Fat Transfer to the Breast

What is fat transfer?

Fat transfer, also called autologous fat transfer, is a surgical procedure in which fat from your own body is used to enhance and reshape another area, such as the breasts. For breast enhancement, fat is usually taken from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, processed, and then injected into the breasts.

This procedure provides an alternative to breast implants, using your own tissue to improve breast volume and contour.

When is fat transfer considered for breast enhancement?

Fat transfer to the breast may be considered for women who:

Have experienced loss of breast volume or fullness due to weight loss, breastfeeding, or ageing
Have naturally small breasts or asymmetry, where one breast is smaller than the other
Have had breast implants removed and wish to restore shape and volume naturally

A consultation with a qualified surgical practitioner is essential to determine whether this procedure is suitable for you.

Who may not be suitable for fat transfer breast enhancement?

This procedure may not be suitable for women who:

Currently have breast implants in place
Have extremely small breasts where there isn’t enough tissue to accommodate additional fat
Have severely sagging breasts that may require a breast lift for optimal results
Are underweight and do not have sufficient fat available for harvesting

Your surgical practitioner will assess your overall health, body composition, and treatment goals to determine suitability.

Advantages of autologous fat transfer

Using your own fat for breast enhancement offers several potential benefits:

No risk of rejection or allergic reaction since the fat comes from your own body
Minimal incisions, leading to reduced scarring
Provides a proportionate appearance and feel to the breasts
Allows for precise shaping and contouring of the breasts
Can result in the removal of unwanted fat from other areas of the body
May provide long-lasting results, as the fat that successfully integrates remains permanently

How to prepare for the procedure

For some patients, a special external tissue expansion device, such as the BRAVA system, may be recommended before surgery.

This device gently suctions the breast area to expand the skin and increase blood flow, creating space for the injected fat.
It is usually worn for 10–12 hours a day for 3–5 weeks, and throughout the day during the final week before surgery.
Using this system may improve fat survival rates and overall results.

How the procedure is performed

Autologous fat transfer is generally a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and involves three main steps:

Fat Harvesting (Liposuction):
- A local anaesthetic is applied to the donor site.
- Small incisions are made, and a thin tube (cannula) is inserted to gently extract fat cells.
Fat Processing:
- The harvested fat is purified and prepared for re-injection.
Fat Injection into Breasts:
- The purified fat is meticulously injected into targeted areas of the breasts using small cannulas under local anaesthesia.
- The fat is layered carefully to create an even shape.

Recovery and post-operative expectations

The procedure typically takes 4–6 hours.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks.
Swelling and bruising at the donor and injection sites are common and usually resolve with time.
A portion of the injected fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body, but the remaining fat will typically provide permanent results.
Final results are generally visible after about 6 months, once the fat has fully settled.

Risks and potential complications

As with any surgical procedure, fat transfer carries some risks. These include:

Common, less serious risks:

Over-absorption of fat cells by the body, leading to partial loss of volume
Irregularities in breast shape
Formation of small lumps or nodules in the treated area

Rare but more serious risks:

Failure of fat cell survival, resulting in limited enhancement
Severe swelling or inflammation
Cyst formation, where transplanted fat collects in a sac-like structure
Calcification, where fat hardens due to calcium deposits, which may interfere with mammogram imaging

Your surgical practitioner will explain these risks in detail and discuss strategies to minimise complications before your procedure.

Key points to remember

Fat transfer is a alternative to breast implants that uses your own tissue.
It can enhance breast size and shape while also contouring other areas of the body.
Final results take several months to appear and may vary from person to person.
A thorough consultation is essential to determine suitability and set realistic expectations.