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BREAST FAT BREAST FAT

GRAFTING

Transferring your own fat to your breasts is an alternative breast enlargement procedure to breast implants. Vaser liposuction is used to remove fat from other parts of the body and then transferred to the breasts to enhance volume and shape. It’s also known as ‘breast enhancement fat transfer’, ‘fat transfer breast reconstruction’ and a ‘fat transfer boob job’.

It is sometimes viewed as a ‘natural’ alternative to breast implants, as your own tissue is used to enhance your breast volume and shape, rather than using a foreign implant.

Everyone is unique. While implants work well for some, fat grafting may be more suitable for others. Let’s explore what works for you.

Transferring your own fat to your breasts is an alternative breast enlargement procedure to breast implants. Vaser liposuction is used to remove fat from other parts of the body and then transferred to the breasts to enhance volume and shape. It’s also known as ‘breast enhancement fat transfer’, ‘fat transfer breast reconstruction’ and a ‘fat transfer boob job’.

It is sometimes viewed as a ‘natural’ alternative to breast implants, as your own tissue is used to enhance your breast volume and shape, rather than using a foreign implant.

Everyone is unique. While implants work well for some, fat grafting may be more suitable for others. Let’s explore what works for you.

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BREAST FAT BREAST FAT

GRAFTING

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Understanding Surgery Understanding Surgery

There are different techniques when it comes to breast augmentation. We draw on over 25 years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery to guide you.

There are different techniques when it comes to breast augmentation. We draw on over 25 years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery to guide you.

Request a consultation Request a consultation

01

What does the procedure involve? What does the procedure involve?

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The breast fat grafting process involves three stages:

  1. First, we remove fat from suitable areas of your choice using Vaser liposuction.  Common areas include the abdomen, thighs and ‘love handles’.
  2. The fat cells are then purified and concentrated.
  3. Lastly, the fat cells are then transferred to the breasts.

 

There is a natural absorption of about half of the fat initially injected to the breasts. Then, by around three months, the fat is fully integrated and remains stable long term.

The breast fat grafting process involves three stages:

  1. First, we remove fat from suitable areas of your choice using Vaser liposuction.  Common areas include the abdomen, thighs and ‘love handles’.
  2. The fat cells are then purified and concentrated.
  3. Lastly, the fat cells are then transferred to the breasts.

 

There is a natural absorption of about half of the fat initially injected to the breasts. Then, by around three months, the fat is fully integrated and remains stable long term.

02

How much enlargement can be achieved? How much enlargement can be achieved?

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In general, an increase of about half to one bra cup size can be achieved with fat grafting.

If more enhancement is desired we would recommend breast implants rather than fat grafting.

In general, an increase of about half to one bra cup size can be achieved with fat grafting.

If more enhancement is desired we would recommend breast implants rather than fat grafting.

03

Where can the fat be removed from? Where can the fat be removed from?

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The fat can be removed from areas of your choice.
Common areas include:

  • Abdomen
  • ‘Love handles’
  • Hips
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Knees
  • Arms
  • Chin

An important consideration for fat grafts is ensuring that enough volume of fat is available, so
this will be taken into account when planning your procedure.
Fat can also be removed from the back and bra strap area during your procedure, but this fat
is not used for fat grafting because it is too fibrous.

The fat can be removed from areas of your choice.
Common areas include:

  • Abdomen
  • ‘Love handles’
  • Hips
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Knees
  • Arms
  • Chin

An important consideration for fat grafts is ensuring that enough volume of fat is available, so
this will be taken into account when planning your procedure.
Fat can also be removed from the back and bra strap area during your procedure, but this fat
is not used for fat grafting because it is too fibrous.

04

What type of scars could I expect? What type of scars could I expect?

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As the fat is injected into the breast, the scars from this surgery are usually small. There is a scar at the base of each breast approximately 2-3mm long and 1-2mm wide, and sometimes a similarly sized scar near the armpit. There will also be similarly sized scars at the Vaser liposuction areas. All of these scars usually heal well and fade to a pale, fine line over a year.

As the fat is injected into the breast, the scars from this surgery are usually small. There is a scar at the base of each breast approximately 2-3mm long and 1-2mm wide, and sometimes a similarly sized scar near the armpit. There will also be similarly sized scars at the Vaser liposuction areas. All of these scars usually heal well and fade to a pale, fine line over a year.

05

Is breast fat grafting a good option for me? Is breast fat grafting a good option for me?

