Breast Implants Vs. Fat Transfer: Which Procedure is Better?
Breast augmentation regularly ranks among the most common aesthetic procedures globally each year. Breast implants vs. breast fat transfer are one of the most essential and personal considerations that women who want to alter the size and form of their breasts must consider about their operation.
Plastic surgeons have used a more traditional breast augmentation method with implants for many years. A more modern invention called fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, enables fat to be extracted from one area of the body and injected into the breasts. For the proper patient, both procedures can result in pleasing outcomes. So, which one is better for you?
Dr. George Brennan, a skilled plastic surgeon and one of Newport Beach’s breast enhancement professionals, combines experience and education with artistry and a love of his profession. It is necessary to schedule an individual consultation with Dr. Brennan to ascertain which procedure is most likely to produce the results you seek. You can prepare for your consultation by reading the following instructions so that you can talk about your alternatives in an informed manner.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer removes excess fat from one body area using liposuction and re-injects it into the breasts for added volume and shape. The 1980s saw a rise in its use, with the main target areas of the cheeks, lips, buttocks, and breasts.
Patients who want modest results (approximately half a cup size bigger), have uneven breasts or have post-lumpectomy deformation can benefit from fat transfer.
Advantages of Fat Transfer
The fact that fat transfer employs a patient’s own tissues to make the breasts feel and look as natural as possible is its most significant advantage over breast augmentation.
The following are some additional benefits of the process:
- Since no foreign material is inserted, this procedure provides patients with little to no scarring.
- Shorter recovery time.
- Patients benefit from a smaller, more attractive donor site while maintaining a full breast and nipple sensation.
Frequently, the inner thighs and flanks (sometimes known as “love handles”) can donate fat. We are aware of your thoughts. Family members cannot give fat!
Disadvantages of Fat Transfer
Although fat transfer provides a lot of advantages, it also has some drawbacks:
- Its accuracy is not as precise as that of breast implants. Some fat might not survive treatment and could be reabsorbed by the body, making it disappear.
- Another issue with fat transfer is that it only has a fleeting impact. Over time, the body may absorb injected fat, causing a breast reduction in size.
- Calcification (or death of fat cells) is a risk factor for fat transfer that can cause cysts if they grow large enough and impair the quality of mammograms.
- Fat transfer is also less reliable in patients who have already received radiation therapy, whether following a mastectomy or breast conservation therapy (lumpectomy with radiation therapy).
Breast Implants
Breast implants are a highly reliable method for women to increase the size and volume of their breasts significantly. With over 200,000 yearly procedures, it is the most popular plastic surgery method. The FDA states that patients must be at least 22 years old to have gummy bears or silicone implants, whereas saline implants call for a minimum age of 18.
Those who want larger breasts yet have small breasts are the ideal candidates for breast implants. This treatment is the most excellent way to fix deflated or sagging breasts after pregnancy or significant weight reduction.
Implants may be possible for breast cancer patients who want reconstruction following a bilateral or unilateral mastectomy in the right circumstances.
Advantages of Breast Implants
One of the crucial advantages of breast implants is that decades of research by surgical and medical professionals have supported their safety. The FDA’s clearance regarding saline and silicone implants is compelling evidence.
The results of implants continue between 10 and 15 years under typical conditions, another advantage over fat transfer. Breast implants, instead of fat transfer, result in immediate and noticeable results.
Disadvantages of Breast Implants
The drawback of breast implants is that they eventually need to be replaced, particularly if they rupture or deflate. According to the producers of the devices, the chance of implant rupture is 1% each year. The implant will typically be replaced and removed if it ruptures. In other words, the likelihood that an implant will require replacement increases as long as a patient has it.
The idea that implants must be removed every ten years is a widely held myth. That is untrue, and there is no need for surgery during the ten-year mark if the implant is undamaged and the patient experiences no problems with the implant.
Here are some additional drawbacks of this method:
- The growth of capsular contracture is another issue with implants. Hard scar tissue forming around the implant is the cause of capsular contracture.
- Lastly, the type of incision utilized to place the implants may also impact how the nipple and breast area feel.
Breast Implants Vs. Fat Transfer: Which Procedure is Better?
Deciding between breast implants and fat transfer for breast augmentation is a personal choice that depends on various factors, including your individual preferences, goals, and medical suitability. Both procedures have advantages and considerations, and what may be considered “better” can vary from person to person. Here are some key points about which procedure is best for you.
Breast Fat Transfer: If You Want A Small “Boost” With Natural Material
The development of breast fat grafting techniques proves groundbreaking for patients looking to improve their appearance or looks naturally. The breasts will feel soft and move naturally because the process uses the patient’s own body as a source of material.
If modest and natural effects are what you’re going for, breast fat grafting can be an appropriate choice. However, it cannot bring about the significant alterations some patients desire. In addition, a natural breast augmentation is a good option for those who want a little (one cup or less) increase in breast size.
