Fat Transfer

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

Bigger Breasts Fat Transfer. White Bra. Dr. Chaffoo in La Jolla

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the body and inserting it into the breasts to increase their size and enhance their shape. Also known as autologous fat transfer or natural breast enhancement, this innovative technique combines the benefits of body contouring with the desire for fuller breasts.

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we offer fat transfer breast augmentation procedures for the residents of La Jolla, San Diego, Orange County, Beverly Hills, and beyond. One of the only triple board-certified plastic surgeons in the country, Dr. Richard Chaffoo works together with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart to deliver a world-class experience. To learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation, call (800) 373-4773 or fill out this form.

Before and After Photos

Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #6069
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #6069
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #6019
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #6019
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #5157
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #5157
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About Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

The size, shape, and curvature of your body are unique, and part of what makes you beautiful. Nevertheless, almost everyone has some part of their body that they’d like to change to achieve their aesthetic desires. One of the most popular areas to address is the breasts, and there are many different ways to enhance their size and shape. At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we offer our patients fat transfer breast augmentation to help enhance their bust.

When it comes to breast augmentation, most patients are seeking breasts that are noticeably fuller and larger, often going up one or more cup sizes. Such a significant change typically requires the use of breast implants which may be silicone (gummy bear) or saline. For smaller, more natural-looking enhancements, we offer fat transfer breast augmentation, which eliminates the need for implants by using donor fat harvested from other areas of the body.

A fat transfer breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that utilizes a popular body contouring technique to enhance target areas. By combining liposuction with targeted injections, your surgeon can graft fat to help fill out or enhance areas such as the breasts. Since the procedure requires liposuction, patients must choose a donor site for the fat graft. Common areas include the lower abdomen, thighs, arms, and buttocks. Fat transfers are less invasive than other breast augmentation procedures, particularly implant surgery. Fat transfer can help to enhance the results of breast implant surgery to provide a natural fullness that might not be possible with breast implants alone.

Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Natural breast augmentation offers improvements in two ways: by enlarging the breasts with natural fat, and by removing fat in the areas that it is harvested. For patients who struggle with excess or stubborn fat in those areas, this is a remarkably efficient procedure, as it improves their figure while enhancing their breasts. Some of the other benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation include:

  • You can address the loss of breast volume from pregnancy or weight loss
  • You can improve breast asymmetry
  • Clothes fit better with a fuller bust
  • Perkier breasts can make you look better at any age
  • You will have newfound confidence in your body and boosted self-esteem
  • You will have newfound motivation to stay fit and active

Who is a Candidate for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is an ideal procedure for patients who wish to achieve a conservative but effective increase in bust shape or size, or who struggle with breast asymmetry.

To be considered eligible, you must have enough donor fat that can be successfully harvested to perform the procedure. You also must be in relatively good health, which we will review at your consultation. 

We take great care to deliver cosmetic results safely, and your body’s ability to heal is an essential part of that. You should also have realistic expectations about what a fat transfer breast augmentation can do for you. This procedure can make your breasts look bigger and more beautiful, but it is best for patients who prefer natural-looking results over an attention-grabbing increase in size.  

Personal Consultation

Big Breast Fat Transfer. Black Bra. Dr. Chaffoo in La Jolla

If you have been considering breast augmentation, but are not sure if implants are right for you, consider a fat transfer with Dr. Chaffoo. It is ideal for anyone who wants to avoid the risk of implant complications, replacing or exchanging them, or has allergy concerns related to silicone. Patients who want to see a dramatic enhancement may not be the best candidate for a fat transfer, but Dr. Chaffoo will work closely with each patient to understand their unique needs. At your consultation, we will examine your breasts and ask you about your aesthetic goals. With the information we gather, we can create a personalized treatment plan for you. We will also ask you some questions about your medical history, as well as run some medical tests to ensure this procedure is a safe option for you. 

To schedule your personal consultation at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, call (800) 373-4773 or contact us online.

Preparation

Preparing for surgery is an essential part of ensuring a successful procedure with satisfying results. We will provide you with personalized instructions for how to best prepare. These may include changes in your medicine intake and your everyday activity. Patients should take heed not to smoke, drink, or take blood-thinning medications while preparing for their appointments. Make sure that your home is prepared for recovery by keeping everything within close reach and gathering the entertainment you will need to rest and relax as you heal. Don’t forget to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home on the day of your procedure. 