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Breast fat grafting may be a good option for you to consider if you:

  • Are looking for an increase in up to one bra cup size
  • Prefer a more ‘natural’ breast contour and are not seeking a ‘push up’ look
  • Prefer to avoid synthetic implants
  • Would also like Vaser liposuction to certain areas
  • Have enough fat to remove for fat grafting
  • Are not planning significant weight loss or gain after surgery

 

View our Before & After photos for breast fat grafting.

Breast fat grafting may be a good option for you to consider if you:

  • Are looking for an increase in up to one bra cup size
  • Prefer a more ‘natural’ breast contour and are not seeking a ‘push up’ look
  • Prefer to avoid synthetic implants
  • Would also like Vaser liposuction to certain areas
  • Have enough fat to remove for fat grafting
  • Are not planning significant weight loss or gain after surgery

 

View our Before & After photos for breast fat grafting.

06

How does fat grafting compare to breast implants? How does fat grafting compare to breast implants?

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Fat grafting offers a few potential advantages compared to breast implants:

  1. More ‘natural’ results – using your own fat has a more natural appearance and feel compared to synthetic implants.
  2. Less scarring – the scars from a breast fat graft are approximately 2-3mm in length, compared to approximately 5-6cm for breast implants.
  3. No risk of your body rejecting a foreign implant.
  4. Reduced risk of repeat surgery, as there is no risk of implant complications such as malposition, rupture and encapsulation.

However, the same volume of enhancement can’t necessarily be achieved with fat grafting compared to implants. In general, an increase of one cup size can be achieved with fat grafting, but more volume enhancement can be achieved with breast implants. More upper pole fullness and cleavage can also be achieved using implants compared to fat grafting.

We can explore both options with you in your consultation. We can discuss the advantages and disadvantages for your situation so you can decide what’s right for you.

Fat grafting offers a few potential advantages compared to breast implants:

  1. More ‘natural’ results – using your own fat has a more natural appearance and feel compared to synthetic implants.
  2. Less scarring – the scars from a breast fat graft are approximately 2-3mm in length, compared to approximately 5-6cm for breast implants.
  3. No risk of your body rejecting a foreign implant.
  4. Reduced risk of repeat surgery, as there is no risk of implant complications such as malposition, rupture and encapsulation.

However, the same volume of enhancement can’t necessarily be achieved with fat grafting compared to implants. In general, an increase of one cup size can be achieved with fat grafting, but more volume enhancement can be achieved with breast implants. More upper pole fullness and cleavage can also be achieved using implants compared to fat grafting.

We can explore both options with you in your consultation. We can discuss the advantages and disadvantages for your situation so you can decide what’s right for you.

Recovery Recovery

We perform breast fat grafting under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You will be able to rest and recover in your own bed on the night of surgery, and most people return to work after one week.

We like to make sure you are well supported in your recovery journey. We include all reviews for the first 12 months with our nurse or doctor in the cost of surgery. We also offer a breast surgery warranty for your piece of mind.

We perform breast fat grafting under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You will be able to rest and recover in your own bed on the night of surgery, and most people return to work after one week.

We like to make sure you are well supported in your recovery journey. We include all reviews for the first 12 months with our nurse or doctor in the cost of surgery. We also offer a breast surgery warranty for your piece of mind.

Request a consultation Request a consultation

01

The Recovery Journey The Recovery Journey

Breast fat grafting is performed under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You can leave hospital if you are feeling well after a couple of hours of post-operative observation.

The first few days
The chest is most sore in the first few days after surgery and managed with pain relief tablets. While some manage at home without any trouble, others find it more comfortable to have help from family or friends for a few days.

For the Vaser liposuction component of the procedure, fluid is injected into the area. This fluid leaks out of the entry points over the next 2 days (or is absorbed by the body). If Vaser liposuction was performed to the abdomen, an adhesive foam sheet is applied for 5 days to improve compression for optimal results.

After a week
Our surgical nurse will review you 5 to 7 days after your surgery to see how you are recovering. They will remove stitches from the entry points, check on your healing and provide information on how to take care of your incisions and minimise scarring.

Most people return to work 1 week after surgery. However, if high levels of physical activity or lifting are involved, you may not be able to resume these activities for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

We recommend avoiding underwire bras, activities that bounce the breasts (such as jogging and aerobics), sleeping on your front, as well as swimming in pools and spas for the first month to ensure optimal healing. Our nurse will provide tailored advice about how to resume your normal level of exercise and activity.

