Breast implants filled with saline or silicone have long been the standard for performing breast enlargement or augmentation. In the early 1980’s liposuction was created for the surgical removal of unwanted, localized body fat. These fat cells were frequently transferred to other parts of the body, through a procedure know as Autologous Fat Transfer, to replenish depleted or depressed acne scars, aging or under developed lips, or simply to enhance body contours. Over the years, injecting a patients own fat into their breasts has become one of the most “Natural Breast Augmentation” performed in our office.
Natural Breast Augmentation using your own fat is now offered by Dr. Thomas Pane for patients wishing to avoid many of the risks associated with implants. The fat, which can be taken from your belly, buttock or even from under the arm next to the breast is transferred to your breasts using advanced microsurgical techniques. Since it is your soft, living tissue you are not at risk for many of the problems seen with implants.
How is the procedure performed?
Your fat is harvested using a minimally invasive procedure like SmartLipo, SlimLipo,Cool Lipo or Vaser. First the donor site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then our doctor uses low-vacuum liposuction to harvest your excess living fat cells. The fat removed is prepared and then re injected into your breast tissue. These new transfer techniques have shown that up to 70% of the transferred fat cells will survive leaving your breast with the fuller shape you desire.
Who are the best candidates for Natural Breast Augmentation?
The best candidates include patients that would like breast augmentation but don’t want implants, and those patients who have had implants in the past but are unhappy with the results.
Are there limitations to the amount of increase I can have with Natural Breast Augmentation?
Yes. Natural Breast Augmentation with fat transfer is not for everyone. The average breast enlargement that retained good, long-term results was between 1 and 1.5 cups. Patients wishing to go from an A cup to a D cup would be best served by implants.
What other conditions respond well to Natural breast Augmentation with fat?
Those patients with post partum loss of fullness or with a mild breast droop and those patients who wanted to restore their breast shape and/or cleavage are equally satisfied with their results from Natural Breast Augmentation with fat.
Will fat injected into my breasts interfere with mammograms of my breasts?
No. With today’s advanced radiologic screening techniques it is easier for radiologists to distinguish between the changes associated with breast cancer from benign necrosis of breast tissue. Many studies support the idea that radiologists have a high level of confidence in differentiating between fat necrosis calcifications after breast surgery and those related to breast cancers.
Will I have to have more than one procedure?
Most patients are satisfied with their results after only one treatment. However, about a third of our patients request an additional fat transfer procedure to achieve their desired amount of fullness.
Recovery from breast augmentation
Rest is recommended for the first few days following surgery. A post-surgical sports bra is usually worn for several weeks. Most discomfort associated with breast surgery can be controlled with oral medication prescribed by Dr. Pane. Antibiotics may also be prescribed. Most women experience mild swelling, bruising and tenderness. These symptoms should subside in a short time. Dr. Pane will advise you on a proper schedule for returning to your normal activities. Most patients are back to work within the first week. Regular physical activity may be resumed in 4 – 6 weeks.
After Dr. Pane performs your breast augmentation surgery, you will enjoy a new, more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better proportion to your physique.