat grafting with breast implants to achieve a more dramatic and fuller augment with natural results. Dr Fraser-Kirk will use techniques specific to your case to give you a great final result.
Who is a good candidate for natural breast augmentation?
Breast fat grafting is often ideal for women who wish to increase their breast size without the need for synthetic implants. This includes women who are prone to allergic reactions or who wish for a more natural result than implants can achieve. Ideal patients are generally people who wish to enhance their breast volume whilst slimming other areas of the body. Additionally, good candidates are women who:
- Have excess fat stores
- Are at a stable and healthy weight
- Wish for a modest increase in breast size (one or two cups)
- Wish for a subtle breast augment
- Have good skin quality, with no excess skin
- Are non-smokers, due to the increased health risks associated with smoking
- Have realistic expectations
If you are thinking about having a breast fat grafting procedure, we can help you decide on an ideal approach to treatment for your body type and goals.
Your consultation
Before deciding if this procedure is right for you, you will need to consult with a trained surgeon who will make sure you are a good candidate. A consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk will give you the chance to express your reasons for seeking breast fat grafting and what you hope to gain from the procedure. You can also discuss which area/s can serve as the donor site during your procedure (region of the body from which the surgeon extracts fat tissue). Dr Fraser-Kirk will also inquire about your health, past surgeries, and general medical history in order to find out if you are suitable.
Once we have the required information, the next step is creating a treatment plan that serves your needs and goals. You will be able to gain a better idea of your surgical options, risks and benefits, and what to expect post-surgery. This is also a good time to raise any questions you may have about the procedure to make sure you are fully prepared and informed.
The procedure
Your surgeon will proceed with your surgery based on the treatment plan created in your consultation. It is performed with a general anaesthetic and is usually a day procedure. The procedure should take around one hour to complete.
Your surgeon begins the process of fat removal with liposuction. Dr Fraser-Kirk will target the chosen areas of the body, as discussed during your private meeting. This process involves injecting a fluid to loosen the body fat and making a small incision to insert a cannula. The fat is then suctioned from the body, slimming and refining this area.
Once removed, the fat will go through a purifying process to separate any fluids from the fat cells. We then inject this purified fat into the breasts and repeat, sculpting the breast into the size and shape. Using your own fat tissue means that your body is more likely to accept the tissue with less risk than other breast enlargement methods. It also creates a more natural shape and feel. For some patients, we can combine breast fat grafting with other procedures such as breast implants to create a more naturally enhanced shape.
Surgery recovery
Right after your surgery, you may have some swelling and soreness. It is also common to have some light bleeding through your dressings. These symptoms are normal and should only last a couple of days. Pain medication will help reduce any discomfort and help you through the beginning stages of recovery.
Dr Fraser-Kirk will advise when you can go home, based on the extent of your procedure and your healing progress. You will likely need someone to help transport you home and help support you during the first days of recovery. When you come home from surgery, you will have support garments in place with some absorbent combine pads. If required, you may also have drainage tubes, one from each breast, to prevent fluid build-up. In order to help your body heal properly, you will need to keep your dressings in place until your post-op appointment.
You may also need to follow instructions such as:
- Get plenty of rest
- Sleep supported by extra pillows
- Stay hydrated
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Take care not to put a strain on your breasts or donor areas
- Refrain from smoking
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Do not massage your breasts
- Take your prescribed medication
- Avoid Aspirin
During the first week, you should take care of your body and avoid exertive movement. You will not be able to drive for seven to ten days, your swelling should slowly start to subside. Light walking is encouraged two weeks after surgery; however, you should refrain from heavy lifting and exercise for six weeks.
Most patients are able to return to work two weeks after their breast fat grafting procedure, provided that the work is not strenuous. If you run out of your prescribed pain relief, Panadol and Ibuprofen should be sufficient.
