Breast Augmentation: Fat Transfer Procedure

In addition to traditional breast augmentation procedures, fat transfer can increase the size, shape and volume. Just like any other form of plastic surgery, it is important to care for the area properly and to follow all of the instructions given by the surgeon. In most cases, women are back to their regular activities in around one to two weeks.

The Surgery:

Fat is removed from one part of the body and slowly injected into the site of the breast augmentation. This can be time consuming as it is important to get an accurate amount to create balance and uniformly. Because of the structure created before the injection, the fat is able to continually grow in the area.

This procedure appeals to many patients because they see the benefits as two-fold. They are receiving a breast augmentation to add volume but they are also getting liposuction in an area that has some fat to spare. There is minimal scarring and instead of a foreign object or material being placed in the body, a person's natural fat cells are used.

Recovery:

Immediately following the procedures, patients depend on another person to get them home. Just like other breast augmentation procedures, there is some swelling and at times, bruising. The general rule it to take some time off and spend time relaxing to allow the body to begin to adjust to its new shape. Surgeons provide patients with specific details on how to take care of the area as well as a list of strenuous activities that should be limited for the first few weeks.

The two areas of the body are working to heal and recover. Some women experience the need for a little extra recovery time while others are back to work only 48 hours after the procedure. Recovery times often depend on a individual's body, overall health, and success of the surgery.

Results:

Immediate results are noticeable. Over the course of the next few weeks, the results may change. Often, a surgeon will insert more fat cells than necessary to compensate for those that will not survive the transfer. On the other hand, some variations of the procedure will create breast augmentation results that will continue to increase the size over the next several months. Before the operation, it is important to discuss the results with a physician and learn more about what to expect.

Some patients benefit from a second fat transfer surgery. If the volume achieved by the first procedure wasn't enough, or the size and shape changes, a second operation can produce more successful results.