Advocates for Autologous Fat Transfer
Discover the most popular technique for Breast Augmentation at Avenue
Breast augmentation using your own fat is now the most popular procedure at Avenue Aesthetic Surgery. We were one of the first in Melbourne to offer this procedure and now have over 9 years of experience. While silicone gel or saline filled implants were previously the only method surgeons had to augment the size of breasts, recent years have seen the development of a fat grafting technique to provide a breast augmentation. At Avenue Aesthetic Surgery we offer extensive experience in breast enlargement by autologous fat transfer.
Although aesthetic surgeons have been transferring fat into the face and other parts of the body for over 20 years, the amount of fat transferred was of relatively low volume (usually 10-20cc). For the breasts, larger volumes (usually at least 100cc) are required. While surgeons were initially concerned whether such a large volume of fat would survive in the breast or cause lumpiness, advanced techniques are now available whereby large volumes of fat (100-400cc) can be transferred into the breasts to provide permanent breast augmentation with a low risk of lumpiness. Fat transfer to the breasts has a very wide application. It can be suitable if you would like a slightly larger breast with a softer, more natural appearance when compared to breast implants. It can be suitable for those who prefer to avoid breast implants. It can be suitable if you are having a breast lift as it can soften the shape of the breasts and cleavage. It can also be a suitable alternative if you are having your breast implants removed and replaced.
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OUR APPROACH TO Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting
The fat is harvested with a special cannula to ensure that very small pieces of fat are collected. This fat is then prepared into a type of ‘puree’ which can be injected through a specially designed cannula into the breast tissue and under the skin of the breast. This fat is then massaged and moulded so that a smooth and uniform breast enlargement is produced. The fat is injected into multiple tunnels to give the cells maximum chance of survival. For women desiring a modest increase in breast volume, breast augmentation by fat transfer could be the answer. Moreover, if the fat is taken from the hips and thighs, it results in a rebalancing of the figure. And thanks to the fully-equipped Private Hospital, we can perform many of our breast augmentations as a Day Case, which means you’ll be able to go home in the afternoon and recover in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Of course if required, overnight stays are available as well.
Recovery typically involves wearing a postoperative bra for 3 months and a compression garment over any sites where fat was harvested for 6 weeks. We recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for approximately 6 weeks following surgery. Most of our patients return to relatively normal activity and sedentary work after 1 week.
All surgery carries risks which are important to understand so that you make a well-informed decision. Complications associated with fat grafting include bleeding, infection, fat necrosis/lumpiness, poor fat survival, alterations in nipple sensation, asymmetry, poor scarring, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the legs) and anesthetic complications. Risks associated with liposuction must also be considered.
This listing is not all-inclusive and patients may be at risk for additional complications depending on their past medical and surgical history. A thorough discussion will occur during consultation with your surgeon including ways to mitigate risks prior to surgery and steps taken to treat complications should they occur.
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Aims of Surgery
Our surgeons’ aims are to create symmetrical breasts that are in proportion to your other features, similar to our goals for breast augmentation with implants. The breasts should look and feel larger while remaining soft and natural. At your consultation, we can take you through our library of before and afters to demonstrate results our patients have achieved.
Advantages of Using Your Own Fat
- Implants are not required
- Your breasts will feel quite natural
- Liposuction of the hips, thighs and abdomen can help to balance your figure
- Less scarring, only tiny incisions are required as the fat is transferred by injection
What to Consider
- Your personal preferences
- Your existing amount of breast tissue
- Your overall body shape - proportions, dimensions and body contours - are all important to consider in conjunction to breast size and shape.
- The cost of your procedure – as each surgery is specific to each patient, we can discuss the costs during your first consultation
FAQs
The fat is usually taken from the thighs, inner knees, abdomen or hips. Naturally, if you are very thin and have minimal fat available, then the option of breast augmentation by fat transfer is not for you. On the other hand, if you do have excess fat in these areas, then an added benefit of the procedure is that your body contour can be improved because of the liposuction.
There is minimal scarring produced on the breasts as the fat is transferred by a small cannula through tiny puncture sites. On the donor area (such as the thighs or abdomen), a small scar (usually less than 1 cm) is all that is required to facilitate harvesting the fat.
You can expect the breasts to be swollen initially (2 weeks) but once the swelling settles, then the fat cells that survive will survive permanently.
Current techniques allow a 1-2 cup size increase in your breast size. If you desire a larger increase by fat transfer, then a second session of fat grafting may be required. Each cup size is about 150cc.
Yes, breastfeeding is possible after this operation.
Any pain after this procedure should be effectively relieved with the post-operative medications prescribed to you.
The nerves to the nipple are not interfered with during this procedure and therefore nipple sensation is not altered. Because the skin of the breasts is stretched, initially there may be a little tingling in the nipples for a few weeks after the surgery.
There has never been a case of breast cancer described due to fat transfer to the breasts. If you do develop a lump in the breast following fat transfer, then this must be investigated in the normal way. Radiologists are able to distinguish between a lump due to breast cancer and a lump due to fatty tissue.
You desire a 1-2 cup size increase in your breasts, with a natural look and feel and you have some excess fat that can be removed by liposuction.
You desire a solution to breast asymmetry.
You want to improve your abdomen, thighs and breasts in one procedure. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is a popular method of increasing breast size in women having a combined breast and body procedure (also known as a ‘Mummy Makeover’).
You desire a breast lift with added volume. Breast augmentation with fat transfer can be performed in conjunction with a breast lift.
Blog Article:
Read the Avenue Aesthetic Surgery open letter to patients
Read our open letter to patients and then contact our Melbourne office to learn more about the Breast Augmentation procedure.
Blog Article:
Choosing between Implants or Fat Transfer
Learn more about how to choose between Breast Augmentation with Implants or Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer.
Blog Article:
Watch an informative presentation about the procedure
Learn more about how to choose between Breast Augmentation with Implants or Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer.
The cost of breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient depending on the procedure. To ensure complete accuracy, we can determine pricing during your first consultation after we have been able to gain an insight into what is necessary for your individual case. Our surgery is designed to treat each patient individually, giving you a completely tailored experience.
Call Avenue Aesthetic Surgery today on 03 9521 1777 to discuss the cost of your breast augmentation.
*ANY SURGICAL OR INVASIVE PROCEDURE CARRIES RISKS. BEFORE PROCEEDING, YOU SHOULD SEEK A SECOND OPINION FROM AN APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED HEALTH PRACTITIONER.
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