We will provide you with two post-operative bras and the necessary compression garments for you to wear in the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

After 3 months
After breast fat grafting, there is an initial absorption of approximately half of the transferred fat, but the remaining amount stabilises at 3 months. The size of the breasts at 3 months after surgery is what they will be long term.

The liposuction journey
While most people are feeling well enough to return to work 1 week after surgery, the recovery from Vaser liposuction is a journey. There is often discomfort with movement to the Vaser liposuction areas for the first 4 weeks, which although may not be prohibitive to going about your day-to-day life, can feel tiring. The swelling for the first 4 to 6 weeks can be uncomfortable and getting in and out of your compression garments can be cumbersome.

When the swelling settles around 6 to 8 weeks, some are alarmed by the initial lumpiness. Lumpiness, creases and asymmetry often settle by 3 months after surgery, and results from Vaser liposuction often continue to improve over 6 to 12 months. We know this can be a challenging journey, so we are here for you every step of the way.

Breast fat grafting is performed under a general anaesthetic in a day hospital. You can leave hospital if you are feeling well after a couple of hours of post-operative observation.

The first few days
The chest is most sore in the first few days after surgery and managed with pain relief tablets. While some manage at home without any trouble, others find it more comfortable to have help from family or friends for a few days.

For the Vaser liposuction component of the procedure, fluid is injected into the area. This fluid leaks out of the entry points over the next 2 days (or is absorbed by the body). If Vaser liposuction was performed to the abdomen, an adhesive foam sheet is applied for 5 days to improve compression for optimal results.

After a week
Our surgical nurse will review you 5 to 7 days after your surgery to see how you are recovering. They will remove stitches from the entry points, check on your healing and provide information on how to take care of your incisions and minimise scarring.

Most people return to work 1 week after surgery. However, if high levels of physical activity or lifting are involved, you may not be able to resume these activities for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

We recommend avoiding underwire bras, activities that bounce the breasts (such as jogging and aerobics), sleeping on your front, as well as swimming in pools and spas for the first month to ensure optimal healing. Our nurse will provide tailored advice about how to resume your normal level of exercise and activity.

We will provide you with two post-operative bras and the necessary compression garments for you to wear in the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

After 3 months
After breast fat grafting, there is an initial absorption of approximately half of the transferred fat, but the remaining amount stabilises at 3 months. The size of the breasts at 3 months after surgery is what they will be long term.

The liposuction journey
While most people are feeling well enough to return to work 1 week after surgery, the recovery from Vaser liposuction is a journey. There is often discomfort with movement to the Vaser liposuction areas for the first 4 weeks, which although may not be prohibitive to going about your day-to-day life, can feel tiring. The swelling for the first 4 to 6 weeks can be uncomfortable and getting in and out of your compression garments can be cumbersome.

When the swelling settles around 6 to 8 weeks, some are alarmed by the initial lumpiness. Lumpiness, creases and asymmetry often settle by 3 months after surgery, and results from Vaser liposuction often continue to improve over 6 to 12 months. We know this can be a challenging journey, so we are here for you every step of the way.

Before & Afters

*Please note, all after photos are three months post-procedure. Outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not guarantee similar results for other patients and will vary according to genetics, diet and exercise.

Click to view more

Q & A Q & A

01

Why do some women prefer breast fat grafting over breast implants? Why do some women prefer breast fat grafting over breast implants?

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Some women prefer the idea of using their own tissue for breast enhancement compared to a foreign implant. They also prefer that it looks and feels more natural, with smaller scars compared to breast implants. The risk of further breast surgery is also less with fat grafting, as it doesn’t have the same associated implant complications

Some women prefer the idea of using their own tissue for breast enhancement compared to a foreign implant. They also prefer that it looks and feels more natural, with smaller scars compared to breast implants. The risk of further breast surgery is also less with fat grafting, as it doesn’t have the same associated implant complications

02

How long does a breast fat graft last? How long does a breast fat graft last?

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A breast fat graft is considered permanent and does not wear down over time.

There is an initial absorption of approximately half of the transferred fat, but the remaining amount stabilises at three months with integration into the breasts’ natural fat.

Keep in mind that losing weight may cause volume loss in your breasts, as it would without a fat graft. This is because the transferred fat will respond to weight loss like the rest of the body’s fat cells.

A breast fat graft is considered permanent and does not wear down over time.

