As women get older and go through events that change their bodies, like giving birth, they lose their young-looking body curves. Breasts usually sag and lose their fulness. Fortunately, plastic surgeons have developed different techniques to restore breasts to their youthful shape and fullness. 

Breast augmentation through fat transfer has been growing in popularity over the years. It does not involve any foreign objects or material inserted into the breasts. Because it is more natural, it is preferred more.

So, what is breast augmentation, and how does it work? 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is any procedure a plastic surgeon performs to change the structure of the breasts. It can make your breasts appear fuller or change their shape completely. Breast augmentation is commonly known as a “boob job.” Breast augmentation includes two main procedures: fat grafting and breast implants.

What Is Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation?

Fat grafting for breast augmentation is available for patients who want to increase the size of their breasts. The implant option is the most popular form of augmentation, where a surgeon places silicone pads under the breast. 

Instead of implants to lift the breasts, fat grafting uses fat from another body part. The surgeon harvests the fat and then injects them into the breasts. 

Fat grafting is less invasive compared to implant surgery. It is a relatively safe procedure, but you must find an experienced surgeon to perform it. Fat grafting can have serious side effects if not done correctly.

How Does Fat Grafting Work?

Before the Procedure

First, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, who will look at your medical history and explain more about the procedure. The surgeon will show you examples of patients and their results from the procedure. They will want to know your expectations for the procedure.

Next, the surgeon will examine you to help them get a clear picture of where you are and where you want to be. A team member of the clinic will take a photo to create a customized plan. It will help them determine where to harvest fat and how to reshape your breasts. 

During the Procedure

The team will use color codes to mark your body. The codes show where they will harvest fat and inject it. Next, they will start to harvest the fat from the outlined sites. If one area has large fat deposits, they may only need that one area. They may source fat from:

• Thighs

• Abdomen

• Arms

• Calves

• Love handles

• Knees

• Flank

They harvest the fat using liposuction and then purify it before injecting it into the breasts. The purified fat is then injected and used to sculpt the breast to the right shape. 

Recovery

Recovery will depend on how many sites the team harvested fat from. Your breasts may also be sore for a few weeks. Within two weeks, most of the soreness and swelling will have resolved. Minor swelling may last much longer, up to six months.

For more on fat grafting for breast augmentation, visit Rich & Humenansky Plastic Surgery of the Face & Body at our office in Columbia, South Carolina. Call (803) 799-3223 to book an appointment today.