Ask A Plastic Surgeon: Breast Implants vs Fat Grafting to Breasts?

In general, a breast augmentation refers to adding a breast implant (saline or silicone) to enlarge the size of the breasts. However, some woman are resistant to the idea of having implants. Therefore, fat grafting may be an alternative option for those looking to increase the size of their breasts without implants.
Some pros and cons for both options:
Pros of implants
1. Can make a larger difference in size in 1 surgery compared to the possible need for multiple fat grafting sessions.
2. Gives you more of the "cleavage" look than fat grafting
Cons of implants
1. Foreign objects- need to be removed if it becomes infected
2. Not lifetime devices- will need to have the replaced at some point
Pros of fat grafting
1. Your own natural fatty tissue, gives nice natural soft breast
2. No additional up keep... once the fat takes, it's there for life
Cons of fat grafting
1. Can take more than 1 session to get to desired size
2. Can form oil cysts or nodules (fat necrosis) that one may feel and want to get imaging done to make sure it is indeed these benign findings and not a cancer.
You will want to discuss with your surgeon all of the risks and benefits of either option and whether or not you are a good candidate for those procedures.
#breastaugmentation #fatgrafting #breastsurgery #implants #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery #plasticsurgeon #dallas #texas

[@malazkm]

I would love fat grafting. However, I am well endowed. My cups are H. I would love for them to he fuller. Is that possible?

[@daniellecoopermd]

Without being able to exam you it's hard to say exactly what you would need. But generally people with large breast sizes would benefit from either a lift or a reduction. If you are happy with your cup size, then doing a lift may give you the "fuller" appearance you are looking for by just repositioning your tissues higher up on your chest wall. You can also do a lift with an implant or fat grafting for even more fullness. To know for sure, you should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss options!

[@wilrodz7406]

What is the average Cost for fat grafting transfer ? Also what is the downtime off from work if you get this procedure?

[@daniellecoopermd]

Cost varies in different parts of the country. Overall cost also depends on whether or not you need more than 1 fat grafting session, which is common. It could range from a few thousand dollars to more. Usually practices will have financing options for patients. Downtime requirements will vary from surgeon to surgeon. In general expect to take at least 1 week off from work, but once you go back to work you will likely still have some activity restrictions for several weeks until healed.