Breast Fat Grafting

Fat grafting in breast surgery, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of your body to your breasts to enhance their size and shape. This procedure offers a natural alternative to breast implants, utilizing your own fat cells to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. This procedure is designed to enhance the shape and volume of the breasts using your own body’s fat. Dr. Landis often uses this technique in reconstructive surgery, but it is also a great option for breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast contouring.

Surgical Options with Fat Grafting to the Breasts:

• Breast augmentation: Fat grafting alone can be used to perform a small breast augmentation, or fat grafting can be used to enhance the soft tissue which covers the implant. This can make issues like implant rippling less noticeable in some patients.
• Upper pole volume in breast lift: Breast lift surgery can elevate the nipple and enhance the size and shape of the breast. Fat grafting performed to the upper portion of the breast at the time of breast lift can enhance the shape and give a fuller and more youthful contour
• Breast asymmetry: In patients with breast asymmetry fat grafting can be used to achieve a more balanced, symmetrical appearance
• Breast contour: Many women will experience contour irregularities in their breast after biopsy, lumpectomy, trauma or due to congenital issues. Fat grafting can fill these areas to improve appearance and symmetry.

Benefits of Fat Grafting Breast Surgery:

• Natural results: Fat grafting breast surgery provides a natural-looking enhancement by utilizing your body’s own fat cells.
• Dual benefit: In addition to enhancing your breasts, this procedure also allows for contouring and shaping of the donor area (where the fat is harvested from).
• Minimally invasive: Fat grafting breast surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the use of implants, reducing the risk of complications associated with foreign materials.
• Long-lasting results: The transferred fat cells can provide long-lasting results, although some fat absorption may occur over time.

Procedure:

Breast fat grafting is performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety. Dr. Landis will identify and harvest fat from donor areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is carefully processed to remove impurities and excess fluids, ensuring the viability of the fat cells for transplantation. Dr. Landis uses the Revolve device to process fat. The purified fat is then injected into multiple layers of the breasts to achieve the desired volume and shape. The fat is placed precisely and in small aliquots to ensure an ideal outcome.

Recovery and Aftercare:

After the surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Dr. Landis will provide specific post-operative instructions, including wearing a compression garment and avoiding strenuous activities. The transplanted fat cells will establish a blood supply and integrate into the breast tissue. It is important to note that some fat absorption may occur during the healing process. Studies show 70-80% of fat graft takes if proper technique is used. Final results can be seen several months after the procedure.

Potential  Risks and Complications:

As with any surgical procedure, fat grafting breast surgery carries some risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fat necrosis (death of transplanted fat cells)
• Asymmetry
• Changes in breast sensation

 Dr. Landis will discuss these risks with you during the consultation and will take all necessary precautions to minimize the likelihood of complications.

Cost:

Breast fat grafting cost includes the surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and any labs or imaging that may be required before or after surgery. The total cost for a breast fat grafting ranges from $5,800 – $7,500 and varies if any additional surgery is required. Dr. Landis will formulate a plan specific for each patient and a detailed estimate will be provided. CareCredit is available to our patients, and we’d be happy to discuss this option with you!

Conclusion:

Fat grafting breast surgery offers a natural and minimally invasive approach to enhancing the shape and volume of your breasts. Dr. Landis is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and achieving the best possible outcomes. Together with the patient, Dr. Landis will develop a plan to achieve their goals.