In what can only qualify as an understatement, it’s safe to say that breast augmentation procedures are popular in the United States. Any why not? 98% of women wind up feeling like their breast augmentation met or exceeded their expectations. So it makes sense that breast augmentations 
remains atop the list of most performed cosmetic procedures in America in 2013. By and large, when folks refer to breast augmentation cosmetic procedures, they mean implants. However, going under the knife, getting implants – these are not the only options for women wishing to enhance the way their breasts look and feel. Fat transfers to the breasts offer an alternative, non-surgical route to achieving the look and feel you desire for your body.
How a fat transfer to the breasts works – The principles of a fat transfer to the breasts are the same as fat transfer to another part of the body. Essentially, the procedure involves first harvesting extra fat from one area of your body with gentle liposuction, the processing and cleaning of that fat, and the re-injection of the processed fat into the breasts. Large cuts and incisions are not part of the equation.
Why a fat transfer instead of implants? First, and most obviously, a fat transfer breast augmentation offers an attractive option for those who might prefer to avoid surgery. But there are other benefits to this route. Because the material being injected into the breasts is your own fat, the risks associated (albeit minimal in their own right) with saline or silicone implants become null and void. And further, for women hoping to accomplish a relatively minor change in their breast’s appearance, a fat transfer can provide a very natural looking improvement. This idea applies to everything from addressing the effects from a lumpectomy to the simple wish to subtly enhance the breast’s appearance.
Which leads to the potential downsides – While fat transfers to the breast can provide supremely natural looking improvements, it probably is not a great procedural option for women hoping to increase the size of their breasts significantly. Because the re-injected fat has to survive the transfer by developing a blood supply, which is not guaranteed for all of it, it’s possible – even likely – that not all of the transferred fat will thrive. Dramatic size increases, then, are more difficult to achieve. This is only amplified by the fact that the patient must also have enough excess fat to harvest from elsewhere on her body. In fact, because of these physical requirements, it’s quite possible you might not be a viable candidate for the fat transfer to the breasts augmentation.
As with any type of cosmetic procedure, it comes down to you, your body, and your goals. If you’re already petite or extremely physically fit and are hoping, more than anything else, for bigger breasts, a fat transfer might not make much sense. On the other hand, if you are over 30, have already given birth to children and are simply hoping to reverse some of those physical effects on your breasts, but aren’t necessarily looking to go up in size dramatically, a fat transfer might make more sense than implants. It all depends on you. At GLOW Surgical Arts in Redwood City, we offer both procedures to our patients (implants and fat transfers), and we’re more than happy to discuss which option might be the best fit for you. Call us ((650) 241-2209) any time. Consults with our GLOW cosmetic surgeons are free and come with no obligation.
