Despite being one of the most common plastic surgeries today, if not the most common, there are still women who are quite nervy about having a breast augmentation that involves implants, mainly because of the invasive feeling of having foreign material placed in their bodies.
City | Average Cost | Cost Range |
---|---|---|
London | £6,500 | £5,000 – £8,000 |
Manchester | £6,000 | £4,800 – £7,200 |
Birmingham | £5,800 | £4,600 – £7,000 |
Bristol | £6,200 | £5,000 – £7,400 |
If you, yourself, are one of these women, fat transfer breast enlargement surgery, also known as lipofilling, lipoaugmentation, or fat grafting, is the ideal way to go, as it doesn’t involve the use of implants whatsoever. Basically, fat is extracted from certain areas of the body such as the thighs or tummy and is strategically injected into the breasts for an increase in breast size.
In this article, we go over everything you need to know about fat transfer breast augmentation, from its cost, consultation, and what it involves, to its advantages over breast implants and its disadvantages, so stick around.
Main Topics
How Much Does Fat Transfer Breast Enlargement Cost?
Generally speaking, surgical fat transfers in the UK costs anywhere between £2,000 and £8,000.
Why such a large room for price fluctuation? Well, because the cost of the operation depends on a host of factors, primarily the size of the area to be treated, the surgeon’s experience, the anaesthetist’s experience, the chosen hospital, and more.
You must also take into consideration that there may be extra costs to be paid in consultation, aftercare, and other post-operative treatments if need be.
What Can Fat Transfer Enhancement Surgery Achieve?
There’s a lot that a fat transfer procedure can achieve without having to put any foreign material such as silicone into the body. Fat transfer can restore volume to the breasts after weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing. And it can help enhance the shape and contours of the breasts. Also, you can resort to fat transfer surgery if you’re looking to achieve breast symmetry.
The thing about fat grafting, however, is that it’s not able to correct severe breast sagging, also known as breast ptosis. If you’re looking to correct sagging breasts, your best bet is a breast lift operation, also known as a mastopexy.
It’s also possible to combine both enlargement and uplift surgeries together to achieve the best possible results. That’s if the surgeon deems it fit, of course.
Advantages of Choosing Fat Transfer Over Implants
There are a few positives and negatives that come with opting for a fat transfer over breast augmentation with implants. Starting with the positives, fat transfer isn’t as invasive as a breast enhancement via breast implants. It depends solely on injecting fat into your breasts, which also means that the surgeon isn’t required to make any serious cuts to carry out this procedure, so you don’t have to worry about scarring.
Although some breast implant techniques are able to achieve natural-looking results, it’s hard to beat surgical fat transfers when it comes to results looking and feeling more natural. Fat grafting isn’t all about increasing the size of your breasts; it’s also able to improve breast symmetry.
The most notable benefit of opting for fat transfer over breast augmentation with implants is that you’ll be improving two parts instead of one. On one hand, fat is extracted via liposuction from areas that likely have excessive fat, which, in turn, improves the appearance of said areas. On the other hand, the extracted fat is injected into your breasts, improving their appearance as well.
Disadvantages of Choosing Fat Transfer Over Implants
If surgical fat transfers are so convenient, then why are there more breast implants carried out than fat transfers? Well, as with any operation, there are a few disadvantages with fat grafting that might deter people from opting for it.
The first disadvantage is that fat transfer takes a lot longer than enlargement via breast implants. It needs several sessions, and each session requires 2 to 3 hours. On top of that, patients may need top-up sessions.
It’s also worth noting that your cosmetic surgeon can’t just extract and inject as much fat as they want. There’s a limit to how much fat can be extracted per session. This basically means that in order to achieve volumes that can be achieved in one or two sessions using breast implants, fat transfer will require double the time, at the very least.
Another disadvantage of opting for a fat transfer is that the results are somewhat unpredictable. Why? Because your body can absorb almost half the amount of injected fat throughout the first 6 months after the operation. So, even though your breasts may look large and symmetric after the operation, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll remain the same size and shape.
Of course, the surgeon’s experience plays a major factor in getting the most optimal results. It’s important that you pick a surgeon that’s registered by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) or the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).
Who Are the Best Candidates for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Fat transfer breast augmentation is one of the most convenient forms of breast enhancement, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s not as limiting as breast enhancement via implants when it comes to its criteria for the best candidates.
The best candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are women who aren’t satisfied with the volume, shape, or size of their breasts but aren’t fond of the idea of getting implants. Moreover, women who have breasts of different sizes are ideal candidates for fat grafting.
