Learn about breast augmentation using your own body fat (Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation)

Many women are concerned about their appearance, especially the shape and size of their breasts. Perhaps you too feel a little unhappy or inadequate with the size of your breasts. You may have heard of breast augmentation surgery as a solution to this. But when you say that, many people think of silicone implants. But many people do not want to put something artificial that is placed outside the body. So is there a natural alternative for such people? Actually, yes. That is, taking your own unwanted fat and injecting it into the breasts to achieve a beautiful shape and larger size. Today we are talking about this method, which is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation .

Simply put, what is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

This is what the name suggests. 'Fat Transfer' means 'transferring fat'. 'Breast Augmentation' means 'enlarging the breasts'. Simply put, this involves taking some fat from an area of ​​your body where there is excess fat (for example, the stomach, hips, thighs), cleaning it, and injecting it into your breasts.

The biggest advantage of this is that it kills two birds with one stone. That is, since fat is removed from an area that you think is unnecessary, that area becomes slimmer, and you can also use that same fat to enlarge your breasts. It's like using your own body's resources elsewhere and taking advantage of it.

Who is this method most suitable for?

Now you're probably thinking, "Oh... this sounds good, can I do this too?" This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Let's take a look at who this is best for, and who it's not so good for.

The most important thing is that, since this is a cosmetic surgery, you should discuss with a qualified plastic surgeon what your expectations are and whether they can be achieved through this procedure.

What are the steps involved in the surgery?

This surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. This means you won't feel anything, you'll be asleep. This is an outpatient procedure that you can do the same day and go home.

Here are the simple steps:

1. Step One: Fat Harvesting

• First, the doctor will remove fat from a location that you have decided on, for example, the abdomen, thighs, or hips. This is done using a method called `Liposuction.` A small incision is made and a thin tube is inserted to remove the fat.

2. Second step: Fat Processing/Purification

• The fat collected in this way is not injected directly into the breasts. It needs to be removed from the blood, oil, and other unwanted substances. This is done by placing it in a high-speed spinning device called a `centrifuge`, which separates only the clean, living fat cells.

3. Step Three: Fat Injection

• Finally, the purified fat cells are injected into various layers of the breast using very small syringes. The injections are distributed throughout the breast, rather than injecting too much into one area, to achieve a natural shape and appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to 'Breast Implants'

When many people think of this method, they inevitably compare it to 'Breast Implants.' Let's take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of these two.

Advantages of Fat Transfer

• The most natural look and feel: Because your own fat is used, the results are very natural. The breasts also feel like a normal breast.
• Nothing foreign enters the body: Since there is no artificial substance like silicone, there is no risk of the body rejecting it or developing complications associated with it (e.g. `Capsular Contracture` - the formation of a hard membrane around the implant).
• Double benefit: As the breasts get bigger, the fat deposits become thinner.
• Longevity: The cells that survive from the transplanted fat cells become a permanent part of your body. This means the results last a lifetime.
• No need for re-surgery: Unlike breast implants, they don't need to be replaced every 10-15 years.

Disadvantages of Fat Transfer

• Limited size: This method can only enlarge breasts to a limited extent (usually one or two cup sizes). If you want to go bigger than that, implants are the way to go.
• Does not reduce sagging: This only adds volume to the breasts. If you already have sagging breasts, this method cannot fix them. You will need to undergo a surgery called a `Breast Lift`.
• You may need to have repeat surgeries: Sometimes, one surgery may not be enough to get you to the size you want. In that case, you may need to have another surgery or two.
• Results are not 100% certain: It is not possible to say exactly how many of the injected fat cells will survive. Some cells are absorbed by the body. Therefore, the final result is not as certain as with implants.

Recovery time and things to consider after surgery

Although you will be able to go home after surgery, you will need to rest for a while. Doctors usually advise you to stay away from work and heavy lifting for about a week.

• After surgery, your chest area will be covered with an elastic bandage and a special bra (surgical bra). This will help the transplanted fat stay in place.
• Pain, swelling, and bruising in the breasts and the area where the fat was removed may last for about three weeks. It may take about six months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be seen.
• Sleep on your side: This is important to avoid putting pressure on your breasts.
• Use the medications (antibiotics and painkillers) exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
• Wear loose clothing: Wearing clothes that don't constrict your breasts helps with the healing process.

When should you call the doctor immediately?

If anything unusual happens during your recovery, you should be concerned. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your surgeon immediately.

• If there is excessive bleeding, swelling, or bruising .
• If you experience unbearable pain .
• If nausea and vomiting persist.
• If you develop signs of infection (fever, yellow discharge from the surgical site).

Does this affect breast cancer risk or mammogram screening?

This is an important question for many people.

However, this may have some impact on mammogram tests. Let's see how that works.

Normally, fatty tissue appears black on a mammogram, and solid objects like cancer cells appear white. This surgery adds more fat to the breast, but if there is a cancer, it can be clearly seen.

However, sometimes this surgery can cause microcalcifications (very small calcium deposits) in the breasts. These appear as small white dots on a mammogram. While most of these are harmless, sometimes these calcium deposits can be seen in clusters as a sign of very early breast cancer, such as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS).

Therefore, if you have had this surgery, it is very important to inform the relevant technician every time you have a `Mammogram`. Then, if the radiologist has any doubts, he may recommend another test such as `Breast Ultrasound`, `MRI` or `Needle Biopsy` to confirm whether it is cancer or not.