Breast Implants: If You Want A Major Wow-Factor
Your objectives should be one of the most crucial things to think about before undergoing a breast enlargement operation. To aid in the decision-making process, Dr. Brennan will ask you to define the ideal body shape and give you a chance to put on a surgical bra with various implants.
Breast implants can be a viable option for a significant size boost. Regardless of the patient’s body type, implants can significantly increase volume, projection, and upper pole fullness.
Breast Fat Transfer: If You Want A Fully Natural Procedure
Some women voice concerns regarding the effects of having medical equipment inside their bodies. Breast fat grafting prevents breast implant issues like rippling, rupturing, or capsular contracture. It also removes the potential that breast implants may require removal or replacement. No external materials are inserted into the body during fat grafting. It does not imply that there are no hazards involved with the surgery; instead, there are none comparable to those of breast implants.
Breast Implants: If You Like To Extend Your Options
Breast augmentation with implants provides more flexibility for both the patient as well as the surgeon. Various choices are made throughout the consultation phase when implants are to be used, affecting how the treatment will turn out. You and Dr. Brennan will decide on your implants’ shape, size, type, and profile, and where and how the incisions will be made during surgery. The outcomes can be customized to fit your particular anatomy and cosmetic goals. Breast fat grafting doesn’t provide as much customization.
Breast Fat Transfer: If You Prefer To Shape Other Parts Of Your Body Simultaneously
Breast augmentation with implants only affects the breasts. Fat grafting allows for the simultaneous treatment of two different bodily parts. In one operation, the treatment gives both the donor area and the breasts new outlines by enlarging them. Typically, fat for a natural breast augmentation is taken from the flank, thigh, or abdomen. Having a surgeon with a deep understanding of both operations, as well as exceptional judgment and technical expertise, is essential to the success of this approach.
Breast Implants: If You Are Extremely Lean
The amount of fat needed for breast enlargement via fat grafting alone is substantial (on average, 300–400 cc per side). Lean patients might not have enough extra fat to harvest for the operation. The best choice for these patients is breast augmentation with silicone implants. Silicone implants are frequently preferred over saline implants for skinny people with minimal natural breast tissue. During your in-person appointment, Dr. Brennan will determine whether you have enough fat to contribute to a fat transfer breast augmentation.
Breast Fat Transfer: If You Had A Low Patience With Scar
There will always be a scar where an incision has been made. Several factors will determine how noticeable the scar becomes, including how much you adhere to your surgeon’s aftercare recommendations and your body’s natural healing abilities. When implants are utilized, the incision is strategically situated to allow for scarring to be covered by most clothing and swimsuits. Due to the use of injections during fat grafting, there’s a little scarring on the breasts. The liposuction cannula is inserted through minor incisions during the procedure’s harvesting phase.
Breast Implants: If You Desire More Predictable Results
Medical gadgets like breast implants have undergone extensive investigation. Surgeons have a fair knowledge of the outcomes a patient might anticipate depending on their body type and the type of implant they select, because they have been thoroughly studied and put into use for many years.
A more recent strategy is breast fat transfer. Because only some of the fat will be absorbed and the fat that is absorbed will change size following the patient’s weight changes, the results are less predictable. Additionally, the practice of fat grafting is less common among surgeons.
Fat transfer vs implants – the risks
Fat transfer and breast implants have some risks, just like any treatment. One of the primary problems with fat transfer is that the fat injected into the breasts may be reabsorbed by the body. You should redo the process if this occurs. Our experienced team ensures there is very little chance of this occurring.
There is a small chance that breast implants could rupture or leak. The probability of this happening is likely lower than before, as implants have changed over time. When examining the risks, one must contrast them with the apparent advantages. The consequences of the breast augmentation procedure drastically alter many people’s lives.
Key differences between Breast Implants and Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
- Size and shape: If you get breast implants, you may select the shape and size of your breasts; if you get a fat transfer augmentation, your options are restricted by the amount of fat that can be kept and injected and by the fundamental shape of your breasts.
- Eligibility: While anybody can obtain breast implants, not every patient qualifies for fat transfer. Patients with small breasts or those seeking a breast lift become the best candidates regarding fat transfer breast augmentation.
- Results: Women typically have an image of their ideal breasts in their minds when they visit a plastic surgeon. That is simpler to accomplish with breast implants, but fat transfer augmentation yields less dependable results.
- Cost: Fat transfer augmentation is more expensive since it takes longer to harvest, prepare, and engraft the fat. Additionally, it can take more sessions to achieve the desired outcome, increasing the cost.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. George Brennan – Cosmetic Surgeon in Newport Beach
Patients in Newport Beach, CA, can choose between breast fat grafting and breast augmentation with implants from Dr. George Brennan. Dr. Brennan has developed his abilities in related body contouring operations and reconstructive & cosmetic breast surgery.
If you have questions or want more information, call our office at (949) 644-1641.