Breast augmentation can also be performed using the body’s own fat, in which case we are talking about a fat transplant. The WAL (water-assisted liposuction) method of liposuction is used to safely and carefully remove fat from places where it is undesirable, usually the thighs, and use this as a filler in the breasts.
Fat transplant is most suitable for patients who want full breasts and who have troublesome collections of fat somewhere else in the body – a perfect transplant. In the best case, a breast enlargement of 0.5–1 cup size is achieved through fat transplantation.
It is a good idea to consider fat transplantation when:
- you want to enlarge your breast in a natural way
- your breast has lost its shape or become smaller following pregnancy and breastfeeding
- your breasts are different sizes
- you want to get rid of your silicone implants; the implants are removed in conjunction with the treatment
- your own bust has been surgically removed because of cancer
NATURAL END RESULT
When shaping the breast, the collected fat is distributed evenly on the subcutaneous fat layer and the pectoral muscle. The end result is even and soft over the entire breast and any unnatural edges or shapes are avoided.
Depending on the size of the breast, about 200–300 millilitres of fat are added; this amount is smaller for smaller breasts. The treatment can be performed under local anaesthetic, for larger breast augmentations, a general anaesthetic is beneficial.
AFTER SURGERY
Usually, the patient can return home the same day. Minor pain can arise a few days after the surgery, which you can treat with pain medication. It is good to exercise as soon as possible, but heavy training is to be avoided in the initial weeks.
Some form of support accessory is used in the area from which the fat has been removed in the following 2–3 weeks. A bra may not be worn for three weeks.
The end-result can be assessed after about six weeks, once the swelling has diminished. The result is permanent as the transplanted fat becomes part of the breast’s own fat layer and functions in accordance with the patients weight gain or loss. Usually, two procedures are required for a breast augmentation with fat transplantation.