Breast augmentation with fat grafting is gaining popularity in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. This surgical procedure is used worldwide by women who are unsatisfied with their breast size. Breast augmentation using fat transfer is a way to make a small or moderate increase in your breast size. However, for more significant changes, you will need to look for other breast enlargement options like breast implants.
Even though breast transfer with fat grafting is considered a relatively minor procedure and is generally safe, not knowing what will happen during this procedure can create fear and doubts in one’s mind.
Here is all that you need to know about this procedure.
What is this procedure?
This cosmetic procedure involves the removal of fat from the thighs, abdomen, and love handles through liposuction. This fat is then processed and purified in a surgical room and injected into the breast tissue. This newly transferred fat establishes its blood supply within a few days and becomes a part of the breasts.
What Happens Before the Procedure?
Your breast augmentation journey starts when you meet with the surgeon and discuss your possible options. You can describe your goals to your surgeon and tell them what results you are looking for. Your surgeon will take your relevant medical history and guide you about the procedure.
They can also take pre-surgical photographs and mark the areas where the fat will be injected. This is also when you and your surgeon will decide the location for fat harvest.
What Type of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
Breast augmentation using fat transfer is usually performed under local anesthesia. But general anesthesia can also be used.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The first step of the procedure is to remove fat from the donation sites. It could either be from a single site or multiple sites. This fat is then centrifuged, and impurities like water, blood, and oil are removed. This fat is then injected into your breast tissue.
How Long will this procedure Take?
This procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on multiple factors, like how many sites the fat will be removed from.
How Long Will the Hospital Stay?
This outpatient surgery can be performed in a surgeon’s clinic. It does not require any hospital stay. You will be allowed to go on the same day.
How Long Will be the Recovery Period?
Complete recovery can take up to 6 months. There will be some swelling and tenderness at the harvesting site and in your breasts. The pain and swelling can take up to 2 weeks to settle. You will need to take painkillers and antibiotics during this period.
Will there be any Post-Surgical Precautions?
You will be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. Do not put any pressure on your breasts or lie prone. This can lead to the resorption of newly transferred fat grafts and ruin the results. Also, avoid any heavy lifting or aggressive over-the-head activities.
How Good are the Results?
Breast augmentation using fat grafting is a permanent solution for small breast sizes. This procedure has no severe complications, and the results are excellent. However, it will take about 6 months for the shape of your breast to settle.
Are there any Risks of this Surgery?
According to The American Society of Plastic Surgery, breast enlargement with fat grafting poses no serious risks and is not associated with severe complications. Some minor complications that can occur include:
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Irregular breast contour
Conclusion
Breast enlargement with fat grafting provides a permanent solution for your small breast size. It is one of the best ways to moderately increase your breast size. In India, you can get breast augmentation with fat in Mumbai with exceptional results. Dr. Siddharth Prakash is a renowned Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon practicing at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. He is an alumnus of KEM Hospital, Mumbai, and Harvard Medical School, Boston.