Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Can Fat Replace Artificial Breast Implants?

Do you have small breasts that you want to increase in size? Most of those who want to augment their breasts think the only way to do so is with a silicone or saline implant. While this is the most common form of breast augmentation, there is now another option. Fat transfer—also called fat grafting or natural augmentation—is the process of taking fat from one part of the body and transferring it to another. In the case of breast augmentation, it is now possible for a plastic surgeon to remove fat from an area that has an excess and put that fat into your breast area for an augmentation that consists only of your own natural tissues. Interested in learning if this is the right option for you? Here is everything you need to know:

What is Fat Transfer Augmentation?

Fat transfer can achieve two goals in one. It can reduce the fat in areas where you do not want it—such as the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, or back—and increase fat where you do want it. Most commonly, the fat is transferred to the breasts, but it can also be used to increase volume in the face or buttocks areas. With a fat transfer, you can achieve a more sculpted, balanced figure—all with your own natural fat tissues.

Performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, the process starts with a liposuction procedure done on the donor area where you want fat removed. Once these fat cells have been removed, they are purified in a special machine and then re-injected into the correct breast areas to create fuller, bigger breasts. The results in breast volume can be seen immediately while it may take a few weeks for swelling to go down in the liposuction area and for those results to be revealed.

What are the Differences Between a Fat Transfer and Breast Implant?

Many women love the natural look and feel of having their own fat used as augmentation tissue instead of a synthetic implant. Because fat is injected into the area instead of an implant being surgically inserted, there are no scars from this type of augmentation. However, the recovery time is still similar as the patient needs to heal from liposuction in another area of the body as opposed to simply healing in the breast area.

With fat transfer augmentation, there is no risk of the body rejecting an implant, and there is no maintenance required as is sometimes needed with a saline or silicone implant. There is also no risk of hardening or rippling. However, in some cases, the fat that is transferred can be absorbed back into the body, making it necessary to have additional procedures done to achieve the desired results.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Fat Transfer Augmentation

Fat transfer augmentations are still relatively new procedures when compared to breast augmentation with implants. However, Dr. Mussat has found them to be successful for many different types of patients. Ideal candidates for fat transfer augmentations are those who would like to enhance their breasts while sculpting another area of their body that has ample unwanted fat. They should also have healthy skin with plenty of elasticity and want a subtle enhancement of about one cup size. They should also be aware of and have reasonable expectations for the procedure and know that additional procedures may be necessary should some of the fat be reabsorbed by their body.

Scheduling Your Fat Transfer Augmentation with Dr. Mussat

If you are in the Chicago area and would like to see if a natural augmentation is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mussat. She has performed hundreds of breast surgeries including augmentations with implants as well as natural augmentations and is experienced with the differences between the two procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Mussat will examine the area you would like to sculpt as well as your breast area and talk to you about your goals for surgery. She will also go over your health history and ensure she has answered all your questions regarding the procedure before scheduling your appointment.

Now you can sculpt and enhance in one convenient procedure! Contact Dr. Mussat today to learn more.