There is an initial absorption of approximately half of the transferred fat, but the remaining amount stabilises at three months with integration into the breasts’ natural fat.

Keep in mind that losing weight may cause volume loss in your breasts, as it would without a fat graft. This is because the transferred fat will respond to weight loss like the rest of the body’s fat cells.

03

Does breast fat grafting affect breastfeeding? Does breast fat grafting affect breastfeeding?

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Fat grafting to the breast does not affect your ability to breastfeed.

Fat grafting to the breast does not affect your ability to breastfeed.

04

Can asymmetry be improved with breast fat grafting? Can asymmetry be improved with breast fat grafting?

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Different amounts of fat can be injected into each breast to try to balance asymmetry.

If asymmetry is something you are concerned about, we can explore this in your consultation and discuss how we can try to improve this with breast fat grafting.

Different amounts of fat can be injected into each breast to try to balance asymmetry.

If asymmetry is something you are concerned about, we can explore this in your consultation and discuss how we can try to improve this with breast fat grafting.

05

What are the risks of cosmetic surgery? What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?

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Making the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a serious one, and patients considering a procedure should also keep in mind that they need time to recover, they will need support, and possibly time off work. They may also need other therapies such as massage and compression garments.

During your consultation we will discuss the range of options available to you and recommend treatments that have the best chance of achieving your desired goals. Part of this conversation will cover, in more detail, the types of complications and risks that apply to your specific circumstances. In general, the risks and complications of surgery are:

  • disappointing aesthetic outcome
  • infection
  • bleeding
  • scarring
  • significant asymmetry (a large difference between sides)
  • pain\
  • change in skin sensation (eg. numbness)
  • allergic reaction
  • anaesthetic complications
  • prolonged recovery and wound healing
  • collections of fluid

All of these may result in the need for further treatment or surgery.

Making the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a serious one, and patients considering a procedure should also keep in mind that they need time to recover, they will need support, and possibly time off work. They may also need other therapies such as massage and compression garments.

During your consultation we will discuss the range of options available to you and recommend treatments that have the best chance of achieving your desired goals. Part of this conversation will cover, in more detail, the types of complications and risks that apply to your specific circumstances. In general, the risks and complications of surgery are:

  • disappointing aesthetic outcome
  • infection
  • bleeding
  • scarring
  • significant asymmetry (a large difference between sides)
  • pain\
  • change in skin sensation (eg. numbness)
  • allergic reaction
  • anaesthetic complications
  • prolonged recovery and wound healing
  • collections of fluid

All of these may result in the need for further treatment or surgery.

06

What is The Doctors’ Studio breast surgery warranty? What is The Doctors’ Studio breast surgery warranty?

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At The Doctors’ Studio, we strive to provide the highest standard of care for all our patients.

Despite this, there are always risks with any medical procedure and occasionally further surgery is required.

Our breast surgery warranty covers the following complications if they occur within 12 months of surgery:

  • Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood)
  • Infection requiring surgery
  • Seroma (a collection of fluid)
  • Significant asymmetry of breasts

 

In the event that one of the listed complications arise, the warranty covers the surgical fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fee, and implant cost (if applicable).

The cost of the optional warranty is $700.

We will provide more information to you when we provide a fee estimate for your procedure.

At The Doctors’ Studio, we strive to provide the highest standard of care for all our patients.

Despite this, there are always risks with any medical procedure and occasionally further surgery is required.

Our breast surgery warranty covers the following complications if they occur within 12 months of surgery:

  • Bleeding or haematoma (a collection of blood)
  • Infection requiring surgery
  • Seroma (a collection of fluid)
  • Significant asymmetry of breasts

 

In the event that one of the listed complications arise, the warranty covers the surgical fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital fee, and implant cost (if applicable).

The cost of the optional warranty is $700.

We will provide more information to you when we provide a fee estimate for your procedure.

Start your journey with us.

A consultation is a chance for both you and Dr David Topchian to get to know each other. Dr Topchian has performed cosmetic surgery for thousands of women over the past 25 years.  He can explore your aesthetic goals and options and answer your questions. You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

Start your journey with us.

A consultation is a chance for both you and Dr David Topchian to get to know each other. Dr Topchian has performed cosmetic surgery for thousands of women over the past 25 years.  He can explore your aesthetic goals and options and answer your questions. You can learn about how we can support you on your journey.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION REQUEST A CONSULTATION