While breast implants can sufficiently change the shape and size of the breasts, many candidates prefer to achieve aesthetic changes without the use of implants. If a breast surgery candidate is looking for a minor to moderate change, as opposed to a more drastic change, an alternative option, such as a breast fat transfer, may be a suitable choice.
A breast implant alternative can help patients avoid the potential complications associated with implants. In this blog, we’ll discuss the possible outcomes and disadvantages of choosing a breast fat transfer over breast implants and if other surgical options, such as breast lift, can be an alternative to breast implants.
Is a breast lift a suitable alternative to implants?
A breast lift is designed to lift sagging breasts that have dropped in position due to skin laxity, which can be caused by factors such as the natural ageing process, weight fluctuations and post-pregnancy or breastfeeding changes. Specifically addressing the position of the breasts, and potentially the position of the nipples, a breast lift does not address the size of the breasts in the way that breast implants can. Therefore, a breast lift isn’t considered to be a suitable alternative to a breast augmentation with implants. Some patients choose to undergo a breast lift in conjunction with a procedure involving implants, as, like with a breast lift procedure, an augmentation with implants alone will not address other factors (such as sagging). A suitable breast implants alternative will need to specifically address the size of the breasts.
What is a breast fat transfer?
As an alternative to breast augmentation with implants, a breast fat transfer (also known as autologous fat grafting) involves taking fat from the patient’s own body and transferring it to the breasts. The transferred fat will be shaped to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Fat can be taken from the patient’s inner or outer thighs, hips, stomach, back or arms.
The procedure is personalised, considering every patient’s individual needs and features. A personal procedure plan will be created to determine factors such as the amount of fat being transferred, incision placement, procedure time and the expected results. With the ability to address the volume of the breasts, a breast fat transfer can be a suitable breast implants alternative, unlike other breast surgeries such as a breast lift.
Potential outcomes of a breast fat transfer
Without implants, a breast fat transfer can increase the size of your breasts by up to 1.5 cups. The procedure can achieve a subtle to moderate change, using fat from the patient’s body instead of foreign materials.
Breast implants can be associated with complications, such as implant migration or capsular contracture. These complications typically need to be addressed with revision surgery to replace the implants. Breast implants will also need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, requiring revision surgery down the track.
Using liposuction to remove fat from another area of the body, the procedure can also serve as an opportunity to combine a breast procedure with liposuction. This can be ideal for those who want to undergo liposuction on a certain area of the body, such as the thighs, stomach, hips, arms or back.
Since a breast fat transfer involves smaller incisions, scarring will typically be less visible than with a breast augmentation involving implants. The procedure generally requires both smaller and fewer incisions than what is needed to insert implants, as the surgeon may need more access to sufficiently insert implants and achieve the desired result.
If an individual seeking breast surgery is looking for a subtle or moderate size increase, and this can be achieved with a breast fat transfer, the procedure can have many benefits. Essentially, each patient’s personal preferences, goals and unique features will influence whether or not choosing a breast fat transfer over breast implants is best.
Possible disadvantages of choosing the procedure
While a breast fat transfer can achieve a moderate size increase, it is typically limited to achieve an increase of up to 1.5 cups. Therefore, if a candidate prefers a larger size increase, they may opt for breast implants instead. A breast fat transfer can achieve noticeable results but it cannot mimic the results of a procedure performed with breast implants.
After a breast fat transfer, there is a chance that not all of the transferred fat will remain in place, as some of the fat cells can be naturally reabsorbed by the body. Every patient can respond differently to the fat transfer, with some patients retaining more transferred fat cells than others. If the fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body, patients can experience volume loss within weeks or months after surgery.
If fat has been reabsorbed or the patient wants to gradually achieve a larger breast size, multiple breast fat transfer procedures can be performed. During a single procedure, there is a limit to the amount of fat that can be transferred, meaning that fat grafting of larger volumes will need an additional procedure.
Discuss your personal goals with Dr Rastogi
If you’re interested in a breast fat transfer and would like to find out if it’s the right choice for you, you can book a consultation with Dr Rastogi in either Sydney or Double Bay.
Dr Rastogi has been performing breast fat transfer procedures for over 20 years. For a procedure plan that meets your needs, you will discuss your personal expectations and health factors, and have your personal features assessed. With the opportunity to discuss your needs and expectations, your consultation will help you to determine your suitability for the procedure.
Your initial consultation can be a 20 to 30-minute FaceTime call, before an in-person appointment at your preferred location. An in-person consultation typically takes about one to one-and-a-half hours. Contact our team to book your consultation and discuss your alternative options to breast implants.
