Fat transfer breast augmentation adds volume to your breasts using fat taken from other parts of your body. The procedure can produce modest volume results of about 250 mL for each breast without using implants or causing significant scarring.

How fat transfer breast augmentation is performed

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Your surgeon harvests fat from areas such as your buttocks, thighs, or abdomen. Small incisions are made in these areas and your surgeon breaks up and suctions away the fat using a thin tube called a cannula that is connected to a medical vacuum. The fat is processed and injected into many areas of your breasts using a syringe.

In preparation for the procedure your surgeon may have you wear a tissue expander device, which is like a bra that applies vacuum pressure to make your breast tissue grow and expand. This tissue expansion makes more space for the fat injections and increases the blood flow to the fat to keep it healthy and stable.

Recovery

Most women can return to work after one week. You will have some pain, swelling and soreness in your breasts and the areas where the liposuction was performed. Pain and discomfort should completely subside after one week.

Costs

Fat transfer breast augmentation is usually more expensive than standard breast augmentation using implants. Your location and health insurance coverage can affect costs, and anesthesia and surgery fees can vary as well. You can speak with your surgeon for detailed cost information.