For some patients, swelling may take a couple of months to completely subside. This means your results will continue to improve, revealing your new body contours. At the six-week mark, most of the swelling should be gone, with your breasts in their optimal position, and you can return to your normal exercise routine. If you notice any lasting pain or concerning symptoms, contact Dr Fraser-Kirk who will advise your best course of action.
Breast fat grafting cost on the Sunshine Coast
Due to the highly personal nature of a breast fat grafting procedure, costs can vary for each patient based upon their needs. At a consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk, the patient’s health, wellbeing, and ultimate goals for the surgery will be discussed to establish a personalised surgical plan. Once this plan is established, Dr Fraser-Kirk will provide a detailed cost estimate.
This cost will vary depending upon the length and complexity of the procedure, along with other factors such as surgeon costs, hospital fees, anaesthetist fees, and post-operative care costs. We can discuss all of these factors and answer any questions during your private consultation.
What are the risks and complications?
Like every procedure, breast fat grafting has potential risks and complications. If you are thinking about undergoing this procedure, it is a good idea to look into both the risks and benefits. The following are risks associated with breast fat grafting:
- Anaesthesiareactions
- Fluid build-up
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Poor scarring
- Fat necrosis
- Delayed healing
- Breast asymmetry
- Changes in breastor skin sensation
You can minimise your risks by maintaining your health and refraining from smoking. Smoking can significantly impede healing and increase your risk of infection and other issues. Contact us if you experience any of the following:
- A high temperature or chills
- Redness around the incision site that spreads
- Heavy bleeding from that is difficult to control
- Severe or persistentpain not relieved by Panadol
- Pus or discharge from the incision areas
We will aim to give you all the information you need to reduce your risks and have a smooth recovery. It is important that patients follow their aftercare plan, as instructed by Dr Fraser-Kirk. This will help your body heal quickly and reduce your risk of scarring.
Dr Fraser-Kirk will be available for any issues that may occur after surgery. Be sure to notify us if you notice any adverse reactions, including those listed above, and Dr Fraser-Kirk will advise whether you require further treatment.
How to choose the best breast surgeon on the Sunshine Coast
If you are a good candidate for breast fat grafting, the procedure could help you achieve your desired breast shape, using tissue from your own body. The choice to undergo this popular breast surgery is a very personal one that requires thorough research and planning. When planning your procedure, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced breast surgeon such as Dr Fraser-Kirk on the Sunshine Coast. He takes an empathetic and patient-centred approach to creating treatment plans, holding the patient’s own body goals and preferences in high regard whilst providing quality professional advice.
Book your consultation to learn more about how breast fat grafting can help you achieve your ideal breasts.
FAQS
Why should I book a breast fat grafting consultation with Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk?
Breast fat grafting can help patients achieve a natural breast augmentation without needing synthetic materials. At our clinic, we offer a patient-focused approach, assessing the individual needs of each individual. A consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk will help clarify your options and allow you to express what you hope to achieve with breast fat grafting. Your personalised treatment plan will empower you towards greater confidence in your figure.
What’s the difference between breast fat grafting and implants?
Both breast fat grafting and implant procedures involve augmenting the breasts. However, while a traditional augmentation using implants involves inserting a synthetic material to increase breast volume, fat grafting uses tissue from other areas of the patient’s own body. This produces subtler, natural-looking results.
How long will I take to fully recover?
Recovery is gradual and can vary from patient to patient, depending on your health and the exact details of your surgery. However, it is generally expected that you will be able to perform light duties after a couple of weeks. Full recovery will take about six weeks.
Will I have scars?
This procedure does not involve long incisions, but you may have some small scars in the areas where the fat tissue was harvested. With time and the proper care, the scars will fade and become less noticeable.
How long do the results last?
The results of breast fat grafting are usually long-lasting or permanent. Keeping a stable weight and a healthy diet and exercise routine will help your results last.
You should keep in mind that weight loss can result in loss of breast volume. This is because the fat cells will respond to weight loss similarly to the fat in the area from which it was taken.