How can Fat Transfer Enhance my Breasts?

Fat transfer has been around since the 90’s and has been used in a variety of ways to enhance the face, breasts, buttocks, hands, and other areas of the body. Fat transfer has gained popularity as a longer lasting, more natural alternative to synthetic fillers for cosmetic enhancement of the face, while also garnering attention for its groundbreaking use in buttock enhancement via the Brazilian Butt Lift. While breast enhancement has long been dominated by implants, fat transfer has also become a great option for enhancing the breasts. However, it is common that patients considering cosmetic surgery on the breasts are not as aware of this option that is available to them. This blog post will provide an introduction to the role of fat transfer in breast enhancement, and give patients an idea of if this procedure may be just what they’re looking for.

The basic principle of fat transfer is as follows: Move fat from an area of the body where it is NOT wanted to an area where it IS wanted! The first step in this process is performing gentle liposuction to target unsightly stubborn fat deposits, most commonly on the stomach, back and sides. In addition to melting this fat away, Dr. Traci Temmen is also an expert at performing liposuction in a way that beautifully contours the body by flattening the stomach while accentuating the patient’s natural curves and waist. This not only creates a slimmer profile, but also sculpts an attractive hourglass shape. Once liposuction is complete, the fat that was collected is purified and prepared for transfer into the breasts. The fat is then precisely injected into the breasts to create a beautiful shape and natural boost of volume. This is accomplished through very tiny incisions that are camouflaged in the crease at the bottom of the breast to be as invisible as possible. Dr. Temmen is highly skilled in this procedure, and takes great care to transfer precise volumes of fat into the breasts in order to ensure a proportional and symmetrical result.

Fat transfer to the breasts may be performed as described above on its own to add soft, natural volume to the breasts. When performed alone, patients can expect to see an increase in breast size of approximately 1-1.5 cup sizes. This procedure is best suited for women with smaller breasts who desire a noticeable yet modest increase in breast size. Additionally, women who wish to avoid the use of breast implants or synthetic material may be good candidates for fat transfer to the breasts. Women who desire a greater increase in breast size (more than 1-1.5 cup sizes) may be better suited to breast implants or breast implants in conjunction with fat transfer. Dr. Temmen has detailed conversations with each patient to understand their aesthetic goals and create the perfect plan together.

Another common application of fat transfer is for patients who have previously had breast augmentation with implants but no longer wish to have their breast implants. This may be due to no longer liking the appearance of the implants, capsular contracture (abnormal scarring around the implants), or some other complication. Whatever the reason, Dr. Temmen understands that the decision to have one’s breast implants removed is a personal one, and many women have concerns about what their breasts will look like after implant removal. Dr. Temmen is proud to offer her patients the option of breast implant removal with fat transfer to the breasts. During this procedure, fat transfer is performed following explantation to help fill in the space the implants occupied with soft, natural fat. Patients love this option because it allows them to have their implants removed without the fear of having “deflated” breasts afterwards. Dr. Temmen loves using this specialized procedure to help her patients feel beautiful and confident after implant removal.

While not as well-known to many patients, fat transfer has many applications for use in enhancing the breasts, from adding soft volume on its own, to adding a little extra volume to breast implants, to helping women feel feminine and radiant after breast explantation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is an expert at fat transfer techniques, and is proud to offer her specialized services to her patients. Patients appreciate Dr. Temmen’s gentle bedside manner and perfectionist attitude, helping them feel comfortable and cared for throughout their surgical journey. To view examples of real patient transformations following fat transfer to the breasts, please explore the Before and After section of this website. If you would like to learn more about one of the options discussed in this post or any other cosmetic surgical procedure you may be interested in, simply call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD, today!