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we perform fat-transfer breast augmentations as outpatient procedures at our accredited and licensed outpatient surgery center. The MD anesthesiologists at the surgery center are all board-certified and members of ASMG, the same anesthesia group that provides anesthesia to patients in most hospitals in San Diego, including Scripps hospitals. Anesthesia will be administered by an MD anesthesiologist in an operating room. Once you are fully anesthetized and asleep, Dr. Chaffoo will make tiny openings in the skin in the area(s) where liposuction will be performed. These small openings are used to insert fluid that reduces bruising and swelling after surgery. Small thin cannulas are then gently inserted through which the excess fat is removed. The fat is collected in a sterile manner and prepared for later injection into the breasts. (1) 

The prepared fat is then transferred into syringes and gently injected into areas of the breast that need enhancement and increased volume in a layered manner. As the volume grows, he will meticulously place the fat to provide a beautiful shape along with the added size. When he is finished, he will close the incisions and your procedure will be complete. The tiny openings for fat removal and transfer to the breasts are placed in remote areas easily covered by clothing and closed with fine sutures leaving minimal scars.

Recovery

Recovering from fat transfer breast augmentation will require some downtime, though comparatively less than with breast implant surgery. We recommend taking a few days off from work and returning when you feel well-rested and able. While you recover, you can expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness in your breasts. These symptoms should only last a couple of weeks. If you feel discomfort, we can prescribe medication to address it. Be gentle with your breasts as the fat cells adjust to their new location. You may have some bruising in your breast tissue that feels tender, but this will go away over time. 

Results

The results of a fat transfer are not immediately visible. A percentage of the fat cells will die, and the others will take some time to settle and grow to their full size. After around six months of natural development, your results will be fully visible. You will be amazed by what a difference some natural volume can do to your breasts and your overall appearance. Once the fat cells have adapted to their new location, the results of your procedure will be permanent, as fat cells do not disappear on their own. However, they can expand and shrink in response to diet and exercise habits, so being proactive about your weight will help to prolong the aesthetic results. The effects of aging on your skin may eventually cause your breasts to sag and lose some volume. If this happens, you can receive additional fat transfers, as well as a breast lift or breast augmentation with implants. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

At La Jolla Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we perform procedures that can complement the results of your fat transfer breast augmentation, or offer an alternative to fat transfer to the breasts. 

Breast Lift

A breast lift is a surgery that addresses sagging breasts. As you age, your skin and connective tissue become weaker, which can cause your breasts to lose shape, volume, and fullness and result in sagging. This procedure involves a surgeon making incisions to remove excess skin, lift tissue,  improve the shape and size of the nipples, and reinforce underlying tissue to improve the shape of the breasts This can make the breasts appear fuller and more youthful, and sit higher on the chest for a perkier look. Breast lift techniques can be utilized alongside a fat transfer breast augmentation to address sagging as well as adding volume. 

Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation with implants can increase the size of your breasts more substantially than fat transfer alone. The implants are made of a silicone shell and are filled with silicone gel or saline, depending on the desired consistency. The procedure involves a surgeon making incisions to insert the implants. In some cases, this can include a fat transfer to make the look and feel of the implants more natural, covering the entire area of the implant with fat. (2) Combining these two procedures can sometimes provide noticeably larger breasts with a more natural aesthetic appearance than breast implants alone. 

To find out more about what we do at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, visit our blog.

How Much Does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost in La Jolla?

The costs associated with fat transfer breast augmentation are dependent on each individual’s treatment plan. We understand that investing in your appearance is a significant decision. During your consultation, we will address any financial concerns or questions you may have. Our goal is to help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals while ensuring you are comfortable with the investment required. To find out more about fat transfer breast augmentation at La Jolla Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, call (800) 373-4773 or inquire here.

FAQ

Who is eligible for fat transfer breast augmentation?

Ideal candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are individuals who desire a modest increase in breast size, have adequate fat reserves in other areas of their body for harvesting, and are in good overall health. During a consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your specific needs and goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Are fat transfer breast augmentation procedures permanent?

The breasts are a part of the body that is constantly changing, especially for women who experience hormonal imbalance or pregnancy. Weight fluctuations can also affect the size or shape of your breasts. Because of this, many breast enhancement results can start to shift or revert back over time. However, with a steady diet and exercise, the results of a fat-transfer breast augmentation should last for a long time. 

Is the fat transfer breast augmentation procedure safe?

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with knowledge and experience in fat transfer, breast augmentation, and body contouring procedures, a breast augmentation fat transfer can be safe and effective.

References

  1. Salibian AA, Frey JD, Bekisz JM, Choi M, Karp NS. Fat Grafting and Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review of Primary Composite Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2019;7(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002340 
  2. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. The science behind autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:65-73. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.11.001