Breast Augmentation Without Implants? Consider Fat Transfer

Woman in Lexington considering breast augmentation without implants (model)

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular procedures in the country—and for good reason. It is a straightforward, trusted way to add youthful volume to the breasts and enhance your feminine curves. Nearly 290,000 women increased their breast size with breast augmentation in 2019, and our Lexington and London patients were among them. However, implants aren’t the only way to give your bust a boost.

If you’re interested in breast augmentation but would like to avoid implants, fat transfer is an excellent solution. This “natural breast augmentation” is quickly becoming a preferred option among women across the nation.

What Is “Natural Breast Augmentation?”

Natural breast augmentation 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 other fat transfer procedures. Surgeons continue to refine the process, but it is generally broken down into 3 steps:

  • Harvest: Using liposuction, your surgeon will remove fat from virtually any area of the body where there’s unwanted fat. 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?

Finding the best breast augmentation technique depends on your personal goals. Good candidates for fat transfer are those who want only a modest size increase (around 1 cup size) and have enough excess fat to create the desired results.

Recent studies show that up to 70% 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.

What Other Ways Can Fat Transfer Be Used for Breast Enhancement?

Breast augmentation isn’t the only way your natural fat can enhance your breasts. 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 a great tool for camouflaging implants in patients who have little existing breast tissue, so it may be included in a traditional breast augmentation procedure.

How Long Is Recovery?

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.

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