What do your breasts mean to you? For many women, their breasts are an integral part of their being, representing femininity, sexuality, attractiveness and even fertility. However, our breasts are also one aspect of our appearance that we commonly cite as wanting to change. Whether we are dissatisfied with what nature has given us, or our breasts have shrunk over the years due to advancing age, child-bearing, weight loss or a combination of all three, feeling unhappy with the way that we look can be catastrophic for our confidence and self-esteem.
Many women who feel that their breasts are smaller than they would like them to be wear clothes that avoid drawing attention to their chest area, refuse to be seen in anything tight fighting and even get changed or get intimate with their partner with the lights strictly off - such is their discomfort with their shape. Feeling unattractive, unfeminine and undesirable can lead to anxiety and even depression. Fortunately, there is another option.
Breast augmentation or breast enlargement surgery has gained immense popularity over the last few decades and continues to remain one of the most commonly sought cosmetic surgery procedures today. However, while many people have encountered augmentation performed using implants, an increasing number of women are now looking at another highly successful alternative – fat transfer breast augmentation.
What is fat transfer breast augmentation?
Also known as natural breast augmentation or enlargement, fat transfer breast augmentation is a form of cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and appearance of the breasts. However, unlike conventional breast enlargements which use artificial silicone or saline implants, a natural breast augmentation increases the size of the breasts using fat from your own body. This fat is taken from an area such as the stomach, hips or thighs where women tend to hold excess fat cells.
A fat transfer breast augmentation is performed in two stages. During the first, the fat that will later be used to enlarge your breasts is taken from your body using liposuction. This is a fairly invasive procedure that uses a cannula inserted under the skin which probes around to liquefy and then suck out fat cells. These will then be purified before the second stage of the procedure which involves injecting it into your breasts at different depths to build shape and size. Some manipulation of the fat cells will be required to ensure that the breasts are both equal in size and shape.
It is important to note that fat transfer breast augmentation is usually recommended for patients who are hoping for a relatively small increase in their size of their breasts, usually up to two cup sizes, rather than anything dramatic. This is because the results are much subtler and more natural. If you are looking for a significant increase in breast size, you may wish to consider an augmentation using artificial implants.
What are the risks associated with fat transfer breast augmentation?
There is always some degree of risk with any type of cosmetic surgery, including fat transfer breast augmentations. The risks associated with your procedure will be explained to you in detail during your consultation with Dr. Takowsky, as you will want to consider these when making the decision whether to go ahead with your procedure. These typically include:
Cysts
Infection
Migration of some of the fat cells that have been transferred to the breast area to another part of the body
Necrosis of the fat cells
Nevertheless, fat transfer breast augmentation is generally considered to be extremely safe and successful.
Recovery from fat transfer breast augmentation
One of the biggest advantages of breast augmentation using transferred fat is a faster recovery rate than regular breast implant surgery. This is because, although there is a requirement for liposuction, the process is less invasive overall and there are no major wounds to heal.
Significant bruising and swelling in both the liposuction location and on your breasts are to be expected, and you will experience some discomfort that can be managed either with prescription or over-the-counter pain relief medication. You will also be provided with antibiotics to help prevent any risk of infection. During this time, you will need to avoid any strenuous activity and most patients opt to take at least a couple days off of work so that they can focus on healing and recovery.
You will be given a compression garment to wear in the area where liposuction was performed which will help alleviate any swelling and improve the rate of healing. You will also need to wear a support bra after your surgery which will help keep your breasts in place while the new fat cells settle.
As with all surgeries, we strongly advise that you follow the aftercare instructions provided to you by your surgical team.
If you are unhappy with the shape and size of your breasts and are looking for a natural and attractive enhancement, fat transfer breast augmentation could be the solution for you. Our proficient and passionate cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Takowsky, has extensive experience in performing exemplary quality breast augmentation surgeries to many satisfied patients in and around Beverly Hills, CA. To schedule your confidential consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us on 310-340-2311.
