Breast Fat Transfer

Breast Fat Transfer in San Francisco, CA, With Dr. Ginger Xu

At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we recognize that every woman’s ideal breast appearance is unique and personal. To assist women in achieving their desired outcome, we offer a variety of breast enhancement options, including the natural and subtle breast fat transfer. This procedure involves the use of a woman’s own fat, harvested via liposuction from other areas of the body, to enhance the volume, shape, and projection of the breasts.

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu approaches each breast fat transfer surgery with a keen understanding of the individualism and diversity of beauty. Through her emphasis on active listening, attention to detail, and personalized care, Dr. Xu is able to deliver nuanced and customized results that her patients cherish. She firmly believes that beauty is an expression of self-love, body positivity, and natural aesthetics, and she is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their ideal breast appearance.

If you are interested in learning more about fat transfer to the breast and how it can help you achieve your ideal breast appearance, please contact Ethos Plastic Surgery today at (415) 779-2291 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu. We proudly serve patients in and around the San Francisco Bay Area.

What Happens During a Breast Fat Transfer Procedure?

During a breast fat transfer procedure, a patient’s fat is extracted via liposuction from a designated area of the body, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen. The harvested fat is then meticulously processed, purified, and concentrated for optimal re-injection into the breasts. Dr. Xu then carefully and strategically injects the fat into the breasts using small cannulas to enhance volume, shape, and projection.

The procedure can be performed under full or minimal anesthesia with the patient “awake” under light sedation. This is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and desired outcome. Dr. Xu meticulously plans and executes the entire process to ensure the best possible results. Breast fat transfer is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can return home the same day.

Ethos Plastic Surgery - Our Approach to Breast Fat Transfer

We take a unique approach to fat grafting breast surgery in order to provide our patients with the best experience and outcome. Here are just a few reasons why we feel our methods stand out:

“Small Breast Beauty” – A Natural Approach

At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we understand that beauty is an intricate balance of proportion and symmetry. Dr. Xu espouses a contemporary approach to breast aesthetics, prioritizing shape and harmony over size. She is an advocate of “Small Breast Beauty,” a concept that emphasizes shape in addition to size. Even a delicate enhancement can make a profound difference in a woman’s overall appearance, and options such as fat grafting and small implants can be excellent choices for the right patient. The ultimate goal—rather than creating an “artificial” looking appearance—is to enhance the breasts’ natural beauty and create a harmonious balance with the rest of the body.

Awake Natural Breast Augmentation

Dr. Xu has specialized training in the innovative technique of “awake surgery,” which involves conducting surgery under local anesthesia while the patient remains awake. It is important to note that this technique exclusively applies to breast fat transfer and not implant-based breast augmentation methods.

The benefits of awake breast augmentation are numerous. The procedure eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, and the side effects are greatly reduced. The stress on the body is minimized, resulting in a quicker recovery period. Additionally, it is a safer option for patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia for health reasons or prefer not to due to other concerns. Furthermore, it results in cost-efficiency without compromising the quality of results.

Why Choose Dr. Xu for Your Breast Fat Transfer?

When it comes to breast fat transfer, you want to choose a plastic surgeon who is not only highly skilled and professional but also someone who truly cares about your individual needs and goals. Dr. Xu, an Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon, stands out in this regard. Known for her warm and personable approach, she will take the time to understand each patient’s unique concerns and aspirations. Dr. Xu has performed a high volume of breast fat transfer procedures, showcasing her exceptional expertise. Her precise injection technique prioritizes both safety and patient comfort throughout the process.

Her dedication to achieving natural-looking and elegant results is evident in her highly sought-after skills, gifted hands, and an eye for detail. Additionally, Dr. Xu is one of a select few board-certified plastic surgeons on the West Coast to have completed the prestigious Harvard Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship, which only accepts one applicant per year, further emphasizing her exceptional qualifications. Trusting Dr. Xu with your care is a privilege and honor she takes very seriously. If you’re in the San Francisco area, schedule a consultation today and discover how Dr. Xu can help you achieve your ideal breast appearance using fat transfer.

board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu

Meet Dr. Ginger Xu

Dr. Xu embraces the responsibility and transformative opportunity to alter a patient’s appearance in a way that is congruent with their own values and matches a more cohesive sense of self; to realign the external with the internal; to create an improved emotional landscape and a better life. These ideals captivate and inspire her every day.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is an ideal choice for many women. In general, the ideal candidate for a fat transfer breast augmentation is a woman who:

