Who Is Breast Fat Injection Suitable For?

Breast fat injection (fat transfer) is a method that aims to increase breast volume by transferring fat taken from another area of the body to the breast. People who would like breast enlargement should first consult a plastic surgeon for information. Different breast augmentation methods can be used depending on the person's general body structure, breast structure and expectations; breast fat injection is one of them.

With age, it is normal for breast tissue to lose volume and for the breasts to sag to some degree. Women who are bothered by these changes can discuss breast augmentation options with their doctor.

Who Is Breast Fat Injection Suitable For?

Breast fat injection is usually considered in the following situations:

• People who want a limited increase in breast volume and do not want to use breast implants,
• People who have had part of the breast removed during breast cancer treatment and have tissue loss in this area.

For the method to be used, the body must have enough fat tissue that can be harvested; in very slim people the amount of fat that can be taken may be limited. If there is marked sagging, a breast lift may be more suitable, and if a marked increase in volume is desired, surgical options such as breast implants may be more suitable.

How Is Breast Fat Injection Performed?

Fat is taken by liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips or thighs; it is prepared through processes such as washing and centrifugation and transferred to the breast with fine cannulas. No breast implant is used; however, the fat harvesting stage is a surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia. Different techniques may be used depending on the purpose of the procedure.

How Much Enlargement Can Be Achieved, and Is the Result Permanent?

Part of the transferred fat is absorbed by the body over time; for this reason, the enlargement achieved with fat injection is usually limited. The amount of fat that can be transferred in one session is determined by the doctor according to the person's breast structure, and this amount is not exceeded in the same session. If more volume is desired, more than one session may be needed.

The proportion of fat that remains varies from person to person and depends on how many of the transferred fat cells survive. The result achieved may decrease somewhat over time.

Assessment Before the Procedure

Before the procedure, a breast examination is performed and, if the doctor considers it necessary, imaging tests are requested. The person's expectations, breast structure and whether there is sagging are assessed together. If the breasts are also sagging, an additional procedure such as a breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed.

Apart from fat injection, there are other methods for adding fullness to the breast, such as breast implants. For people who share their expectations openly with the doctor, the most suitable method is determined after the examination.

Risks of Breast Fat Injection

Like any surgical procedure, breast fat injection has risks:

• Bruising, swelling, tightness and pain in the areas where fat is taken and transferred,
• Absorption of part of the transferred fat and the need for an additional session,
• Death of fat tissue (fat necrosis), oil cysts and calcification; these can cause lumps that can be felt in the breast and changes on imaging,
• Infection,
• Scarring at the points where fat is taken and transferred.

Because the fat is transferred through small entry points a few millimetres long, there is usually no noticeable scar. Any procedure performed on breast tissue may affect future breast examinations and breast imaging; for this reason, you should always mention that you have had fat injection when you have breast screening.

After the Procedure

In the early period after the procedure the breasts are swollen; the final appearance becomes visible as the swelling goes down. In the first days, cold may be applied as recommended by the doctor; unless the doctor recommends it, the area where fat was transferred should not be massaged or pressed. It is important to avoid excessive heat and steam, to take the medicines recommended by the doctor regularly and to attend check-ups.

If you notice pain, redness, swelling, fever, discharge or a new lump in the breast, you should contact your doctor. For detailed information, you can visit our breast augmentation page.

Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın