Fat Transfer to Breasts: Pros and Cons​

As one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation has undergone several stages of development, from the composition of the implants to their shape. Women who want to have their breasts augmented can now choose from several types of implants, including a more natural method that does not use traditional silicone or saline implants.

This more natural method is called fat transfer breast augmentation. In this procedure, fat is harvested from other body parts and injected into the breasts. Most patients choose fat transfer from "problem areas" such as the abdomen, back, arms, and thighs.

However, before considering breast augmentation with fat transfer, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of fat transfer to breasts ​ to determine if this procedure is right for you and your needs.

Advantages of Fat Transfer to the Breasts 

1. It's natural: if you have reservations about injecting foreign substances into your body, fat transfer is an excellent way to have the procedure done without implants. And because the fat is all-natural, you don't have to worry about your breasts looking and feeling unnatural.
2. Your whole body is reshaped: you get double the results because you're taking fat from other body parts. You lose fat in places you might have wanted to lose it, and you get bigger breasts. Because liposuction is part of fat transfer, you can get a flatter tummy, smaller love handles, and larger breasts.
3. There is almost no scar tissue: fat is injected into your breasts through tiny incisions during the fat transfer procedure. These small incisions leave virtually no scars, adding to the natural look.
4. No need to worry about implant complications: implants are at risk of tearing, shifting, or collapsing, resulting in serious side effects and expensive corrective procedures.

Disadvantages of a Fat Transfer to the Breasts 

1. You can only achieve limited enlargement: fat grafting can only enlarge your breasts by about one cup size. Thus, if you are hoping for a more substantial enhancement, this procedure may not be correct for you.
2. Fat can be reabsorbed: plastic surgeons who perform this procedure try to ensure that the fat survives the transfer as much as possible. However, the body does what it does and can reabsorb the fat, reducing the enlargement.
3. The breasts are not lifted: unlike implants, fat cannot prevent the sagging that occurs with aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or genetics. 
4. It can be more expensive: Since you are essentially undergoing two procedures (liposuction and breast augmentation), breast augmentation through fat transfer is more costly than other breast augmentation procedures. It is usually $5,000 to $10,000, more expensive than traditional breast augmentation. 

The Optimal Fat Transfer With Breast Enhancement

While you can decide whether a traditional breast fat transfer is an investment worth your time, the easier choice is found with AirSculpt®'s Up a Cup fat transfer, which provides the best form of natural breast augmentation.

The AirSculpt® Up A Cup™ is designed as an Up a Cup fat transfer procedure that moves fat to your breasts without using scalpels, stitches, or general anesthesia.

Our procedure offers numerous advantages and is less prone to the downsides commonly associated with traditional liposuction-based fat transfer procedures. Because patients stay awake, they avoid the risks and added costs associated with general anesthesia. Plus, our automated fat removal and transfer devices are significantly gentler during harvest and grafting. The delicate plucking motion we use reduces side effects and pain while minimizing the shearing of fat cells, thereby increasing their viability for a fat transfer and reducing the extent of reabsorption after the graft.

These elements, and so much more, represent why we're the next generation of body sculpting.

Contact our AirSculpt® Austin body contouring office or any of our more than 30 locations worldwide to schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation.