Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery Melbourne

What is Breast Augmentation by Fat Transfer?

As mentioned above Fat Transfer, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves the use of a patient’s own body fat to increase breast volume. The process begins with liposuction to harvest fat from areas where there is excess—such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. Once the fat is harvested and purified it is transplanted into the breasts to increase breast volume.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Fat Transfer?

To be considered a suitable candidate, you will generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Stable Weight: Maintaining a consistent weight is important, as significant fluctuations can affect both the donor areas and the long-term outcome of the grafted fat.
• Available Donor Fat: There must be enough quality fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks to allow for effective liposuction and transfer.
• Realistic Expectations: It is important to understand the potential outcomes of the procedure and that multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired volume.
• Commitment to Recovery: Following both pre-operative and post-operative instructions closely is essential to support the survival of the transferred fat and the overall healing process.
• General Health: You should be in good overall health and able to undergo surgery under general anaesthetic.
• Non smoker: Patients will need to be non-smokers or willing to quit for a specific time period both before and after surgery.

Dr Carmen Munteanu will conduct a thorough consultation to assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is a suitable option for you.

What are the Potential Benefits of Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation?

Autologous fat transfer uses your own body fat to increase breast volume. While results and experiences vary, potential benefits can include;

• Reduced Breast Asymmetry: This method may assist in addressing asymmetry in the breasts, by placing different amounts of fat into each breast.
• Volume Increase: Suitable for individuals who want a slight size increase, typically about half to one cup size increase.
• Liposuction: Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, which may result in an altered appearance in those regions.
• No Synthetic Materials: This technique avoids the use of implants, which some individuals may prefer.
• Reduced Scarring: Fat is transferred through small incisions, which may result in less noticeable scarring compared to other surgical methods like Breast Augmentation with implants.
• Customised Approach: The fat can be carefully placed in specific areas to suit individual needs and anatomical features.
• Breast Sensation: Some individuals report less disruption to nipple or breast sensation compared to other forms of breast surgery.

It’s important to note that not all transferred fat will survive long-term, and multiple procedures may be needed to achieve the desired result. Dr Carmen will provide personalised advice during your consultation based on your goals and suitability for the procedure.

Before and After Photos of Fat Transfer to Breast Patient

Disclaimer: All before and after photos on this website feature actual patients who have undergone procedures performed by Dr. Carmen Munteanu, with their written consent for use. These images represent individual outcomes and may not reflect the results other patients will achieve. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care can influence individual results. While these images provide a visual representation of potential results, they do not guarantee similar outcomes for all patients.

• Click here to see more real patients of Dr Carmen Munteanu’s Breast Fat Transfer before and after photos in the gallery.

The Fat Grafting Procedure – How is the Fat Transferred to the Breast?

Fat transfer to the breast, also known as autologous fat grafting, involves three main steps:

• Harvesting the Fat: Fat is collected from areas of the body where there is excess, often the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or hips (using liposuction). This step is performed under sterile conditions, typically while the patient is under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital.
• Processing the Fat: Once harvested, the fat is purified to remove fluids, oils, and damaged cells. This step is important to isolate viable fat cells that are more likely to survive once transferred.
• Fat Placement into the Breasts: The purified fat is strategically placed into the breast tissue using a layering technique. This is done with specialised surgical instruments to assist in even distribution, aiming to support consistent volume and shape.

Dr Carmen uses a ‘closed loop fat processing system’. This has been shown to deliver fat that is a higher quality in a more sterile condition and has a higher level of survival long term.

Risks and Complications of Fat Grafting

Like all surgical procedures, fat grafting to the breast carries risks. These may include:

• Fat resorption – Some of the transferred fat may not survive, leading to partial loss of volume.
• Fat necrosis – Small areas of fat may not receive enough blood supply, potentially resulting in firm lumps.
• Calcification – Over time, small calcium deposits may form within the transferred fat.
• Asymmetry – Breasts may heal or settle unevenly, requiring further treatment.
• Cysts – Fluid-filled lumps can sometimes form in areas of fat placement.
• Oil cysts or nodules – Isolated pockets of oil from broken fat cells may be present.
• Infection – As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, which may require antibiotics or further care.
• Bleeding or haematoma – Accumulation of blood in the tissue may occur.
• Scarring – All surgical procedures carry a risk of visible or internal scarring.
• Changes in breast sensation – Temporary or, in some cases, lasting changes to sensation in the breast area may occur.
• Donor site complications – Issues such as bruising, swelling, or irregularities can arise at the site where fat was collected.

All surgery has risks – for detailed information about the risks and potential complications of fat transfer to breast surgery, please visit the risks of surgery page.

Recovery after Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting

Following your procedure, patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor area (where fat was collected) and the breasts. These effects typically dissipate within the first few weeks.

You’ll be provided with detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your needs. These may include wearing a compression garment over the donor site to support healing and help reduce swelling. Dr Carmen may also recommend avoiding pressure on the breasts for a period of time to support fat survival.

Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr Carmen. Most people are able to return to work and light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, although full recovery may take longer depending on your individual healing response and the extent of the procedure.

You’ll be scheduled for follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and provide personalised advice as you recover.

It may take up to 3 months or more for the end results of fat transfer surgery to become apparent.

Fat Transfer, Breast Implants or Both?

The most appropriate option will depend on your personal goals, physical characteristics, and medical suitability.

During your consultation with Dr Carmen Munteanu, your preferences and goals will be discussed in detail. A tailored surgical plan will be developed to help you achieve a result that aligns with your expectations.

How to find the right Fat Transfer Surgeon for you, in Melbourne

If you’re considering breast augmentation using fat transfer, it’s important to choose a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic Surgery. Look for a surgeon with specific experience in fat transfer techniques and who performs procedures in accredited hospitals.

During a consultation they should provide clear, personalised advice, explain the risks, and offer appropriate pre- and post-operative care. You should feel comfortable discussing your goals and asking questions during your consultation.

How much is the Fat Transfer to Breast Procedure – Prices & Costs of Fat Grafting

The cost of fat transfer is similar to that of breast augmentation using a breast implant. All Surgery is customised and Dr Carmen’s team will give you a price for your Breast surgery that will depend on the exact type of procedure you require, the hospital you attend and the length of your stay.

After your initial consultation, you will be given a detailed quote. This will include the Surgeon’s fee, Anaesthetist fee, Surgical Assistant fee and the hospital fees.

We can also provide information on Payment Options, Private Health Insurance and different methods of payment.

Fat Transfer FAQs

Planning your Breast Surgery

There are many options when it comes to Breast surgery. Every option requires careful and individual planning to make sure it is the right choice for your desired outcome.

Each and every option has its potential advantages and disadvantages which need to be addressed and understood before you proceed with your surgery.

Dr Carmen offers breast procedures which are anatomy-based. While you may have your own ideas about your desired cup size, the dimensions of your body, specifically the width of your rib cage underneath the breast and your shoulder frame are the main determinants of the amount/size of fat transfer which is feasible for you to receive.

During your consultation, Dr Carmen will carefully listen to your concerns and expectations, as well as discussing your reasons for surgery, health history, and risk factors. Your diet, exercise, personality, body frame and quality of your breast tissue are also factors which will need to be taken into consideration.

After conducting a comprehensive medical examination, Dr Carmen will advise you of the options she feels are suited to your individual case. She will also further discuss the expected results, and recommend a treatment plan, from the preparation stage through to the aftercare.