Fat transfer breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses a patient’s own fat to enhance breast volume and shape without implants naturally. Its popularity surged in 2025, according to RealSelf, as women considering breast augmentation favored “yoga” or “ballerina” breasts.
“Almost every plastic surgeon who weighed in said their patients favored natural fat grafting or smaller implants, for more freedom of movement with active lifestyles,” RealSelf reported.
What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation using fat transfer is a specialized technique that uses a patient’s own natural fat to enhance the breasts. This approach is a relatively recent development compared to using fat as a natural facial filler. The fat transfer technique involves 3 steps:
- Harvest: Using liposuction, your surgeon will remove fat from virtually any area of the body where unwanted fat is present. Most patients request fat be removed from the abdomen and flanks so they can further contour the body.
- Purification: The removed fat cells are carefully separated from any blood, tumescent fluid, and other debris. The process leaves behind purified fat that is ready to be transferred to the breasts.
- Injection: Using a specialized syringe, your surgeon will inject the fat through small incisions around the breast. These incisions are strategically made to create a symmetrical breast shape.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Good candidates for fat transfer are women who want only a modest size increase and have enough excess fat to create the desired results. Studies show that up to 50% to 80% of the fat survives the transfer process. Depending on how your body adapts to the new fat, multiple grafting sessions may be required to achieve your ideal look.
Why Choose Breast Augmentation Without Implants?
Women choose natural breast augmentation with fat for various reasons, including not wanting to have foreign materials in their bodies or risking implant-related complications. Fat transfer breast augmentation results in a softer, more natural feel and also provides the additional benefit of body contouring in areas such as the abdomen or thighs.
How Many Cup Sizes Can You Gain With Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Natural breast augmentation through fat grafting can increase the size of your breasts by about 1 cup size. During the procedure, Dr. Nimtz transfers purified fat to the breasts, but not all of it will “take,” or survive long-term.
What Other Ways Can Fat Transfer Be Used for Breast Enhancement?
Breast augmentation isn’t the only way to enhance your breasts with your natural fat. It is also often used during breast revision procedures and breast implant removal. Breasts often sag after implants are removed, and fat grafting can supplement the size and shape of your bust. Fat is also an excellent tool for camouflaging implants in patients who have little existing breast tissue so that it may be included in a traditional breast augmentation procedure.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline
Breast augmentation via fat transfer involves both breast enhancement and liposuction surgeries, so your body will need time to recover from both. You can expect some bruising at the fat injection sites and the area where your liposuction was performed. Swelling around the breasts may take 2 to 3 weeks to resolve before revealing your final results.
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation with fat transfer at our plastic surgery locations in Lexington or London, please request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice by phone at (859) 277-9435.
Updated December 2025
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