Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to alter the size and shape of the breasts. While most people are familiar with implant-based breast augmentation, a lesser-known technique called natural breast augmentation or fat transfer breast augmentation has gained popularity in recent years. In this blog post, Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan will explore what natural breast augmentation is, how it works, and why it might be a suitable option for some women.
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What is Natural Breast Augmentation?
Natural breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation or fat grafting breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that uses a woman’s own fat cells to increase the size and alter the shape of her breasts. This technique involves harvesting fat from areas of the body where it is in excess, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, purifying it, and then injecting it into the breasts to increase their volume and alter their contours.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The natural breast augmentation procedure typically involves three main steps:
- Fat Harvesting: The first step is to harvest fat from a donor site on the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. This is done using liposuction, a technique that involves making small incisions in the skin and using a thin tube called a cannula to suction out the fat cells.
- Fat Purification: Once the fat has been harvested, it is processed and purified to remove any impurities, such as blood, oil, or other fluids. This step is crucial to ensure that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for the transfer.
- Fat Injection: The purified fat cells are then carefully injected into the breasts using a specialised needle or cannula. Dr Kernohan will strategically place the fat cells in different areas of the breast to achieve the desired shape and volume.
Benefits of Natural Breast Augmentation
Natural breast augmentation offers several potential benefits compared to traditional implant-based breast augmentation:
- Natural Results: Because the procedure uses the patient’s own fat cells, the results tend to look and feel more natural than implant-based augmentation. The transferred fat integrates with the existing breast tissue, creating a softer, more natural-looking result.
- Less Invasive: Natural breast augmentation is generally considered less invasive than implant-based augmentation. The incisions required for fat harvesting and injection are typically smaller, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery time.
- Dual Benefits: In addition to enhancing the breasts, natural breast augmentation also offers the benefit of removing unwanted fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs.
- No Implant-Related Risks: Because natural breast augmentation does not involve the use of implants, it eliminates the risks associated with implants, such as rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture.
The Recovery Process
Another important aspect to consider when undergoing natural breast augmentation is the recovery process. While the procedure is generally less invasive than implant-based augmentation, it still requires some downtime and care to ensure optimal healing.
After the surgery, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the breasts and the donor sites. Dr Kernohan will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage pain, and support your healing process.
Most patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within a week or two of the procedure, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks to allow the transferred fat cells to stabilise and integrate with the surrounding tissue.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
One of the unique aspects of natural breast augmentation is that the results can continue to evolve over time. As the transferred fat cells establish a new blood supply and integrate with the existing breast tissue, the shape and volume of the breasts may change subtly.
To maintain the best possible results, it’s important to:
- Maintain a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the transferred fat cells
- Wear supportive bras to help maintain the shape and position of the breasts
- Follow up with your surgeon as recommended to monitor your results and address any concerns
Download Dr Kernohan’s Breast Augmentation Surgery Guide
Limitations of Natural Breast Augmentation
While natural breast augmentation has gained popularity as a more natural-looking alternative to implant-based augmentation, it’s essential to understand the limitations of this procedure to make an informed decision.
Limited Volume Increase
One of the primary limitations of natural breast augmentation is the amount of volume increase that can be achieved. Unlike implant-based augmentation, which can provide a more dramatic increase in size, fat transfer breast augmentation is typically limited to an increase of about one cup size.
This limitation is due to the amount of fat available for transfer and the body’s ability to support the survival of the transferred fat cells. The breasts can only accommodate a certain amount of fat before the blood supply becomes insufficient to keep the cells alive.
As a result, patients who desire a more significant increase in breast size may not be suitable candidates for natural breast augmentation and may need to consider implant-based options instead.
Fat Reabsorption
Another limitation of natural breast augmentation is the potential for fat reabsorption. When fat cells are transferred to the breasts, not all of them will survive the process. The body will naturally reabsorb some of the fat cells over time, which can lead to a slight decrease in volume.
The amount of fat reabsorption can vary from patient to patient and is difficult to predict. Some studies suggest that up to 50% of the transferred fat cells may be reabsorbed within the first few months after the procedure.
To compensate for this potential loss of volume, Dr Kernohan may initially over-correct the amount of fat transferred. However, even with this approach, some patients may require multiple procedures to achieve and maintain their desired results. This can increase the overall cost and recovery time associated with the procedure.
Donor Site Limitations
The success of natural breast augmentation also depends on the availability of sufficient fat cells in the donor sites. The most common donor sites for fat transfer breast augmentation are the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, as these areas tend to have a higher concentration of fat cells.
