Breast augmentation using body fat
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to improve the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation can be done with breast implants or with the patient’s own body fat (lipofilling).
For whom is it recommended?
The ideal patient is considered to be a woman of stable weight who has accumulated fat tissue in certain areas (e.g. abdomen, hips, buttocks). Usually, fat tissue for transplantation is harvested from the abdomen, hips and side areas using thin cannulas about 3 mm in diameter.
Frequently asked questions about the procedure
What happens to the removed fat tissue?
Viable fat cells are extracted by centrifugation, decantation or filtration. The resulting material is then refined and backfilled into the specified area.
How many sizes can you increase in one surgery?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat usually causes a 1-cup size increase. Patients should always bear in mind that this method of breast augmentation with autologous fat will require at least two sessions depending on the amount of augmentation they wish to achieve.
What happens to the fat transplanted to the breast in the context of weight loss?
The transplanted adipose tissue follows the same course as other body fat, so if the patient gains weight, the breast fat cells will also increase in volume and the breast size will increase, while if the patient loses weight, the breast volume will decrease.
How painful is the procedure?
After the surgery, pain relief with ibuprofen or paracetamol is usually sufficient.
Do I have to wear a compression garment after a fat transfer breast augmentation surgery?
Following a fat transfer breast augmentation surgery, you will be fitted with a sports bra that provides good support to the chest and a compression garment over the area of fat suction, which is applied in the operating theatre.
Will I be able to have a mammogram or breast ultrasound after the procedure?
After fat transfer breast augmentation, a follow-up mammogram can be performed without any problems 6 months after the procedure. In fact, we will ask you to have a preoperative mammogram or breast ultrasound to assess the condition of your breasts before surgery.
Information
How does fat transfer breast augmentation work?
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, but can also be done under local infiltration anaesthesia. Before the surgery, the markings are made and the surgical plan is set up. Fat is suctioned from the areas specified during the discussion in the consultation, and the suctioned material is then further refined and transfereed into the breast area. In the operating theatre, compression garments are applied. The procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes.
After the surgery
After the surgery, you will spend one night in our clinic for observation. This involves pain relief, applying ice packs, mobilisation and continuous monitoring of the condition.
There are a number of conditions that can occur after surgery that you should know about:
- Temporary discomfort
- Swelling or bruising with a feeling of “tightness”
- Pain similar to “muscle fever”
- Itch
Risks
Every intervention has its potential complications:
- It can be haemorrhage, infection, abnormal wound healing, vascular and nerve injury, thrombosis, embolism, death.
- Bruising, asymmetry.
- Irregularity or nodule formation in the liposuction area
- The most feared consequence is fat embolism, which is very rare but can be fatal.
- Fat filling can later lead to the development of oleomas, seromas and fat cysts.
Healing
The patient should rest for at least 48-72 hours and avoid any kind of exertion. Patients usually return to normal life after 5-7 days; exercise should be avoided for the first month after the surgery.
The earliest time to assess the results is three months after surgery, and in case another procedure is necessary, it can be scheduled at the earliest at this time.
Results
With good surgical technique, the results are satisfactory and self-esteem improves.