If you are considering breast augmentation, you may be exploring various options to achieve your desired results. One increasingly popular method is fat transfer breast augmentation. This technique uses your body’s own fat to enhance the volume and shape of your breasts, offering a more natural alternative to implants.

Here’s what you can expect from the procedure, from consultation to recovery.

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation with Harvard-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu at Ethos Plastic Surgery in San Francisco. During this meeting, Dr. Xu will discuss your goals, examine your body, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation. Ideal candidates are those who have sufficient fat in other areas of their body that can be harvested and are looking for a modest increase in breast size.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

After your initial consultation and decision to proceed with fat transfer breast augmentation, there are several steps you will need to follow leading up to the procedure:

1. Medical Evaluation: Dr. Xu may request a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure you are in good health and fit for surgery. This may include blood tests, imaging, and other necessary assessments.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments: You may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes to optimize your body’s readiness for the procedure. This can include:
   • Quitting smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
   • Avoiding certain medications: Dr. Xu will provide a list of medications and supplements to avoid in the weeks leading up to your surgery, as some can increase bleeding risks.
   • Maintaining a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations can affect the outcome of the fat transfer.
3. Pre-Operative Instructions: You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions, which may include guidelines on:
   • Fasting: If your procedure requires any form of sedation, you may need to fast for a certain period before surgery.
   • Hygiene: Instructions on showering and skin preparation before the procedure.
   • Clothing: Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the surgery.
4. Support System: Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, as well as to stay with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery to assist with any immediate needs.
5. Home Preparation: Set up a comfortable recovery area at home with all necessary supplies, such as medications, compression garments, pillows, and easy-to-prepare meals.

The Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to remain awake and avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia. This “awake” technique also means a faster recovery time and fewer side effects.

• Liposuction: The first step in fat transfer breast augmentation is to harvest fat from areas of your body such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks through liposuction. This process involves the removal of fat using a thin tube called a cannula.
• Processing the Fat: Once the fat is harvested, it is processed to purify and concentrate it, ensuring that only the healthiest fat cells are used for the transfer.
• Injection: The purified fat is then carefully injected into the breasts. Dr. Xu uses small cannulas to meticulously place the fat in strategic areas to achieve the desired volume, shape, and symmetry.

Recovery After Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and recipient areas. These symptoms usually subside within a week. Dr. Xu will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, which may include:

• Wearing compression garments to reduce swelling
• Avoiding strenuous activities for 2-4 weeks
• Taking prescribed medications to manage pain and discomfort
• Scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery

It is important to note that the final results may take several months to become fully apparent as the transferred fat cells settle and integrate with the surrounding tissues.

Long-Term Results After Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Fat transfer breast augmentation offers long-lasting results; however, the longevity of the results can vary. Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, but the remaining fat typically provides a natural and enduring enhancement.

Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

• Natural Look and Feel: Using your own fat creates a more natural appearance and texture compared to implants.
• Dual Benefits: This procedure not only enhances your breasts but also contours other areas of your body through liposuction.
• Reduced Risk: As you are using your own fat, the risk of allergic reactions or complications related to implants is minimized.
• Minimal Scarring: The small incisions used for both liposuction and fat injection result in minimal scarring.

Ethos Plastic Surgery – Our Unique Approach to Breast Fat Transfer

At Ethos Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide our patients with an exceptional experience and outstanding outcomes. Our approach to breast fat transfer is distinctive and carefully tailored to ensure the best possible results. Here are several aspects that make our methods stand out:

Embracing “Small Breast Beauty”

We believe that beauty is a harmonious blend of proportion and symmetry. Dr. Ginger Xu champions a modern perspective on breast aesthetics, placing a greater emphasis on shape and harmony rather than size alone. She advocates for the concept of “Small Breast Beauty,” which highlights the importance of shape in conjunction with size. Even a subtle enhancement can significantly improve a woman’s overall appearance. For the right patient, options like fat grafting and small implants can be particularly effective. Our ultimate aim is to enhance the natural beauty of the breasts and achieve a balanced, harmonious look that complements the entire body.

Awake Natural Breast Augmentation

Dr. Xu is trained in the innovative technique of “awake surgery,” which allows for breast fat transfer to be performed under local anesthesia while the patient remains awake. It is important to note that this technique is specifically applicable to breast fat transfer and not implant-based breast augmentation methods.

The benefits of awake breast augmentation are manifold:

• Reduced Risk: The procedure eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, significantly lowering potential side effects.
• Minimized Stress: The stress on the body is greatly reduced, leading to a quicker recovery period.
• Safer Option: It is a safer alternative for patients who cannot undergo general anesthesia due to health concerns or personal preferences.
• Cost-Efficiency: This method offers a cost-effective solution without compromising the quality of results.

Drainless Recovery

Dr. Xu employs a specialized technique that eliminates the need for traditional post-operative drainage. This approach can be applied to various breast surgeries, including augmentation, lifts, and reductions. The benefits of a drainless recovery include:

• Lower Risk of Complications: Patients experience a reduced risk of seroma, infection, and discomfort.
• Enhanced Comfort: There is no risk of pain or pulling associated with drains, leading to a more comfortable recovery process.
• Carefree Recovery: Patients can enjoy a smoother and more carefree recovery period, free from the inconveniences of post-operative drains.

Our drainless approach is one of the many ways we strive to ensure our patients have the most comfortable and efficient post-operative experience possible.

By focusing on natural aesthetics, patient safety, and innovative techniques, Ethos Plastic Surgery stands out in the field of breast fat transfer. Dr. Xu’s dedication to personalized care and her meticulous approach to each procedure ensures that every patient receives results that are both beautiful and natural. If you are considering breast fat transfer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu to learn how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and ease.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you are interested in learning more about fat transfer breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Ivy-league trained plastic surgeon Dr. Xu at Ethos Plastic Surgery today. Discover how this innovative technique can help you achieve your ideal breast appearance naturally and safely.