Some women would like to increase their breast size but are uneasy about the idea of implants. Breast augmentation via fat grafting is an appealing option for these patients. At our plastic surgery practice here in the Washington, DC, area, we receive many questions about the procedure. There are many wonderful benefits to this type of breast enhancement—but it isn’t the best option for everyone.
How Fat Grafting Works
Fat grafting involves removing fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another area lacking in volume. The fat is typically liposuctioned from an area such as the outer thighs, lower midsection, or buttocks. It can then be added back to many areas of the body, such as your face, hands, or breasts. Fat grafting is best at gently filling depressions in the skin and giving a boost to deflated areas.
Fat grafting is a safe, well-tested procedure that creates natural-looking results. Thousands of people successfully undergo this type of treatment each year.
Fat Grafting vs. Implants
Breast augmentation with fat can be a great option for certain patients. Because the fat is liposuctioned from other excess areas, it can improve the contours of these trouble spots. Another major benefit, as stated before, is that no implants are required in this surgery. Fat grafting requires no incisions on the breast, and your body fat creates flattering, natural-looking results.
However, fat grafting isn’t for everyone. Because your natural fat creates subtle results, this procedure is only for women who want a modest increase in breast size. Women who want a more dramatic increase in breast size will need implants to achieve their goals.
Also, your body can reabsorb some of the transferred fat, and we can’t always predict how much resorption will occur. Implants, on the other hand, create more predictable, reliable results.
Fat grafting can also be more costly than breast augmentation with implants because of the liposuction involved in the procedure.
Are You a Good Candidate for Fat Grafting?
If you’re looking for a modest increase in breast size (usually around 1 cup), breast augmentation via fat grafting may be for you. This procedure works best with those who already have nice breast shape and good skin tone. It is also important that you don’t have any circulation issues, as the fat relies on the existing blood supply in the breast.
Patients today have many different options when it comes to breast augmentation. While this type of breast augmentation can be a standalone procedure, fat grafting can also be added to supplement traditional breast implants. Discuss your options with your doctor to find out which breast augmentation procedure is best for you and your goals.
If you would like to learn more about your breast augmentation options in the Washington, DC, area, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice by phone at (703) 560-2850 (Annandale, VA) or (301) 652-7700 (Chevy Chase, MD).
Leave a Reply