Women who have experienced a significant reduction in breast size due to pregnancy, weight loss, or old age are also perfectly fit for fat transfer breast augmentation. Further, women who are looking to get rid of excess fat in certain areas whilst making use of that fat to improve the look of their breasts are going to find fat transfer to be extremely convenient.
The most important criteria for undergoing fat transfer surgery is to be at a stable and healthy weight, and to be physically and emotionally ready for the operation. We strongly recommend researching the operation before making a decision, and we also recommend discussing your concerns with your chosen surgeon during your pre-surgery consultation.
What Does a Breast Fat Transfer Operation Involve?
On average,fat transfer breast augmentation procedures take around 2 hours. The operation is performed under the effect of local or general anaesthetic. As mentioned earlier, this operation requires more than one session.
Before you undergo the procedure, you’ll be required to sign a consent form. Obviously, before you sign the form, you need to be well-informed about everything the operation involves, from its benefits to its risks and complications. These are all things that your cosmetic surgeon ought to discuss with you.
After signing the consent form, your plastic surgeon will begin drawing lines around the area to be treated, and will then start discussing the objective of the operation.
Right before the procedure, you’ll go into the anaesthetic room where the anaesthetist will give you a local or general anaesthetic, depending on the surgeon’s orders. Thereafter, you’ll be directed to the operating room where the surgeon will begin cleaning and covering the area to be treated with drapes in order to keep it sterile and reduce the chances of an infection.
The operation itself involves three main stages. The first stage is removing the fat by making a small cut into the area from which the fat will be drawn. The surgeon will then put a thin tube in the cut to extract tiny amounts of fat. After extracting the fat, the cut is sealed with stitches.
The second stage is to prepare the fat by removing any fluids from it using special equipment. The final stage is injecting small amounts of fat into the area being treated. By the end of this stage, stitches are usually not required.
As a multi-stage cosmetic surgery that takes a considerable amount of time, fat transfer breast enlargement can be divided into several sessions; usually three. The following paragraphs help break down what each stage typically involves.
Session 1
During the first session of a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure, your surgeon will inject a tumescence solution into the area from which fat will be extracted. This solution helps reduce pain and keep the bleeding at bay. From there, your surgeon will begin extracting fat from your body.
After the extraction, fat will go through a purification process with the aid of special equipment. The process involves three stages: washing, processing, and refinement. Then, your surgeon will use a small plastic tube to inject the refined fat into very small and hollow cuts made at the upper part of your breasts.
Session 2
The second session of fat transfer breast augmentation usually takes place around 8 weeks after the first session. During this session, your surgeon will carry out the first top-up.
Don’t worry, though, you won’t undergo any further fat extraction during the second session, as the remaining fat from the first session is usually sufficient. This means that the second session is all about injecting more fat into the breasts.
Why is this necessary? Because the body tends to absorb some of the injected fat, resulting in the size of your breasts shrinking compared to its size after the first session.
Also, as mentioned previously, there’s a limit to how much fat a surgeon can inject per session, meaning the larger you want your breasts to be, the more top-up sessions will be required. This also means that further fat extraction may be required.
Session 3
Depending on your requirements, the third session may or may not be your final session. If it’s not your last session, top-up sessions will continue to take place every 6 months (starting from the third session) or so until you reach the desired outcome of the procedure.
Just to give you a frame of reference and help you set realistic expectations, for every one-cup increase in breast size, about two and a half pints of body fat is required.
After your final top-up session, your surgeon will seal the incisions with the aid of strapping and tape. Then, you’ll go back to the ward to get some rest before you’re sanctioned to go home.
Your cosmetic surgeon may leave small drainage tubes under the skin of your breasts to reduce bruising and swelling. These tubes are typically removed before you’re sent home.
Speaking of going home, you may be able to leave the hospital right after the operation, or you may be required to spend a night at the hospital, depending on your case. During the operation, you shouldn’t feel any pain. However, whilst at home, you may experience some pain for a few days. If need be, the surgeon should prescribe suitable painkillers.
What to Expect During Your Consultation?
The purpose of any initial consultation related to cosmetic surgeries is to discuss your needs and expectations with your chosen surgeon. You should expect your surgeon to gauge your current size and shape of your breasts. Further, they’ll gauge the quality and quantity of breast tissue. Moreover, your surgeon will assess the most optimal areas for fat extraction.
Apart from the assessment, expect your surgeon to ask questions with regard to past medical conditions, previous history with breast cancer or any other breast disease, your current health status, allergies you may have, and past experience with radiation or chemotherapy.
Further, the surgeon will ask you about any current use of medications or herbal remedies, your alcohol intake, potential drug use, and smoking history, or the intake of any nicotine products.
It’s very important that you be fully honest with your surgeon so that they’re able to advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do to ensure the best possible results.
