What is Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting/Transfer?

Augmentation mammaplasty with fat grafting (fat transfer) uses liposuction to harvest excess fat from other parts of the body; the fat is then injected into the breasts. Augmentation mammaplasty is appropriate for women who are not looking for a dramatic increase in breast size, and want breasts that look and feel as natural as possible.

For a number of weeks prior to augmentation mammaplasty, tissue expanders may be placed below the muscles of the chest wall to expand the breasts, and increase the amount of fat they can hold. When the tissue has expanded enough, augmentation using fat transfer can begin. First, fat is removed using liposuction, in which a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. The harvested fat cells are then purified. In the second procedure, which takes place on the same day, the fat is injected into the breast through small incisions. The procedure takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Recovery From Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting

After augmentation mammaplasty with fat transplantation, recovery time is short, with normal activities being resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable. Compression garments are typically worn over the areas that received liposuction.

Risks of Breast Augmentation

In addition to the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, those related to augmentation mammaplasty using fat transplantation include those related to liposuction, as well as the following:

• Calcification
• Fat embolism
• Fat necrosis
• Oil cysts
• Loss of volume

Because of the loss of volume that occurs when fat is reabsorbed by the body, touch-up injections of fat are often necessary. Injections can be performed using local anesthesia.

About Our Doctors

Husam Elias MD DMD FACS is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). He is an accomplished surgeon and a former section head of Maxillofacial surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Head and Neck Institute. Dr. Elias was also a staff surgeon at the Head and Neck /Maxillofacial Surgery department at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the U.S.

Dr. Pouya Vakilian is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon focusing on minimally invasive techniques and providing excellent outcomes with shorter recovery. He completed his dental training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, graduating at the top of his class with honors. He also served as the president of the Harvard Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Society for four years and has published multiple papers in his field.

Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation

The decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is highly personal, but it can boost your self-esteem and broaden your clothing options. The Southern California Center for Surgical Arts prides itself on helping women achieve the best possible results. Contact us at our Sherman Oaks office at (818) 789-6622 or our Pasadena office at (624) 440-0099 to schedule a consultation today.