Lipofilling to the breasts

Lipofilling to the breasts, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a sophisticated procedure that uses your body’s own fat to enhance breast volume and shape. This technique offers a natural alternative to synthetic implants, providing a modest increase in size while simultaneously contouring a secondary "donor" area of the body. It is an ideal solution for women seeking subtle enhancement, corrected asymmetry, or a more supple, natural feel to their breast tissue.

Lipofilling has become an increasingly popular choice for women who desire a natural approach to breast enhancement. Unlike traditional augmentation with implants, this procedure utilizes a "living filler"—your own adipose tissue—which integrates into the breast for a result that is indistinguishable from natural tissue in both appearance and texture.

What is Lipofilling to the Breasts?

The procedure is a multi-stage process that begins with the harvest of fat cells from areas of the body where there is an excess, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This is performed using gentle liposuction techniques designed to preserve the viability of the fat cells.

Once harvested, the fat is processed and purified using a centrifuge or specialized filtration system to separate the healthy fat cells from oils, fluid, and debris. The concentrated, purified fat is then meticulously injected into the breast tissue in thin layers. By injecting small amounts at a time, the surgeon ensures that each fat cell is in close contact with a blood supply, which is critical for the "take" or survival of the transferred tissue.

Who is lipofilling for?

Lipofilling is a specialized procedure that is not suitable for everyone. It is best suited for women who:

• Desire a modest increase in breast size (typically half to one cup size).
• Seek to correct minor breast asymmetry or contour irregularities.
• Have sufficient donor fat in other areas of the body, such as the hips or stomach.
• Wish to improve the appearance of an existing breast implant (fat grafting can be used to "soften" the edges of an implant).
• Prefer a procedure that does not involve synthetic materials or the long-term maintenance associated with implants.
• Are looking for a "two-in-one" procedure that provides both breast enhancement and localized body contouring.

Before the operation

The success of lipofilling depends heavily on the quality and quantity of your donor fat. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your body to identify the best harvest sites and assess your breast skin elasticity. You will discuss your goals in detail; it is important to understand that lipofilling provides a more subtle result than implants.

Preoperative instructions include maintaining a stable weight, as weight loss after surgery can cause the transferred fat cells to shrink. You must also stop smoking and avoid blood-thinning supplements for several weeks prior to the procedure to ensure optimal blood flow to the newly injected fat cells.

During the operation

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation and lasts between 2 and 4 hours. It begins with the liposuction phase, where a specialized cannula is used to harvest the fat through tiny, inconspicuous incisions.

After the fat is purified, the "filling" stage begins. The surgeon uses very fine cannulas to inject the fat into the breast. No large incisions are required on the breasts; the fat is introduced through needle-sized entry points that leave no significant scarring. The surgeon carefully sculpts the breast, adding volume where it is most needed to create a balanced, aesthetic contour.

After the operation and recovery

Recovery from lipofilling involves managing two different areas: the donor site and the breasts. The donor sites (where liposuction was performed) will require a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the new body contour. The breasts, however, should not be compressed; you will be advised to wear a loose, soft bra to allow the newly transferred fat cells to establish a blood supply.

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising in both areas. You can typically return to light daily activities within one week. One unique aspect of lipofilling is that the body naturally reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat (usually 20–40%) in the months following surgery. The fat that remains after approximately 3 to 4 months is considered permanent and will behave like any other fat in your body, expanding or shrinking with your natural weight fluctuations.

Is the result permanent?

Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply—usually by the third month—they are permanent residents of the breast. However, because they are living cells, they will fluctuate in size if you lose or gain weight. It is important to maintain a stable weight to preserve your surgical results.

How much of an increase in size can I expect?

Lipofilling is generally used for a modest increase, typically around one cup size. Because the amount of fat that can be safely injected is limited by the available space and the need for each cell to reach a blood supply, it cannot provide the dramatic volume increase that is possible with implants. Some patients choose to undergo a second session a few months later to achieve further volume.

Will the fat transfer interfere with mammograms?

Modern fat grafting techniques have significantly reduced the risk of oil cysts or calcifications that could interfere with breast imaging. However, it is essential to inform your radiologist that you have had a fat transfer. This allows them to use specialized imaging techniques to clearly distinguish between the transferred fat and normal breast tissue.

Are there risks involved?

As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection or bruising. Specific to lipofilling is the risk of "fat necrosis," where some of the transferred fat does not survive and forms a small, firm lump. While these are usually harmless and can be monitored, choosing an experienced surgeon who uses refined injection techniques is the best way to minimize this risk.