Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Not all breast augmentation procedures use implants. With a fat transfer breast augmentation, women can enjoy naturally larger breasts without the need for synthetic material. Plus, the procedure uses fat from the patient’s own body to enhance the breasts.

The fat is collected using a special liposuction technique, so patients also have the opportunity to slim and sculpt a part of their body where there may be excess fat. A fat transfer breast augmentation is essentially two procedures in one!

Dr. John Millard is skillfully trained in the art of fat transfer breast augmentation. He works closely with his patients to give them the natural, enhanced bust that they desire. Contact Millard Plastic Surgery in the greater Denver, Colorado area today to request a consultation.

About Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as natural breast augmentation or breast fat grafting, is a way to naturally enhance the size and shape of the breasts without the need for implants. The procedure starts by using liposuction, either SmartLipo or VASER Hi Def Lipo, in order to collect fat from the body where the patient has excess fat deposits. Then, the fat is cleaned and purified and injected into the breasts. The fat will take to its new location in the breasts, providing patients with long term results that look and feel like natural breast tissue.

Before and After Photos

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Fat Transfer vs Implants

If a patient desire an increase in their bust size more than two cup sizes, then they will likely be a good candidate for implants rather than fat transfer. A fat transfer procedure augments the breasts by one or two cup sizes, so it is a good option for women seeking a modest increase. One breast augmentation option isn’t necessarily better than the other, it simply depends on what the patient hopes to achieve with their breast augmentation procedure and the specifics of the individual case.

Depending on the increase that the patient desires, patients may not have enough excess fat on their body in order to successfully perform a fat transfer. In this case, patients would also be asked to consider implants.

In terms of safety, both silicone and saline implants have come a long way. However, there is still a chance that implants can leak or rupture. If saline implants rupture, then it will be immediately visible. However, if a silicone implant ruptures, the patient will not be able to immediately tell. This is why patients who have silicone implants have to get routine MRI scans. With a fat transfer breast augmentation, patients never need to worry about rupturing or scheduling routine, and expensive, MRI appointments. Plus, they will never need to replace their implants after a rupture.

While saline implants are better in terms of safety, many women complain that they don’t feel natural. They have very little structure, which doesn’t feel like natural breast tissue. With a fat transfer, the results feel and look extremely natural.

Nonetheless, there is no “best” breast augmentation technique. At Millard Plastic Surgery, we offer implants and fat transfers to our breast augmentation patients. In some cases, Dr. Millard may recommend that a patient get both implants and a fat transfer procedure.

In order to find out which breast augmentation technique would be best for you, schedule a consultation to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast enhancement, like Dr. Millard.

Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Good Candidates

Women interested in breast enhancement without implants may be good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation. It is important that candidates have realistic expectations for the outcome of a fat transfer breast augmentation surgery. Prospective candidates can take a look at before and after photos in our gallery and will be presented with more photos of previous patients at the time of the consultation. However, they should keep in mind that results will vary since it is a very individualized procedure. Fat transfer breast augmentation will not be able to provide the same dramatic results as implants, so candidates should be looking for subtle augmentation of one to two cup sizes.

In order to perform a successful fat transfer procedure, patients must have adequate fat deposits on their body to perform liposuction. Depending on the desired size increase, Dr. Millard will have to perform SmartLipo or VASER Hi Def Liposuction on two to three parts of the patient’s body. Patients should not be obese, but slimmer patients may not be suitable candidates. Patients should be in good health and have the ability to heal well. They should also not smoke.

Natural Breast Augmentation Steps

A fat transfer breast augmentation procedure involves first harvesting fat from the body using a special liposuction technique and then injecting it into the breasts for augmentation. The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and takes 4-6 hours.

Liposuction

Depending on the patient, Dr. Millard will either use SmartLipo or VASER Hi Def Liposuction to harvest fat from the patient’s body. Liposuction can be performed anywhere on the body where there are excess fat deposits that the patient wishes to reduce. Some of the most common areas where liposuction is performed include:

VASER Hi Def Breast can also be performed to increase the appearance of the bust. This involves VASER lipo performed on the inferior and lateral areas surrounding the breast, helping to enhance the look of the bust and create an hourglass figure. The skin tightening effect can also help to slightly lift the breasts.

To begin, Dr. Millard will make small incisions near the liposuction site and insert a cannula to suction the fat out of the body. In SmartLipo, lasers help melt and liquefy the fat so that it is easier to remove from the body. It has the added benefit of tightening the skin around that area as well.

Dr. John Millard was a pioneer of VASER Hi Def Lipo, a liposuction technique that uses ultrasound technology to break down the fat before it is suctioned out of the body. This system separates fat cells from blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves to help purify the fat and minimize trauma to the liposuction location.

At the time of the consultation, Dr. Millard will work with the patient to determine the best liposuction technique for them.

Augmentation

Prior to being injected into the breasts, Dr. Millard will clean the fat using the Puregraft centrifugation system. Then, he will inject the cleaned, viable fat into the breasts in small increments and at varying depths. By evenly distributing the fat, Dr. Millard will ensure that the maximum amount of fat will survive in the newly grafted location. Since not all of the fat will survive, he will slightly overcompensate with the amount he injects. The little fat that does not take will be naturally eliminated from the body.

Recovery

Following the procedure, patients will be bandaged and wrapped in a surgical bra that will help their breasts settle into their new shape. Patients should plan on taking 2-3 days off from work in order to rest and recuperate. Swelling and slight discomfort may persist for 2-3 weeks following the procedure. However, patients will be provided with medication that they can take to help ease this discomfort.

Dr. Millard will schedule several follow-up appointments with the patient in his Lone Tree, CO office in order to ensure that the healing process is going smoothly and that the patient is satisfied with their results. In some cases, patients may require more than one fat transfer in order to achieve their desired results. Final results will become apparent in approximately six months.

Consultation

The consultation is the first step in any procedure that Dr. Millard performs. At the time of the consultation, he will ask the patient about their concerns, why they are interested in fat transfer, and their desired results. In order to determine the best procedure for the patient, he will conduct a physical exam, ask about the patient’s medical history, and take photographs for further evaluation.

Dr. Millard will work with the patient in order to develop a personalized procedure plan. The patient and the doctor will discuss where to perform liposuction, the liposuction technique to be used, and the size of the breast augmentation. The doctor will also provide more detailed information on how to prepare for the operation, what to expect on the day of surgery, and how to recover optimally. At this time, he will also be able to provide the patient with an accurate price quote for their procedure.

If the patient feels fully informed then they are welcome to schedule their surgery date at this time. However, the ultimate goal of the consultation is to make sure that the patient understands the procedure in its entirety and is adequately equipped to make the decision of whether or not to have a fat transfer breast augmentation; there is absolutely no pressure to schedule a date.

If the patient is not a good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation, then Dr. Millard will recommend other procedures or treatments that may help them achieve their desired goals.

Contact Millard Plastic Surgery in Lone Tree, CO, outside of Denver, today and request a consultation to get started!