However, some women may not have enough excess fat in these areas to achieve their desired results. This is particularly true for women who are very lean or have a low body fat percentage. In these cases, Dr Kernohan may not be able to harvest enough fat cells to provide a noticeable increase in breast size.
Additionally, the quality of the fat cells in the donor sites can also impact the success of the procedure. Fat cells that are damaged or unhealthy may not survive the transfer process as well as healthy, viable cells.
Unpredictable Results
While skilled surgeons like Dr Michael Kernohan can use their expertise to strategically place the transferred fat cells and shape the breasts, the final results of natural breast augmentation can be somewhat unpredictable.
Factors such as the patient’s age, skin elasticity, and overall health can all impact how the transferred fat cells will integrate with the existing breast tissue and how the breasts will settle into their final shape and size.
In some cases, the results may be slightly asymmetrical or the breasts may not have the exact shape or contours the patient envisioned. Touch-up procedures or additional fat transfers may be necessary to refine the results and achieve the desired outcome.
Is Natural Breast Augmentation Right for You?
Natural breast augmentation can be an excellent option for women who desire a modest increase in breast size and prefer a more natural-looking result. It may also be suitable for women who wish to avoid implants or have had complications with implant-based augmentation in the past.
However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with natural breast augmentation. If you desire a significant increase in breast size, implant-based augmentation may be a more suitable option.
As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr Michael Kernohan, to determine if natural breast augmentation is right for you. Dr Kernohan will assess your individual needs, goals, and medical history to help you make an informed decision about your breast enhancement options.
Combining Natural Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures
In some cases, natural breast augmentation can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive results. For example, some patients may choose to combine fat transfer breast augmentation with a breast lift to address both volume loss and sagging.
Other patients may opt to have liposuction performed on additional areas of the body to further enhance their overall body contours and proportions.
Dr Kernohan can help you determine whether combining procedures is a safe and appropriate option for you based on your individual needs and goals.
The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
One of the most crucial factors in achieving successful results with natural breast augmentation is choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Fat transfer breast augmentation is a technically demanding procedure that requires a high level of skill and expertise.
When selecting a surgeon, look for someone who:
- Is certified by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Has extensive experience performing fat transfer breast augmentation
- Can provide before-and-after photos of previous patients
- Takes the time to understand your goals and concerns
- Makes you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process
Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who meets all of these criteria. With his expertise and commitment to patient care, he can help you achieve optimal results from your natural breast augmentation procedure.
FAQs about Natural Breast Augmentation
How long does the natural breast augmentation procedure take?
- The length of the procedure can vary depending on the amount of fat being transferred and the number of donor sites used. On average, the surgery takes about 2-3 hours, but it may take longer if additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are being performed at the same time.
Is natural breast augmentation painful?
- Most patients experience some discomfort and soreness after the procedure, particularly in the donor sites where the fat was harvested. However, the pain is usually manageable with prescribed pain medication and subsides within a few days to a week. Many patients report that the recovery from natural breast augmentation is less painful than traditional implant-based augmentation.
Will I have scars after natural breast augmentation?
- Natural breast augmentation does involve incisions in both the donor sites and the breasts, so some scarring is inevitable. However, the incisions are typically small and strategically placed to minimise their visibility. In most cases, the scars will fade significantly over time and become less noticeable.
How long do the results of natural breast augmentation last?
- The results of natural breast augmentation can be long-lasting, but some degree of fat reabsorption is to be expected. Most patients find that their results stabilise within 3-6 months after the procedure, and the transferred fat that survives beyond this point is likely to remain permanently. However, factors such as significant weight fluctuations and the natural ageing process can affect the long-term results.
Can I breastfeed after natural breast augmentation?
- In most cases, natural breast augmentation does not interfere with a woman’s ability to breastfeed. The transferred fat cells are placed in the spaces between the existing breast tissue and do not typically disrupt the milk ducts or glands. However, it’s important to discuss your plans for future breastfeeding with Dr Kernohan before undergoing the procedure to ensure that it’s taken into consideration during the surgical planning process.
Further Reading about Breast Augmentation with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Treating Breast Asymmetry – Can Fat Transfer Help?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about How Can I Enlarge My Breasts?
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about Options for Drooping Breasts after Weight Loss
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about How to Get Firmer Breasts
- Read Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blog about What are the most natural looking breast implants?
