SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION OF PLASTIC SURGEONS

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

FAT TRANSFER BREAST AUGMENTATION

Dr Chia Hui Ling
Fat transfer, or fat grafting, to the breast involves the use of liposuction to harvest fat from other parts of the body, and the fat is then injected to volumise the breasts. This surgery is suitable for women who are not overly thin and are seeking a small to moderate increase in breast size. Fat grafts undergo resorption after fat transfer, and rates are reported between 30 to 70%. You may require more than one session of fat grafting to achieve the size you desire.

TREATMENT

Have a thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon, including your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies, medications and previous surgeries. If you are seeking a size increase beyond a cup size or have little body fat reserves, an implant breast augmentation or hybrid breast augmentation may be a better choice. Women with significant breast ptosis, or sagging breasts, a breast lift or mastopexy may be indicated for a more aesthetic result. Expected outcomes, risks and other treatment options should be explained to you.
  • Preparing for Surgery

    Do inform your plastic surgeon of previous breast conditions and surgeries, any medical conditions and medications. Your surgeon may send you for breast screening if you are approaching or more than 40 years old. Avoid blood-thinning medications, anti-inflammatory drugs or herbal supplementations as they can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, unless indicated by your doctor.

  • Surgery

    Using liposuction, fat is aspirated from other parts of the body, commonly the tummy or thighs.  The fat harvest is processed using the surgeon’s method of preference, such as the Coleman’s technique, Lipokit or Puregraft. The prepared fat is injected into the breasts via small puncture wounds.

  • Post-Surgery Care

    There will be swelling and bruising after injection and most of this will resolve at the end of a week. Your surgeon may advise against upper body exercises for a few weeks. With the resorption of fat over time, the size of the breasts after fat transfer will stabilise around 3 months.

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Risks of fat transfer breast augmentation include:
  • Anaesthetic risks
  • Breast cyst and lumpiness
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Altered sensation
  • Asymmetrical results
  • Risks of liposuction
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