Breast Fat Grafting

Breast fat grafting or breast injections can be an alternative to implants for those wanting breast enlargement surgery. For this procedure, fat is taken from other areas of the body and injected into the breast.

What Is Breast Fat Grafting?

A fat transfer to the breast or breast injections is a form of augmentation that uses fat that is removed from an area of the body where there are excess amounts of it. Once the fat is removed, it is refined to make the fat pure and is then transferred to your breast area via breast fat injections. This aims to improve the size and volume of the breasts that will give long-lasting results.

Breast fat grafting is mainly for those who want larger breasts but don’t like the idea of having breast implants, breast fat injections are an alternative option. It’s a more natural solution for giving volume and shape to the breasts, often after pregnancy, weight loss or breastfeeding.

Case Studies

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What Should You Expect During Your Breast Injection Consultation?

We understand that undergoing a fat transfer to breast surgery is never a decision to be taken lightly, so we invite every patient in for a consultation first. At UK Aesthetics, we want to determine the best options available to achieve your desired results, which is why we need you to be as honest and open as possible.

During your breast fat grafting discussion in Manchester, we’ll go through your medical history and surgical expectations so you have a more rounded picture of what is going to happen. It is a good idea to have a list of questions ready for the end of the consultation so that you can feel as confident as possible moving forward.

How Should I Prepare For Fat Transfer To Breast Surgery?

Before the breast fat injections, you’ll be put under general anaesthetic, so if you’re unwell or have any other health issues then it’s important that you let us know. There are additional precautions you need to take before the surgery, including:

  • Don’t take any aspirin
  • Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before
  • Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements

You should arrange for a friend or relative to collect you after surgery. It’s also recommended that you take 1 to 2 weeks off work, depending on the nature of your job.

What Happens During Breast Fat Grafting Surgery?

The fat transfer to breast surgery usually takes between 1 to 2 hours. During the procedure, fat is taken usually from the thighs, stomach, arms or flanks. An anaesthetic fluid is placed inside the area that the fat is to be removed from. The fat is then removed from the body using a cannula tube.

The fat for the breast injection is then spun using special equipment to ensure only the best quality fat is used. Small, safe, amounts of fat are then injected into the breast through an incision. The area is then closed with dissolvable stitches.

Aftercare For Breast Fat Injections

After the fat transfer to breast surgery, you may be experiencing mild pain and discomfort, for which you might wish to take painkillers. Additionally, you may need to wear a compression garment to help with recovery after the breast injection. It’s vital that you follow the surgeon’s guidelines for recovery which include:

  • Avoid any strenuous activity or exercise
  • Keep the incisions dry
  • Don’t drive if you’re still experiencing discomfort
  • About a week or so after your surgery you will need to attend the dressing clinic to check the healing process.

Risks And Complications of Breast Fat Grafting

Although the majority of patients are extremely pleased with the results of their fat transfer to breast surgery, there are some risks and complications to consider. Common complaints such as bruising, swelling and mild pain are all likely post-surgery.

There’s also a possibility that the fat is reabsorbed into the body. If this occurs, then a repeat procedure will be required. One of the primary risks of breast fat injections is the death of fat cells, this is called fat necrosis.

Fat necrosis happens when the fat does not get enough oxygenated blood during the transfer. Dead fat cells can cause bubbles or lumps in the breast tissue causing other unwanted symptoms. This includes painful lumps, hard calcification lumps, scar tissue, skin discolouration and more. More serious risks will be discussed in detail during your breast injection consultation.

FAQs

  • Is Fat Transfer To Breast Surgery Better Than Implants?

    There are many different techniques for breast augmentation, and the question always arises at some point in the consultation. So which is better? Breast fat grafting or implants? For this, we will go through the results, the recovery time and also the risks so that you can have all the relevant information. 

    Results: For those who opt for breast fat injections, they will usually seek only a subtle improvement to the appearance of the breast. Breast injections enable the surgeon to refine and contour the breasts size and shape without making huge changes to the structure of the breasts. When one opts for a fat transfer to breast procedure, you will be able to increase your cup size by 2 sizes. The other great benefit of a fat transfer is that it includes two procedures in one as the liposuction will be helping you to remove any excess fat that may be needed to transfer. This means you will lose weight in certain areas which results in a more toned and sculptured. 

    If one opts for implants, they will be able to increase their cup size by 4 which obviously makes a more obvious appearance. Breast injections can also be combined with implants for the best results.  

    Recovery: Due to both implants and breast fat grafting being invasive procedures, they will both require some recovery time. The procedures for both are different but they still need the same amount of time for the incisions to heal and for you to recover. With either of the procedures, we will recommend taking at least 1-2 weeks off work. Most women recover within 4-6 weeks to heal fully. 

    Risk: As with all cosmetic procedures, breast implants and breast fat injections can result in some risk. The main issue with fat transfer to breast surgery is that the fat that is injected can also be reabsorbed into the body which would result in a repeat procedure meaning that surgeons take extra care to ensure this doesn’t happen. When one opts for breast implants, they may be at risk of rupturing or leaking pending on the type of implant you have. The risk of this is lower than ever due to the years of research and development. 

    Now you understand the risks, the recovery and the results, you can now make your own decision as to which is better for you. If you are wanting a more realistic appearance, fat transfer to breast surgery is going to be the best option. If you have small breasts and need a larger improvement the implants may be the best option for you. Once you have had your first breast fat grafting consultation, you will have enough information to make your decision so why not contact us today for your one to one consultation.

  • Who Is Not Suitable For Fat Transfer To Breast Surgery?

    A breast fat injection is not the best procedure for everyone as you need to be at least a UK size 10 to be accepted. This does not mean that you will not be able to have breast enlargement surgery, this just means that the surgeon will offer a procedure that is right for you.

    Due to the breast fat grafting procedure transferring fat from another body area, there needs to be enough excess fat to fulfil the procedure correctly. Breast injections are great for those who are after a subtle improvement with a less intrusive procedure over implants. Once you have had your consultation, you will know more about the procedure and whether you are suitable for fat transfer to breast surgery.

  • What Are The Scars After Breast Fat Injections?

    There is inevitably going to be some sort of scarring from breast fat grafting as with any cosmetic procedure. Luckily, due to breast injections being a less intrusive procedure, there is almost no scarring. This is because, during the fat transfer to breast surgery, the fat is injected into the body part through keyhole incisions. These incisions in time will leave hardly any scarring which will be red at first but in time, will go to a white scar.

  • How Much Does Breast Fat Transfer Cost?

    Due to breast fat grafting being a procedure that depends on the type of outcome you are after, it is difficult to determine the exact breast fat transfer cost. If you are needing more work than average, you may need to have more than one procedure to achieve your desired goals. If you are needing less work on your breast injections, then the price will of course be lower. Once you go in for your consultation, you will be given a complete run-through of the cost of the procedure including surgeon fees, anaesthesia fees and everything else included. 

  • Do You Have Any Fat Transfer To Breast Before And After Examples?

    Due to fat transfer to breast surgery being able to be combined with implants, it is difficult to give an exact example of what your breasts are going to look like. As you can see above, there is some fat transfer to breast before and after the examples above. If you are wanting more examples, you can look at our case studies page. Once you have your first consultation, you will be able to see more examples and ask all the questions that you need.