BREAST AUGMENTATION

Fat transfer to the breast involves two distinct procedures- harvesting and injections. The fat cells are obtained through several types of liposuction procedures like laser liposuction, ultrasound assisted liposuction or water assisted liposuction. After extracting the fat cells, they are processed and made ready for transplantation. The fat processing includes removing anaesthetics, lipids and medical fluids from the fat. Ultimately the goal is to achieve a healthy fat cell after keeping aside any other tissues. Removing such unwanted substances from the fat cells increases the chances for a successful fat transfer.

However, after processing the fats, they are carefully injected into the space between the skin and the breast capsule in desired areas. The surgeons use meticulous techniques to sculpt the breasts as desired. Using only fat transfer for breast augmentation can produce the least enlargement because some of the injected fat will get absorbed by the body. Therefore, the desired results cannot be achieved in the initial procedures. Approximately, one to three fat transfer procedures must be performed to achieve the desired outcome. It has been estimated that only 60 to 80 percent of the injected fat adds to the volume of the breasts, rest gets absorbed by the body.

The entire procedure takes about four to six hours for harvesting and injection. Patients can normally resume light activities within a week. But strenuous activities and exercises must be avoided for several weeks. Immediately after undergoing the procedure, the candidates mostly experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort at the fat donor site and at the injection site. The minor persisting discomfort can easily be controlled with medication, prescribed by the surgeon. It is very important for the candidates to follow the post-surgical instructions from the surgeon to allow the breasts to heal completely.

With breast augmentation via fat grafting, the shape of the breasts can be improved and the cleavage of the upper breasts may also be enhanced. But only a single bra cup size can be enhanced with fat transfer. So it is very important for the candidates to keep a realistic expectation from the surgery. Candidates who want to achieve a dramatic result must opt for breast augmentation using implants. Though surgeons may choose to combine both the procedures to accomplish a natural appearance.

Larger breasts may also tend to sag due to natural ageing, gravity or fluctuations in weight. Just like other breast procedures, injecting fat into the breasts may also give rise to lumps, cysts, etc. Some of the cysts may be cancerous, however, most of them can easily be eliminated by a simple office procedure.

The fatty tissues must be harvested gently and therefore, the procedure can take longer than breast augmentation using implants. The entire procedure is performed on an out-patient basis with an additional benefit of liposuction of certain areas with extra fat. However, the preparation must be initiated few weeks before undergoing the actual procedure. The surgeon may ask to wear a special external expander called Brava, which will help the body during the fat injections. The changes made in the body will be slow and progressive. The pressure of the expander will help the body to generate new tissues and blood vessels, which will create space for the fat injections.