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Woollahra Sydney . Wollongong NSW
What is a Breast Fat Transfer or Autologous Fat Grafting?
The concept of Breast Fat Transfer Surgery is that your body fat will be taken from one area of your body and injected into the breasts. This can achieve a milder augmentation for patients who are seeking softer or more subtle outcomes. A silicone implant has usually been the first choice for Breast Augmentation, however, those implants may sometimes have problems associated with them in both the short and longer term.
Breast Fat Transfer is a surgical or invasive procedure during which Dr Hunt will take excess fat from one area of your body and use it to increase your breast size. The procedure involves using both Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty and Liposuction techniques, along with Breast Fat Grafting technology.
The increased breast size is typically less than the amount increased using implants.
Who is a Suitable Candidate For Breast Fat Transfer?
Fat Grafting can be an option for many women but has some limitations. Suitable candidates might include people who:
- Are unhappy with the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts due to weight loss, pregnancy, or general aging.
- Are looking to enlarge their breasts by one cup or less. Autologous fat grafting is designed to produce a small change in breast size and does not intend to achieve the same magnitude of increase in size as implants.
- Are physically and mentally healthy and not breastfeeding. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates.
- Have a normal weight and some excess fat. The fat grafting procedure involves taking fat from the body. If you are severely underweight or do not have enough fat on your body then you are not a suitable candidate.
Why Patients Might Consider Fat Transfer to the Breasts
Breast Fat Transfer is often seen as an alternative to traditional Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty using implants. Possible reasons why someone may seek this procedure include:
- Achieving a mild Breast Augmentation
- Avoiding potential complications related to implants
- Often a shorter recovery when compared to traditional breast surgery methods
- Removal of unwanted fat deposits from other areas of the body
Patients should understand, however, that results will not be the same for everyone who undergoes Fat Grafting. Each procedure is different, and there are always risks to be aware of before you decide to pursue this surgery.
How is Breast Fat Transfer Performed?
Breast Fat Transfer follows three steps:
1. Fat Harvesting
with Liposuction
Dr Hunt will use Liposuction to harvest unwanted fat from adequate fat stores around the body such as the abdomen, back, thighs, and buttocks. The fat is suctioned through a cannula at a fixed pressure rate to which helps to minimise damage to the fat cells. The harvested fat is then stored in special containers.
2. Fat Transfer
Preparation and Purification
Once enough excess fat has been suctioned, it is purified. The fat removed often contains blood vessels, tissue fluids, and oils which must be removed before it can be injected. This reduces the risk of oil cysts forming and ensures an appropriate volume of fat is obtained. The most common forms of fat preparation are centrifugation and washing the fat.
3. Fat
Injection
Once purified, the fat can be re-injected into the breast. Specially shaped fat injection cannulas are inserted through separate incisions using a multi-planar approach. This helps the fat to spread evenly and can prevent the formation of lumps which can lead to fat necrosis and an undesired result. The fat is injected in small amounts and then evenly distributed.
First Week and Onwards
It is normal to be in pain for the first few days following your procedure. This can be managed using prescription or over the counter medications. Most patients say that the discomfort is only felt for the first 5 days, after which you will start to feel much better. Swelling, however, may persist for up to 4 weeks depending on the individual.
You may feel some discomfort around the injection sites and feel a tightening sensation around your breasts which should diminish over time. Avoid strenuous exercises or heavy lifting until cleared by Dr Hunt. If you have a sedentary job you should be able to return to work after one week. Otherwise, you may not be able to return to a more physically demanding job until 2 to 3 weeks following your surgery.
Your final result should be seen around the 6-month mark. Dr Hunt will follow up with you regularly to ensure that you are satisfied and not suffering from complications. If you wish to have further enhancement, you can discuss further fat grafting sessions with Dr Hunt.
