Determine Your Aesthetic or Medical Goals

Breast implants make use of foreign materials (either silicone or saline implants) to increase breast size and shape. This option is suitable for patients who want a more prominent increase in breast size or a specific projection and fullness in the upper breast area. In addition, breast implants can also be customised to achieve symmetry, correct congenital breast deformities, or change the overall contour of the breasts.

On the other hand, a breast fat transfer is suitable for patients who want a more subtle change in their breasts. This procedure does not involve implants and makes use of the patient’s own body fat. During the procedure, fat is harvested from donor body areas (e.g. abdomen, buttocks, hips, or thighs). The harvested fat is then processed in the laboratory and administered into the breasts using a syringe. Unlike implants, which provide a prominent increase in breast size and shape, a breast fat transfer provides a subtle increase in breast size (about one cup size). This usually depends on the amount of fat available for transfer and how much of the fat survives after the procedure.

Assess Longevity and Maintenance

It is important to keep in mind that breast implants are not lifetime devices. They typically require replacement after 10-15 years, though some can last longer without complications. Over time, complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant), implant rupture or leakage, or changes in breast appearance due to ageing or significant weight changes can occur. To address these issues, a revision surgery is necessary, which involves replacing or removing the implants. Therefore, choosing implants involves a long-term commitment to potential future maintenance.

A breast fat transfer generally offers long-lasting results. When injected into the breasts, the fat cells that survive the initial healing process remain permanently in the breasts. However, not all of the injected fat will survive, as some of them may be reabsorbed by the body during the first few months. Typically, about 30-50% of the transferred fat may not survive. When this happens, you may notice a reduction in the initial breast volume. Because of the fat reabsorption, you may need additional fat transfer sessions to address your aesthetic or medical goals. These follow-up treatments are usually spaced several months apart to allow your body to heal and stabilise.

Evaluate Scarring and Recovery

Breast implant surgery involves the creation of incisions to allow the insertion of the implant into the breast pocket. This, in turn, results in scarring, which is an inevitable outcome of any surgery. Depending on the surgeon, the incision can be placed in the inframammary fold (under the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit. Since the surgery is extensive (requires the insertion of implants), a longer healing period can be expected. In addition, you may need to take more time off from physical activities and work to ensure proper healing.

Unlike breast implant surgery, breast fat transfer involves only small incisions at the liposuction sites. It makes use of liposuction to harvest fat from donor areas. During the fat-harvesting process, a small, thin tube attached to a powerful suction machine is inserted into the incisions. These incisions are typically very small, usually about 2 to 3 millimetres in length, just large enough to insert the liposuction cannula. The fat is then administered into the breasts through a series of very small punctures or injection sites. These puncture wounds are made using a needle or a thin cannula and are even smaller than the liposuction incisions. Since the procedure is less extensive and does not involve inserting foreign objects into the body, patients can typically resume normal activities sooner.

Reasons to Choose Dr Hunt for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Sydney

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Sydney University and further developed his skills by completing a Craniofacial Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States. His qualifications are supported by his role as a spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and his positions as a Consultant Surgeon at both Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. Dr Hunt is also a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and the International Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). Additionally, he is a corresponding member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), serves as the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training for the IMG Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and is a past serving board member of Interplast Australia.

For those considering breast implants vs breast fat transfer, Dr Hunt provides detailed guidance to help patients make an informed decision. He offers various types of breast implants, including saline and silicone options, and works closely with each patient to determine the suitable size, shape, and material to address their aesthetic or medical concerns. He also offers breast fat transfer for patients who do not prefer implants and want a more subtle change in their breasts. He carefully evaluates the suitability of each patient for breast implants or fat transfer to address their specific needs and lower the risk of complications, ensuring that the chosen procedure aligns with their goals and expectations.

Dr Hunt’s approach to breast augmentation is highly personalised. He understands that every patient’s body is different. During the consultation at his clinic in Sydney, he takes the time to thoroughly assess each patient’s anatomy, discuss their goals, and explain the available options. Whether a patient is considering breast implants or breast fat transfer, he provides detailed information about the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each procedure, helping patients make informed decisions that align with their aesthetic or medical goals.

A breast augmentation isn’t always performed with breast implants – it can also be performed using a method known as fat grafting, or a breast fat transfer.

Breast fat transfers work by using the patient’s own body fat to increase breast volume. It can be a more favourable option for those who want to avoid breast implants for personal reasons. Even some patients who do choose to undergo a breast augmentation with implants decide to combine fat grafting with the procedure – we’ll explain why in this blog!

If you’re considering a breast fat transfer, read on to learn more about it. You can then have a consultation with Dr Hunt, to discuss if the procedure is the right choice for you.

Firstly, what is a breast fat transfer?

To put it simply, breast fat transfer involves two primary steps – liposuction and fat grafting.

