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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery procedures, with approximately 200,000 or more procedures completed each year in the U.S. While the majority of breast augmentations are performed with breast implants, there is another option available. Natural or fat transfer breast augmentation is an alternative to implants, offering a safe and innovative option. Dr. Aviva Preminger is one of the top breast plastic surgeons in NYC who offers natural breast augmentation through her practice in Manhattan.

Before & After

A woman is shown in before and after photos of breast surgery, displaying changes in size and shape.

How Is Natural Breast Augmentation Performed?

The fat transfer breast augmentation is labeled as “natural” due to its use of biological material versus synthetic implants. The breast augmentation uses fat harvested from the patient’s body to increase the size of the breast. The procedure is completed in a two-part process. First, liposuction is performed to harvest the fat from the patient. The fat is usually removed from the abdomen or thighs, areas that are more likely to have excess fat. The harvested fat must be filtered and purified before it can be used in the augmentation procedure.

The second part of a natural breast augmentation is injecting the purified fat into the breast area. This is the fat transfer procedure to enhance the breast size. No incisions are needed like with breast implant augmentations; the fat is transferred through a cannula to under the skin. It is important to note that not all the transferred fat will survive – only about 30-60% of the fat will live, so the permanent breast size will be smaller than right after surgery, as some of the fat is reabsorbed into the body.

Quick Facts

Procedure Length

2-3 Hours

Anesthesia

General

In/Out Patient

Outpatient

Risks

Bleeding, infection, asymmetry, scarring

Side Effects

Bruising, swelling, soreness

Recovery

Back to work in 2-3 weeks, full recovery in 6 weeks

Duration of Results

Years

Advantages of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

The signature benefit of natural breast augmentation is that it does not require an implant. This means there is no risk of rupture or capsular contracture, both possible complications of breast implants. This safe nature of the procedure is compelling for many patients. Some of the other benefits include:

  • Natural look and feel
  • Two cosmetic procedures in one – liposuction to remove excess fat and breast augmentation
  • No incisions or scars
  • No concerns about mammogram procedures

For those that want to increase breast size but are hesitant because of breast implant concerns, fat transfer breast augmentation may be the right choice. However, it is important to understand the limits of this procedure to determine if you are a good candidate.

Is Natural Breast Augmentation Right for You?

While natural breast augmentation using fat transfer offers several benefits, there are some limitations to the results. For most patients, fat transfer alone can only increase the breasts by about one cup size due to skin restrictions—only a limited amount of fat can be injected under the skin. Women who have experienced weight loss or post-pregnancy changes often make the best candidates for fat transfer because their stretched or looser skin allows for a greater amount of fat to be transferred. However, for those looking to significantly increase their breast size, traditional breast implants are often a better option.

For patients who want the best of both worlds, combining fat transfer with breast implants in a composite breast augmentation is an ideal solution. This approach uses implants to provide the desired volume increase while fat transfer enhances the natural contours of the breasts, creating a more seamless, natural-looking result. The fat can be strategically injected to smooth out edges, fill any gaps, and further customize the shape of the breasts to suit the patient’s body.

Other factors to consider include the cost and the amount of fat needed for the procedure. Natural breast augmentation tends to be more expensive as it is a two-step procedure and takes longer to perform. Additionally, patients must have enough excess fat to harvest. For slim patients with limited fat, combining fat transfer with implants can still provide the natural look they desire while achieving their desired size increase.

If fat transfer breast augmentation is intriguing to you, Dr. Preminger is one of the best plastic surgeons in NYC to complete your procedure. To learn more about natural and all options in breast augmentation, contact our office in Manhattan to schedule a consultation with Dr. Preminger.

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Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger’s boutique practice is dedicated to serving every patient’s aesthetic plastic surgery needs.

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969 Park Ave., Suite 1E
New York, NY 10028

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