After assessing your body and inquiring about the above-mentioned information, your surgeon will begin explaining what fat transfer breast augmentation can help you achieve. You’ll also be able to try on a host of different breast sizes so that you can visualise your desired final results.
What to Inquire About During Your Consultation?
You’re also required to ask questions during your breast augmentation consultation so that you develop a solid understanding of what a fat transfer procedure involves and whether or not it’s the right option for you. Below are some of the things you should ask your surgeon about.
- Whether or not the surgeon thinks your expectations are realistic and achievable
- What you can do before and after the procedure to ensure the best possible results
- Whether or not the surgeon has performed this operation before
- If there are any pictures of previously performed breast fat transfer procedures
- Whether or not your body will be scared and where the scars will be
- If there are any alternatives to a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure
Risks and Side-Effects of Fat Transfer to the Breasts
As with any surgical operation, fat transfer to the breasts has some risks and complications that you must be aware of. During your consultation, your surgeon must lay out all of the side-effects and risks associated with the procedure so that you’re aware of them before signing the consent form. Assuming you’re yet to have your consultation, here are some of the risks and side-effects you ought to be aware of.
Bleeding and Bruising
The risk of bleeding and bruising is associated with virtually all surgical operations. You should expect mild bleeding and bruises after the operation. After a couple of weeks, however, these effects dissipate and get replaced with mild swelling and tenderness. This is completely normal. If you experience any of these side-effects, refer to your surgeon for advice.
Fat Necrosis and Oil Cysts
Fat necrosis is when the fat cells are injured and become dead fat cells. Oil cysts, on the other hand, is when the fat cells die prematurely. With fat transfer breast augmentation, the possibility of these side-effects happening is quite low. Dead fat cells can easily be identified with the aid of mammograms or ultrasound, and there are many successful treatments that can resolve them.
If your cosmetic surgeon is experienced and employs good surgical technique, you don’t have to worry about fat necrosis or oil cysts whatsoever. That said, your number one priority should be to opt for a surgeon with tons of experience in the field.
Breast Infection
There’s always the possibility of developing some sort of infection after undergoing a breast enlargement procedure. Breast infections, or any infections, for that matter, are to be taken extremely seriously. Luckily, if you develop any post-operative infection, it’ll become apparent within a matter of 2-3 weeks.
Some of the most notable symptoms of an infection that you should look out for include the inability of your wounds to heal and increased skin redness around the wound. If you develop a mild infection, chances are you’ll need to take an antibiotic. Of course, you should consult your surgeon before taking any medication.
Other Complications
- Allergic reactions
- Temporary numbness
- Fat loss from the injected area of the body
- Post-operative pain
- Anaesthetic risks
- Air leaking
- Nausea
- Blood clot formation
- Vomiting
What to Expect During Breast Fat Transfer Aftercare?
After your cosmetic surgery, you may need to spend a night at the hospital to ensure your full recovery. Before you leave, the surgeon will set up a post-operative appointment, during which your recovering process will be assessed and dressings will be replaced. You’re also free to communicate any concerns with your surgeon during this appointment.
As far as returning to work, it all boils down to the nature of your job. If it’s a physically taxing job, you’ll need to take a week off at least. And when it’s time to return to work, you’ll have to take things slow and easy. During the first couple of weeks after the surgery, you want to steer clear of all strenuous tasks. We recommend referring to your surgeon about the exact time you should return to work.
Okay, so what about sports and exercise? During the first week after the operation, you should be resting religiously. Don’t do any exercise at all during that period. After the first week, you can engage in light exercises and activities that don’t require rigorous movement, like cycling and walking. By the third week, you should be able to return to any sport and exercise. If you engage in contact sports, please be extremely cautious, as your breasts may still be sore and swollen.
As far as clothing, your breasts will need a lot of support, which is why you’ll be required to wear a post-operative bra, which will also help reduce the bruising and swelling. The bra ought to be worn day and night for the first 1-2 weeks. We recommend referring your cosmetic surgeon for specific instructions on when you should stop wearing the bra.
FAQs
How Much of the Transferred Fat Will Survive?
It all boils down to the quality of rest you take after the surgery. The breasts are one of the best areas for fat transfer, as they naturally contain fat. For the transferred fat to survive, it needs to re-vascularise, and in order for it to do that, you’ll have to rest well.
How Long Will the Breast Augmentation Last?
The amount of fat that remains in your breasts after 3 months from the operation will always remain there as long as you keep a fairly stable weight.
Do I Need to Sleep on My Back After Surgery?
Yes, you should sleep on your back whilst maintaining a slightly elevated position, especially in the first week after the operation. Ideally, you should sleep on your back for about 6 weeks after the operation.