What Exactly Is A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure?
Published November 3, 2022
There are a variety of ways to enlarge one’s breast, and they’re what experts call breast augmentation procedures. A breast lift and implants are just two examples of these procedures, and they’re arguably some of the most popular options. After all, most surgeons have the qualifications to perform the surgery, and they’re cheaper than other procedures.
Be that as it may, they’re not the ideal procedure for everyone. Those who want a natural breast, for instance, might find fat transfer breast augmentation procedures to be more suitable.
What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
It’s a breast augmentation procedure where the surgeon harvests fat cells from other parts of your body, like the hips and stomach, and transfers them into the breasts.
It’s a fairly straightforward process. Surgeons perform the surgery through liposuction—a technique that eliminates excess fat via suction, hence the name. Though it has roughly the same end goal as other procedures, like breast implants, fat transfer breast augmentation has a couple of differences. For one, their effects on the breast’s shape or fullness are different.
What To Expect From Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Before And After
If you compare the before and after pictures of someone who’s had breast implants and one who has undergone fat transfer, you may notice a few differences between them.
To start with, fat transfer breast augmentation typically results in saggy breasts.
That’s because it’s only natural for one’s breast to get saggy if it suddenly gains weight. The fat, after all, isn’t firm. Implants, however, are, which is why implants often result in firm breasts.
Similarly, fat transfer usually results in smaller breasts.
After all, there are only so many fat cells one can have to transfer to their breast. Fat transfer breast augmentation can increase a patient’s breast size by one to two cup sizes at most.
Meanwhile, surgeons can artificially manufacture implants as big as they want. If the patient wants, surgeons can make implants that increase their breasts by up to four cup sizes.
On the bright side, fat transfer can make other areas of the body slimmer.
Since the surgeon would perform liposuction on your stomach, thighs, hips, and other parts of your body, they’re essentially making them look slimmer. Put simply, fat transfer breast augmentation is like hitting two birds with a stone. That explains why it’s more expensive.
How Much Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?
Fat transfer breast augmentation may cost around $6,500 to $8,000. It may vary according to several factors, like how much fat you want to transfer and the surgeon’s experience.
For comparison, the average cost of breast implants is $4,500, while breast lift costs an average of $5,000. In addition to the relatively higher prices, it’s also worth noting that, unlike breast implants, where one surgery can do the trick, you may need multiple fat transfer procedures to get the results you want. Therefore, you may have to pay $6,500 to $8,000 several times.
Given how it’s objectively worse in terms of effect and cost, one would wonder why anyone would consider fat transfer breast augmentation procedures in the first place. But why, indeed?
What Are The Risks Of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
The main downside to breast implants is their inherent risk to one’s body, or more precisely, breasts. Implants, which are artificial shells containing saline or silicone gel, can harm the body.
For starters, the implant may burst, rupture, or harden. Scarring may also occur around the area where the implant is located. In the worst-case scenario, you may even develop cancer, though it can be solved by simply removing the implant. Nevertheless, it’s still quite a risky procedure.
The worst a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure can do is make it harder to find breast cancer since the fat cells may block the tumor. Other than that, there are no risks.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
It may take up to six months to fully heal from a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure. However, since every woman’s body is unique, it may vary from person to person.
Nevertheless, the timeline usually goes like this:
- Throughout the recovery process, you may feel symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms only affect the liposuctioned areas.
- During the first week, the symptoms are particularly severe. The surgeon will wrap your breasts with an elastic bandage, which you must then secure with a surgical bra.
- From the second to the third week, the symptoms may persist but should now be less severe. At this point, you should be able to engage in physical activity, though not in activities that are too rough. The elastic bandage should also no longer be necessary.
- After three weeks up to six months, the symptoms will be mild.
How Long Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Last?
The effects of fat transfer breast augmentation last for a lifetime. That’s because fat cells never disappear. They may die, but new cells promptly replace them. But of course, the older you get, the less likely they will regenerate. Compared to breast implants, fat transfer has better longevity. Implants can last for 20 years at most, and they may rupture before that.
Parting Words
Breast implants are objectively better in many aspects, but fat transfer breast augmentation is an excellent procedure in its own way. It may not be as effective or affordable, but it’s the safest option you have for breast augmentation. It really depends on your preferences which of these two you want. Besides, if you want to get the best out of both worlds, then you can always undergo a fat transfer and breast lift. It’s safe, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is a professional blogger who is deeply passionate about health and beauty trends. Over the years, he has written articles on a myriad of topics that have helped millions of people.