Breast Augmentation With
Fat Transfer in Novi, Michigan
Illuum Cosmetic Surgery in Novi provides breast augmentation with fat transfer, delivering a natural enhancement for beautifully balanced results. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Lakin and Dr. Ozolins, use the latest techniques to improve breast shape and size using the patient’s own fat instead of implants. This cosmetic procedure provides long-lasting results and allows adjustment over time. This procedure also results in less scarring compared to implants. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is perfect for women seeking subtle, natural-looking improvements.
What Is Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer?
Breast augmentation with fat transfer, also called natural breast augmentation, is a plastic surgery procedure where a woman’s body fat is used to enhance her breast size and shape. Our plastic surgeons harvest fat cells from the thighs, hips, stomach, or arms through liposuction. Then, they thoroughly process the fat and carefully reinject it into the breast area to increase volume and improve contours.
The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the amount of fat transferred. Unlike breast implants filled with silicone or saline, this surgery augments the breasts using the patient’s own natural tissue.
Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Before & After
How Much Volume Should You Expect to Gain From a Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer?
The volume gain from breast augmentation with fat transfer typically ranges from 100 to 250 cc per breast, translating to approximately a half to one-and-a-half cup size increase (average one cup size increase). However, the exact amount can vary depending on the patient’s body type and available donor fat. It is important to note that we overfill at the time of the procedure because not all transferred fat will survive long-term, with an average retention rate of 50–70%.
Patients can achieve more significant volume increases through multiple fat transfer procedures. However, it is crucial to understand that even with repeated surgeries, fat transfer will never provide the same dramatic results as breast implants. While some patients can gain up to two cup sizes with multiple procedures, the results will always be more subtle and natural-looking compared to implants.
Preparation for Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
Before breast augmentation with fat transfer, patients consult with Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins to discuss their goals for enhancement and review their medical history and overall health. Our board-certified plastic surgeon evaluates the patient’s body to determine if they are a good candidate for the fat transfer procedure.
It is recommended that patients stop smoking and avoid certain medications and supplements weeks before surgery, as these can interfere with anesthesia, healing, and the overall outcome. We also provide detailed post-operative instructions to facilitate optimal recovery. These include arranging for help at home after surgery, filling prescriptions, and purchasing special compression garments to aid healing. Addressing these considerations beforehand allows patients to focus on resting and recovering once the procedure is complete.
Natural Breast Augmentation Procedure: Step by Step
Markings
The surgeon marks the breasts and donor sites to determine where fat will be harvested and injected. These lines help achieve symmetry during the procedure.
Anesthesia
Natural breast augmentation surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, where the patient is fully asleep.
Fat Harvesting
Small incisions are made at the chosen donor sites, usually the thighs, hips, stomach, or back. The surgeon then extracts fatty tissue from these areas using a suction tool called a cannula.
Fat Processing
The harvested material is then processed to isolate and purify the fat cells separating healthy fat from other fluids.
Fat Injection
The processed material is carefully reinjected into the breasts through a small incision under the breast. The surgeon layers the fat cells at different depths and positions for a natural look and feel. The amount injected depends on the desired breast size.
Closing Incisions
Finally, the surgeon closes the small reinjection incision with a single stitch. The remaining small incisions used to harvest the fat via liposuction are left open to drain and covered with gauze dressings. No drains are used. Over time, the transferred fat cells naturally integrate with the existing breast tissue. As healing progresses, patients gradually achieve their final breast contours.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
Day of Surgery
Patients return home after several hours of rest and monitoring in our recovery room. They should have someone who can drive and help with daily tasks during the first 24–48 hours. Patients usually feel tired and possibly nauseated from the anesthesia. They must rest with their upper body elevated on pillows and follow our aftercare instructions. Pain medication can be taken if needed.
weeks 2-6
Discomfort gradually subsides over the next several weeks. Inflammation decreases, but the breasts may remain swollen for a couple of months after surgery. Patients can usually return to work within 10–14 days, depending on their duties. Exercise and strenuous activity should still be avoided during the first six weeks. Scars continue to heal and fade over this time.
First Week
Swelling and bruising are common during the first week as the breasts recover from surgery. Patients experience some discomfort, but it can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Bandages are usually removed after a few days, but compression garments should be worn to minimize swelling. Reinjection site sutures are removed at 1 week. Physical activity must be limited to short, gentle walks. Patients should avoid sleeping on their stomachs.
Later Recovery Period
Most patients achieve their final results around six months after breast procedures. The fat cells need time to establish a blood supply and permanently integrate into the breasts. Some swelling may come and go during this time. We recommend avoiding rapid weight loss or gain, which can impact results.Weight loss may affect the volume of the transferred fat because the fat cells may shrink in size as any fat in your body would in response to weight loss. In comparison, the transferred fat can increase in size if you gain weight. After one month of recovery, patients may resume all regular activities, including more intense exercise.
Candidates for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a very popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. It helps women restore youthful contours, improve confidence, and enhance their intimate lives. While breast augmentation with fat grafting is less common than implants, this technique is an excellent option for certain groups of candidates, including:
Women who desire a slight increase in breast volume (one cup size on average). The fat transfer technique works best for subtle enhancement.
Women who want to use their own tissue for breast augmentation rather than implants. This allows for a softer, more natural feel.
Women with sufficient donor fat reserves elsewhere in the body. Common areas include the abdomen, flanks (or love handles), inner thighs, arms, and back.
Women who want to achieve better proportions between their breasts and body. Those feeling that their breasts are too small relative to their frame may be good candidates.
Women undergoing revision surgery or reconstruction after a mastectomy. Fat transfer may help improve breast symmetry.
Benefits of Fat Transfer Augmentation
As a cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation helps patients improve their appearance. However, it is not the only benefit this procedure can provide. Here is a more extensive list:
More natural feel: Since the patient’s own fat is used, the results look and feel more natural than breast implants. The fat seamlessly adapts to the existing breast tissue for a smoother, more natural outcome.
No implants or foreign objects: As no artificial augments are used, there are no concerns about implant rupture, leakage, or capsular contracture. There is also no need for future implant replacement surgery.
Less scarring: Only tiny incisions (1/8 inch) are made to extract and transfer the fat into the breasts, resulting in minimal scarring.
Adjustable results: Additional procedures can be performed to fine-tune results over time. Achieving the desired cup size may take more than one surgery.
Biocompatible and safe: Using the patient’s own fat tissue eliminates the risks of allergic reaction or rejection. The procedure is considered very safe when performed by our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons.
Long-lasting if enough fat survives: While some transferred fat is reabsorbed, most of the volume can be permanent if enough cells are successfully integrated.
Cost of Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer in Novi, Michigan
The cost of breast augmentation with fat transfer in Novi ranges from $4,500 to $15,000. The price varies depending on the extent of grafting, type of anesthesia, and additional fees.
Patients will receive a detailed cost estimate based on their specific goals during consultations with Dr. Lakin or Dr. Ozolins. Medical insurance does not cover this procedure as it is considered cosmetic surgery. However, we offer flexible payment plans from our partners, Alphaeon Credit and CareCredit. Illuum Cosmetic Surgery also has an in-house layaway program for even greater convenience.
What Makes Our Plastic Surgery Procedures Different From Others?
With nearly two decades of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Gregory Lakin and Dr. Ellen Ozolins offer exceptional skill and artistry in breast augmentation procedures. Their cutting-edge techniques, commitment to patient safety, and holistic approach help each person become the best version of themselves. Our goal of providing the highest quality results at an affordable price makes our patients feel empowered and satisfied with their appearance. From the initial consultation to the final results, our compassionate team guides patients through each step of their transformative journey.