Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

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.

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.

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 there are benefits to natural breast augmentation, there are limits to the results. For most patients, the breasts can only be increased one cup size with fat transfer. The limits are due to the skin restrictions – only so much fat can be inserted under the skin. Women who have lost a significant amount of weight or are post-pregnancy are the best candidates due to stretched or looser skin. This allows more fat to be transferred under the skin for increased breast size. But those who want to increase their breast size significantly are better suited for breast implants.

Other considerations are the cost and amount of fat needed for the procedure. Natural breast augmentation tends to be more expensive, as it takes longer to perform and involves a two-step procedure. Also, patients must have enough excess fat to transfer. Slim patients may have a limited supply of fat to harvest for the breast enhancement.

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.