Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide. While breast augmentation with implants is the gold standard to increase breast volume, another procedure is available to patients who don’t want foreign objects introduced in their body : fat grafting breast augmentation. Is this alternative viable ? Here is more information on this subject.

alternative-to-breast-implants

Are there alternatives to breast implants ?

Is fat grafting breast augmentation a viable alternative to implants ?

Fat grafting is a surgical technique using the patient’s own fat (harvested through liposuction) to increase volume in chosen areas. Fat grafting can be used to increase breast size (1 cup size) or improve breast shape. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in two steps. The first stage includes liposuction to harvest fat cells in excess fat deposits. This fat is purified in order to isolate adipocytes and then injected in the breasts. Fat grafting can be used to achieve moderate breast volume increases as well as asymmetry or slight ptosis corrections. Fat grafting breast augmentation offers perfectly natural results without the need for implants. In addition to that, the scars resulting from surgery are minimal and breast volume is increased permanently after fat cells’ engraftment. There are requirements to be met to be able to benefit from this procedure :

  • The patient has to have sufficient excess fat deposits (in the hips, thighs, saddlebags…).
  • Patients cannot gain more than 1 cup size with a single procedure.
  • History of breast cancer is a contra-indication to fat grafting breast augmentation.
  • This operation is not recommended to older patients. Over time, skin loses elasticity, which can result in a less harmonious result for these patients.

Are there other alternatives ?

So far, no viable technique can replace breast augmentation with implants or fat grafting. In order to make the right choice between implants and fat grafting, patients are advised to consult with a qualified surgeon and describe their objectives in detail.