What is the Difference Between Fat Transfer and Traditional Augmentation with Implants?

For decades, women have sought to increase breast size or change breast shape through the process of breast augmentation. Typically, breast augmentation involves implants, which are placed either over or under the pectoral muscle to increase breast size and/or alter breast shape. These implants are typically made of either saline or silicone. Breast augmentation is widely performed, and it is seen as a routine cosmetic procedure.

On the other hand, fat transfer to the breasts involves using liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body (usually the buttocks, stomach, or thighs) and deposit it in the breasts. While this procedure is often effective, and some patients may prefer it because it does not involve placing a foreign object in the body, research into its effectiveness is still ongoing.

How Are the Results Different?

With traditional breast augmentation involving implants, patients end up with natural-looking breast enhancements. Both silicone and saline implants are designed to mimic the natural weight of breast tissue, and unless an implant ruptures, it won't be reabsorbed by the body. Many patients who receive implants will need to go to periodic checkups to make sure that the implants are not causing problems. After surgery, many breast implant patients will have noticeable scarring that fades over time. of course, this depends on the type of incision used by the surgeon--in some cases, scarring is barely noticeable at all.

Using the fat transfer method of breast augmentation also may help to create a natural look, as a high percentage of natural breast tissue is made from fat. However, one thing to keep in mind is that, since fat is a natural tissue, it may be resorbed by the body. In fact, some surgeons estimate that as much as 60 to 70 percent of transferred fat tissue may be reabsorbed. Thus, while fat transfer may be appealing for a few reasons, a patient's initial results may change. This is especially true for patients who undergo fat transfer and then start on a weight-loss regimen.

Of course, if you want to pursue fat transfer as a way to improve breast shape or size, but you're worried about fat reabsorbing into the body, it is possible to undergo a few surgeries in order to achieve your ideal result. Of course, while this works for some patients, it is not the solution for everyone.

Additionally, for patients who want to dramatically increase breast size, implants often yield the best results. This is for a couple of reasons: first, surgeons are generally cautioned to avoid removing large volumes of fat from one body area, so patients pursuing the fat transfer method of augmentation may not have enough fatty tissue to safely achieve their desired results. And second, because of the concerns with tissue resorption, a patient's new breasts may shrink after surgery.

When Might Fat Transfer be the Better Option?

Of course, the fact that fat transfer is used less often doesn't mean that it's never the right choice for a patient. In some cases, fat transfer may actually be the preferred option.

For instance, fat transfer breast augmentations often cause significantly less scarring than traditional surgical methods. You might be concerned because this type of surgery involves removing fat from one location and depositing it in another. However, because liposuction involves use of a cannula, or very narrow tube, the incisions are very small and, once healed, often disappear completely.

Fat transfer is also often a good option for women with smaller breasts who want a modest size increase. As noted above, the fat transfer method of breast augmentation won't result in a change of more than a cup size. But for those with smaller breasts who just want to add a little size, this method often ends up looking the most natural.

What Precautions Should I Take With Fat Transfer Augmentation?

Breast augmentation has been done for decades and is, by and large, and very safe procedure. Breast augmentation using fat transfer has been less commonly done, and while most physicians believe it to be safe, there is one concern. Sometimes, the fat transferred to the breast makes it more difficult to monitor yourself (and for doctors to monitor you) for signs of breast cancer. If you do opt for fat transfer breast augmentation, be sure to tell your primary care doctor. He or she may be able to give you suggestions for breast cancer monitoring.

Of course, if you are considering both fat transfer and implants and want guidance, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon--he or she will be able to evaluate your case and advise you as to which procedure may work the best.

Want to Learn More or Get Started?

Deciding to undergo breast augmentation is a major step, but as you likely have discovered (or are currently discovering), there is much to learn in the way of implant types, the typical results for each implant, and more. And while any type of implant or breast augmentation has the potential to look natural, the skill of your surgeon matters. If you are considering fat transfer or breast implants in Atlanta, Dr. Louis DeJoseph of Premiere Image can help you.
Dr. DeJoseph has been in practice for many years, and is triple board certified in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery & laser surgery. Dr. DeJoseph takes the whole patient into account in order to help ensure you choose the right procedure for you. If you want to schedule an appointment or simply learn more about his practice, visit www.picosmeticsurgery.com today.