  • Has sufficient excess body fat to harvest for the transfer
  • Cannot have or does not wish to have breast implants
  • Has realistic expectations about the outcome
  • Is not undergoing breast cancer treatments
  • Is over the age of 18
  • Is in good general health
  • Is not nursing or pregnant
  • Has experienced complications with implants
  • Does not smoke or is willing to abstain from smoking before and after the procedure

During your consultation, Dr. Xu will evaluate your candidacy for the procedure and provide you with detailed information about what can and cannot be achieved during a fat transfer breast augmentation.

Breast Fat Transfer Recovery

After breast fat transfer, patients may experience some mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, which typically subside within a few weeks. The breasts will initially appear much larger than the final result because of inflammation and swelling from surgery.

Dr. Xu, who is dedicated to ensuring the comfort of her patients, will provide detailed post-operative instructions to facilitate a smooth and seamless recovery process. These may include the use of compression garments or bandages to reduce swelling, abstaining from strenuous physical activity for a period of 2-4 weeks, taking prescribed medication to manage pain and discomfort, avoiding heavy lifting or pushing for 2-4 weeks, and refraining from any chest exercises for 2-4 weeks.

It is important to note that the results may not be immediately apparent, as it can take several months for the transferred fat cells to fully settle and take hold. Dr. Xu will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure proper healing.

Patients can expect to return to their normal routine and activities within a week; however, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 2-4 weeks. Dr. Xu and her team will be available throughout the recovery process to address any questions or concerns that may arise. Should any complications occur during the recovery process, please do not hesitate to contact Ethos Plastic Surgery for assistance.

Partner with Dr. Ginger Xu, a Leading Female Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco

Dr. Xu firmly believes in plastic surgery as a means of self-love, body positivity, and the enhancement of natural beauty. She can relate to the reasoning behind wanting to undergo a cosmetic procedure and will provide guidance to help you achieve your desired results in the most natural and holistic way.

“As a woman, I understand what it’s like to navigate this while also trying to stay true to what you want for your own body, on your own terms, regardless of what other people think, or how it fits into norms or not. Ultimately, doing what’s right for you is the greatest act of self-care.”

If you would like to learn more about San Francisco breast fat grafting, we invite you to schedule your consultation with Dr. Xu today! Call  or fill out our website contact form to get started. We look forward to meeting you soon.

FAQs

San Francisco Breast Fat Transfer

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose fat grafting to the breasts or implant-based breast augmentation should be made in consultation with Dr. Xu. Both methods have their own set of benefits and potential risks, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual goals and needs. Factors such as your desired outcome, the amount of excess fat available for transfer, and any health considerations will play a role in determining the most appropriate option. It is important to have a thorough consultation with your surgeon, in which they will evaluate your unique situation and help you make an informed decision. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing result that aligns with your personal preferences and enhances your overall well-being.

The longevity of fat transfer in the breasts is permanent once the fat “takes,” or is accepted by the body. Typically, patients see 50% of the transferred fat take, but this can fluctuate higher or lower from patient to patient. It is important to note that although the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, the remaining fat will typically maintain its volume and shape, resulting in a natural and long-lasting enhancement.

Fat transfer to the breasts is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgical procedure, it does carry certain risks. These risks include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, and poor healing of the incision site. There is also the possibility of asymmetry in the final results or uneven distribution of the transferred fat. Additionally, fat transfer may not be as reliable in creating a final guaranteed look as other breast augmentation methods and may require additional procedures in the future to maintain the desired results. While this procedure does NOT increase the risk of breast cancer, it can impact your mammogram findings. If you have further questions or concerns about the risks of breast fat transfer, we invite you to set up an appointment with Dr. Xu.

The cost of a breast fat transfer procedure in the Bay Area may vary depending on a number of factors, including the surgeon’s level of experience, the location of the practice, and the complexity of the procedure. It is important to consult with Dr. Xu to discuss the specifics of the procedure and to receive a personalized quote for the cost of the procedure. Additionally, it is essential to consider the long-term value of the procedure and the potential benefits it can bring to one’s overall well-being and self-confidence.

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