Fat transfer procedures have risen in number and popularity in recent years. After the impact of facial fat transfer and the Brazilian Butt Lift, it was only a matter of time before interested plastic surgeons found a way to utilize a patient’s unwanted fatty tissue to enhance the breasts. If you are interested in natural breast augmentation, it is important to obtain information from a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a history of successfully performing this procedure.
Dr. Pittman, one of the first US surgeons to research fat transfer to the breast, is proud to have achieved outstanding results for many of his patients. For more information on traditional breast augmentation, please view our full page on the procedure.
Fat transfer to the breast is a breast procedure used to either completely augment the breast or enhance the thickness of the breast tissue after placement of an implant. This option offers a more natural breast augmentation, as the patient’s own fat cells are used to create new volume. Fat transfer involves liposuction, which purifies the fat that is suctioned, and then injects that fat into the breast.
Fat transfer to the breasts offers several benefits for those looking for a more natural approach to breast augmentation compared to traditional implants, such as:
There are two types of patients who are ideal for fat transfer to the breast:
Book a consultation. Dr. Pittman will begin by discussing your goals and assessing your body fat distribution. This will help him determine if fat transfer breast augmentation is right for you.
If you’re ready to move forward, a treatment plan will be created for you. Contact the office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step.
Our objective before surgery is to ensure that you achieve the best results with the lowest risk. After your consultation, you may receive a detailed pre-op instruction document. This may discuss specifics, such as when to discontinue certain medications and what those medications are. For example, you must avoid products that thin the blood before having surgery. Certain prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and even some vitamins and supplements can do that.
Before having surgery, it is necessary to stop smoking. If you currently smoke and you know you want to have natural breast augmentation, we suggest that you begin your smoking cessation process now, knowing that it can take some time for your body to adjust to optimal circulatory and oxygenation functions. Smoking is detrimental to surgery, creating increased risks, as well as to surgical outcomes, preventing the proper blood flow to tissues that are healing. In the area of fat transfer, specifically, a lack of blood flow can lead to the loss of more fat cells than we normally anticipate.
Due to the way in which fat transfer works, it is also necessary to reach a point at which you are happy with your weight before undergoing this procedure. While it is necessary that you have a sufficient amount of fatty tissue in one or more areas from which the doctor can harvest fat cells, there is a balance between how much you need to have and how much you want to have. If you are not at your ideal weight before fat transfer, and you lose more than 25 pounds after your procedure, there is a chance that the fat cells that have been transferred to your breasts could atrophy, thus modifying your breast size and shape.
At the start of the fat transfer breast augmentation procedure, fat is harvested from trouble areas via liposuction. Popular sites for harvesting include the abdomen, thighs, and rear end. Gentle techniques must be used in order to preserve the health of the donor fat cells.
Once enough fat has been harvested, the fatty tissue will be purified. This process involves removing unnecessary material and dead or damaged fat cells, leaving only healthy cells for transfer.
Finally, the purified fat cells will be injected into the breasts in key areas to create a natural-looking increase in volume. The exact placement and amount of fat will vary depending on each individual case and the patient’s specific goals. Because not all of the implanted fat cells will survive after transfer, more fat than needed will be injected.
Every patient’s recovery process after fat transfer breast augmentation is different depending on the specifics of their case. Follow Dr. Pittman’s post-surgical care directions as closely as possible for optimal results.
The first active phase of the procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat from other parts of your body, typically areas with excess fat such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips. Dr. Pittman makes small incisions in the selected area and inserts a cannula to suction out your surplus fat. You will be under general anesthesia to ensure you remain comfortable.
Once the fat is extracted, it undergoes a purification process to separate the healthy fat cells from the damaged ones and other fluids. Common techniques for processing the fat include centrifugation, filtration, or sedimentation. The goal is to prepare the highest-quality fat cells for injection into the breasts.
When the purified fat is ready, Dr. Pittman strategically injects it into specific areas of your breasts using small needles or cannulas. Multiple injections are placed at various depths and locations to achieve a natural look and feel. The technique focuses on creating a smooth contour with the existing breast tissue.
Fat transfer patients experience relatively little recovery and aftercare. This can vary, depending on the number of areas of the body on which liposuction is performed.
You can expect minor to moderate bruising, swelling, soreness, or tenderness in each area of liposuction. You may be instructed to wear compression garments in each area to assist with your healing process. The doctor may also place drains to help relieve post-operative fluid accumulation.
To facilitate optimal healing, it is recommended that you take two to three days off work, during which you can rest as much as your body needs. After the initial recovery period, you can resume light activities and return to normal daily tasks, such as a desk job. You must avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a few weeks. Doing so helps the transferred fat cells establish their new blood supply without interference.
You may take over-the-counter or prescription medication as instructed to manage post-operative discomfort.
The cost of fat transfer breast augmentation in Washington, D.C., starts at $10,000, although this can vary depending on individual goals and surgical needs.
During a consultation at Somenek + Pittman MD, our patient care coordinator will provide a personalized quote based on your desired outcome. Financing options may also be available to help make your procedure more accessible.
Dr. Troy Pittman is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast and body surgery. Co-founder of Somenek + Pittman MD in Washington, D.C., and New York City, Dr. Pittman is recognized for his expertise in complex revision breast surgery and non-surgical treatments, including wrinkle relaxers and CO2 laser resurfacing.
A former faculty member at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown University, he completed advanced training in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery. Dr. Pittman has been recognized as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly, Washingtonian, and DC Modern Luxury Magazine. Known for his personalized care, he delivers natural, balanced results tailored to each patient’s goals.
Dr. Troy Pittman will explain the process of fat transfer to the breast during an informative consultation at our office. To take the first step towards larger breasts, contact our office today to arrange your consultation.
