Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Why opt for autologous fat transfer to the breast area

This lipotransfer breast augmentation procedure improves the shape and volume of the breast or corrects breast asymmetry by injecting the patient’s own fat into the breast area. This treatment is applied both for cosmetic and restorative purposes, not only on the breast but also on the face. It is also an excellent solution for correcting deficiencies / cavities created after the removal of breast cancer.

The surgery in a few words

The method of injecting autologous fat involves the use of the patient’s own fat which after special treatment is reinserted in the same organism so as to increase the size of the breasts.

The fat is removed by the method of liposuction (PAL – Power Assisted Liposuction) from any area of the body you want and is re-injected into the breasts. The PAL method achieves the collection of multiple amounts of fat, while increasing its survival rates and achieving smoothness in the breasts without the risk of inhomogeneity on the skin surface. The autologous fat injection technique is applied both to breast augmentation and to breast asymmetry correction surgery. It is also an established technique for repairing small asymmetries or cavities created after the removal of part of the breast due to malignancy.

The biggest advantages of this technique are that it is performed under local anesthesia, no hospitalization is required, there are no visible incisions and you also have the benefit of liposuction. One should also not overlook the fact that the result is clearly more natural than that of the silicone implants both visually and tactilely. In addition, no recurrent surgeries are required in the future, as with silicone implants, which will inevitably need to be replaced over time.

The main disadvantage is the unpredictable survival of fat. About 50-70% of the fat usually survives, so during the operation an over correction is sought, so that when the excess fat is absorbed, the desired result is achieved.

It is important to emphasize that fat is injected into the space between the skin and the breast and also under the breast, and not actually into the breast tissue itself. This is done to avoid any changes in the appearance of the breast on mammograms or other imaging methods for the breast (e.g. MRI) to be done in the future. The postoperative scars that form on the breast are extremely small and over time will be become complete indistinguishable. Regarding liposuction, scars will be approximately 3mm in length and special importance is given to hiding them as much as possible in “key” points, such as along the underwear line or on the inner surface of the thighs.

Major changes in breast volume cannot be achieved in a single session. Approximately, with a single fat injection, patients gain an increase in breast size of 1 cup size Repeat surgery for more volume is possible if desired and ideally should be performed at least six months after the first session.

Medication

In our clinic, a complete medical history is always taken before each surgery. As a precaution, over-the-counter medicines or herbal products should not be taken before and for 3 days after surgery. It is also considered necessary to avoid taking non-steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin (salospir), ibuprofen (Nurofen), diclofenac and any other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug.

Smoking

If you are a smoker you should try to stop smoking for at least 1 week before and 1 week after the surgery as this will dramatically reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and help achieve the best possible result.

Recovery from autologous fat transfer to the breast

Duration of the procedure

The duration of the operation depends on the number of areas that you will choose for liposuction. With the PAL method it is worth noting that the total duration is usually reduced by 30% compared to conventional liposuction.

Duration of hospitalization

No hospitalization is required. You can leave the hospital immediately after the procedure.

Recovery time

The breast area may show swelling and bruising for about five to seven days, which will then subside. The areas in which the liposuction was applied will need the same recovery time.

Bras

Immediately after the operation, you will need to wear a simple sports bra (without underwire). The measurement of the chest circumference does not change. After four weeks you will be able to wear a bra with an underwire which will have to be adjusted to the new shape and the size of your breasts.

Absence from work

You can return to work immediately after the surgery as long as it does not involve weight lifting or strenuous manual labor.

Refraining from exercising

Patients should avoid strenuous exercise until they are fully recovered, which is usually achieved after one month.

Driving

Patients who have undergone breast augmentation by autologous fat transfer should ideally avoid driving until they are completely free of any discomfort or restriction, in order to be able to make a sudden movement, such as braking, freely and without any pain. This parameter is proposed so that patients can secure coverage from their insurance company in case of accident. Thus, it may take up to one week for them to fully recover. There are of course patients who feel able to drive after 1-2 days, but always at their own risk.

Possible complications from fat injection technique

Breast augmentation by autologous fat transfer is a routine operation and is completely successful for the vast majority of our patients, which is a result of the large number of cases that doctors have in their belt. However, as with any surgery, it is very important to understand that there is a possibility of complications. Possible complications are listed below:

Hardness and cysts

Some of the fat injected has a small chance of developing into a small hardness or cyst. Although this is not dangerous, it may possibly be imaged on a future mammogram and therefore be a cause for concern before it is even diagnosed. However, research shows that small cysts like these are usually easily diagnosed.

Reduced nipple sensation

It is likely to happen but sensation in the area returns to normal levels fairly quickly (2-3 weeks). If you experience any symptoms that may worry you, please do not hesitate to contact us.