When considering breast augmentation, understanding the differences between breast implants vs breast fat transfer is essential for making an informed decision. It is important to keep in mind that each of these procedures has its own benefits, risks, and outcomes. It’s essential to carefully consider various factors to determine which procedure suits your goals and body type. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed choice:
Determine Your Aesthetic or Medical Goals
Breast implants make use of foreign materials (either silicone or saline implants) to increase breast size and shape. This option is suitable for patients who want a more prominent increase in breast size or a specific projection and fullness in the upper breast area. In addition, breast implants can also be customised to achieve symmetry, correct congenital breast deformities, or change the overall contour of the breasts.
On the other hand, a breast fat transfer is suitable for patients who want a more subtle change in their breasts. This procedure does not involve implants and makes use of the patient’s own body fat. During the procedure, fat is harvested from donor body areas (e.g. abdomen, buttocks, hips, or thighs). The harvested fat is then processed in the laboratory and administered into the breasts using a syringe. Unlike implants, which provide a prominent increase in breast size and shape, a breast fat transfer provides a subtle increase in breast size (about one cup size). This usually depends on the amount of fat available for transfer and how much of the fat survives after the procedure.
Assess Longevity and Maintenance
It is important to keep in mind that breast implants are not lifetime devices. They typically require replacement after 10-15 years, though some can last longer without complications. Over time, complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant), implant rupture or leakage, or changes in breast appearance due to ageing or significant weight changes can occur. To address these issues, a revision surgery is necessary, which involves replacing or removing the implants. Therefore, choosing implants involves a long-term commitment to potential future maintenance.
A breast fat transfer generally offers long-lasting results. When injected into the breasts, the fat cells that survive the initial healing process remain permanently in the breasts. However, not all of the injected fat will survive, as some of them may be reabsorbed by the body during the first few months. Typically, about 30-50% of the transferred fat may not survive. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in the initial breast volume. Because of the fat reabsorption, you may need additional fat transfer sessions to address your aesthetic or medical goals. These follow-up treatments are usually spaced several months apart to allow your body to heal and stabilise.
Evaluate Scarring and Recovery
Breast implant surgery involves the creation of incisions to allow the insertion of the implant into the breast pocket. This, in turn, results in scarring, which is an inevitable outcome of any surgery. Depending on the surgeon, the incision can be placed in the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit. Since the surgery is extensive (requires the insertion of implants), a longer healing period can be expected. In addition, you may need to take more time off from physical activities and work to ensure proper healing.
Unlike breast implant surgery, breast fat transfer involves only small incisions at the liposuction sites. It makes use of liposuction to harvest fat from donor areas. During the fat-harvesting process, a small, thin tube attached to a powerful suction machine is inserted into the incisions. These incisions are typically very small, usually about 2 to 3 millimetres in length, just large enough to insert the liposuction cannula. The fat is then administered into the breasts through a series of very small punctures or injection sites. These puncture wounds are made using a needle or a thin cannula and are even smaller than the liposuction incisions. Since the procedure is less extensive and does not involve inserting foreign objects into the body, patients can typically resume normal activities sooner.
Reasons to Choose Dr Hunt for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Sydney
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Sydney University and further developed his skills by completing a Craniofacial Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States. His qualifications are supported by his role as a spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and his positions as a Consultant Surgeon at both Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. Dr Hunt is also a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and the International Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). Additionally, he is a corresponding member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), serves as the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training for the IMG Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and is a past serving board member of Interplast Australia.
For those considering breast implants vs breast fat transfer, Dr Hunt provides detailed guidance to help patients make an informed decision. He offers various types of breast implants, including saline and silicone options, and works closely with each patient to determine the suitable size, shape, and material to address their aesthetic or medical concerns. He also offers breast fat transfer for patients who do not prefer implants and want a more subtle change in their breasts. He carefully evaluates the suitability of each patient for breast implants or fat transfer to address their specific needs and lower the risk of complications, ensuring that the chosen procedure aligns with their goals and expectations.
Dr Hunt’s approach to breast augmentation is highly personalised. He understands that every patient’s body is different. During the consultation at his clinic in Sydney, he takes the time to thoroughly assess each patient’s anatomy, discuss their goals, and explain the available options. Whether a patient is considering breast implants or breast fat transfer, he provides detailed information about the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each procedure, helping patients make informed decisions that align with their aesthetic or medical goals.