In the first step, fat is harvested from areas of the body where it is abundant, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This is done through liposuction, a procedure that uses a thin tube called a cannula to suction fat out of the body. The harvested fat is then purified to remove any impurities, such as blood or oil.

In the second step, the purified fat is carefully injected into the breast tissue. The process requires a high level of precision to ensure an even distribution of the fat. Dr Hunt then uses small syringes to inject the fat into multiple layers of breast tissue, shaping the breasts to achieve the desired shape and size.

Why a patient may choose a breast fat transfer

A breast fat transfer can be sufficient if a patient prefers subtle results rather than a significant change in breast size.

Skipping the need for breast implants, the procedure can create a change in the breasts with a more natural feel.

Patients may also appreciate the dual method of the procedure, as it essentially includes liposuction performed on another area of the body. For example, in the process of transferring fat to the breasts, the procedure can remove unwanted fat pockets from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips or another area with a sufficient amount of fat.

Unlike traditional breast augmentation, which requires larger incisions for implant placement, fat grafting typically only involves small incisions for the liposuction cannula and fat injections. These incisions typically leave minimal scarring.

Since the procedure uses the patient’s own fat, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection of the material used can be lower than when breast implants are used. However, if a patient prefers to undergo a breast augmentation with implants, Dr Hunt will always conduct a thorough screening process to minimise these risks.

What makes a suitable candidate?

Ideal candidates for a breast fat transfer are those who are looking for a modest increase in breast size – typically one to two cup sizes – and have sufficient fat deposits in another area of the body.

Candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Health-wise, a variety of factors must be considered to ensure that a patient is suitable for any kind of surgery.

On the other hand, those seeking a more dramatic increase in breast size, or who have very little body fat, may not be ideal candidates. In this case, a breast augmentation with implants may be a more suitable option.

When you have your consultation with Dr Hunt in Sydney, you will be able to describe your ideal results and discuss the various factors that can influence your suitability for the procedure.

If you are suitable, you can discuss the details of your treatment plan, and learn more about what to expect throughout the procedure process. If it does turn out that you are not a suitable candidate, Dr Hunt will be able to outline your options and suggest another method to achieve the results you want.

What you can expect from a breast fat transfer

Before the procedure, Dr Hunt will mark the areas where fat will be harvested and where it will be injected. He will also explain where your incisions will be placed during your consultation, before the day of your surgery.

The breast fat transfer procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and includes two components – liposuction and purifying the fat, and then injecting the fat into the breasts.

To perform liposuction on the chosen area (abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or another suitable area), small incisions are made to insert the cannula. The fat is then carefully suctioned out of the area. The amount of fat that will be removed depends on the breast size you want to achieve, and the amount of fat that is available.

The harvested fat is then processed to remove any impurities. This step ensures the viability of the fat cells and helps reduce the risk of complications.

Finally, the purified fat is injected into the breasts in small amounts and at various depths. This technique helps ensure that the fat is evenly distributed and that the new breast shape is created according to the patient’s preferences.

Combining a breast fat transfer with breast implants

If a patient wants to achieve a larger breast size that can only be achieved with breast implants, the fat grafting method may still be used to influence the aesthetics of the results.

Moving fat to the breasts after placing implants can slightly adjust the shape, cover the visibility of implants, and precisely add slightly more volume where needed.

A combined approach can be discussed during your consultation in much further detail, to help you decide if you would prefer to undergo both methods.

What does recovery involve?

The recovery experience after a breast fat transfer can vary, but most patients will experience some level of swelling, bruising, and discomfort, in both the donor and recipient areas.

Pain can usually be managed with prescribed medications, which must be taken by following Dr Hunt’s guidelines. Compression garments may be recommended for the liposuction areas to help reduce swelling and support your body’s healing.

Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided while the body heals, but most patients can return to light activities within a few days, and resume normal routines within a few weeks. Incision sites, as they heal, will need to be kept clean, dry and free from irritation. Dr Hunt will provide specific instructions on how to care for the incisions and manage any potential complications.

At some stage during recovery, patients will need follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess the results. While some initial volume may be lost as the body absorbs a portion of the transferred fat, the final results will generally be visible a few months after the procedure.

Dr Jeremy Hunt: Experienced and qualified Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

The key to achieving the results you want, having a positive procedure experience and minimising complications is to have your breast fat transfer performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon.

Located in Sydney, Dr Hunt has over 20 years of experience performing procedures. When you meet with Dr Hunt, you can discuss what you would like to achieve with the procedure and learn more about how your procedure can be performed.

If you’re interested in undergoing a breast fat transfer, contact us for information on how our consultation process works, and book your one-on-one consultation.

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Breast Implants vs Breast Fat Transfer: How To Choose The Right Surgery