Fat Graft Breast Recovery Time

Some women like the idea of having larger breasts, but they don’t like the idea of having a foreign body in their chest, such as a breast implant. Fortunately, modern plastic surgery allows ladies to enlarge their breasts naturally, using their own fat. This procedure is known as fat grafting breast.

In addition to all other benefits, this type of procedure also reduces unwanted fat from the body’s problem areas.

If you already feel ready to undergo breast augmentation with fat transfer, you will probably want to know what the recovery looks like which we will have it covered in this article.

What is the recovery time for breast fat grafting surgery?

Recovery time for autologous fat transfer normally depends upon what part of the body was initially treated by liposuction. On average, it takes anywhere between two weeks to one month for swelling and bruising to go down and around six months to completely heal from the surgery and the breast to take a proper position. Some of the injected fat cells will usually be reabsorbed within the first few months of operation, so the results might not be apparent right away.

Initially, the breast fat graft procedure does feel a little bit hard, it feels swollen, but over the next three to four weeks, it starts to soften up and feels incredibly natural. After seven to ten days, you probably will be able to go back to work and resume your normal activities.

To ensure your quick and safe recovery, it is important that you follow all after-care recommendations from your plastic surgeon.

On the day after breast fat transfer surgery

In most cases, fat transfer with breast augmentation surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day.

You can expect bruising and swelling as well as pain and discomfort in the treated areas (the liposuction site and the injections site). These parts of your body will also be covered in a compression garment that you will have to wear around the clock for a certain period of time (it will be determined by your plastic surgeon). 

This support cloth will help you reduce the swelling and heal quicker. In terms of pain management, your surgeon will advise taking pain relief medications that will minimize the soreness and discomfort. It is important to get a good rest on the day after surgery.

The first three weeks after the breast fat transfer procedure

It is absolutely normal to experience pain for the first few days. As we mentioned, you can easily manage that soreness with medications prescribed by your doctor. Most patients feel discomfort for the first three to five days, and after that, it really starts to improve, and you are feeling much better. When it comes to swelling, it may persist for two or four weeks, in some cases even longer. It all depends on your body and its ability to recover.

For a week or so, after fat transfer augmentation, you may have some discomfort around the injections site and experience a tightening sensation around the breast – this is normal and will be gone just like any bruising or swelling. You shouldn’t do any heavy lifting or heavy exercises throughout your healing period. Depending on the surgeon estimation, you might be able to return to work in two or three weeks. After that time, light exercises are also acceptable.

Breast fat grafting postoperative care

• You have to take all of the medications prescribed by your surgeon as well as strictly follow the post-op instructions given by him/her.
• It is good to start with a light, healthy diet immediately after surgery. That will help you reduce the risk of vomiting. It is higher for the first few days, so just try to be careful what you are eating during this time.
• You will feel pain and discomfort after the surgery; that is why you may want to use extra pillows as you are laying down to help support your body and keep your arms elevated.
• You shouldn’t just be laying in bed all the time. It is important that you get up and that you walk around as well as take care of yourself in any way that you can. Of course, you should be resting for the first 2-3 days, but after that, you need to make sure you don’t just lay around because complications can happen with that sedentary.
• You have to restrict sexual activities for at least 1 month after surgery.
• You shouldn’t drink alcohol or smoke for the first 2 weeks.
• Any heavy exercises, including the gym, swimming, tennis or golf, should be limited during the first month. Light walking or moving around your home are acceptable and recommended.
• Make sure you sleep on your back for 2 or 3 weeks so as not to hurt the injections site.

Conclusion

Although breast augmentation with implants is still the most popular method of increasing breast size, many women opt for autologous fat grafting. It is a newer plastic surgery that has been well studied and considered to be completely safe. This operation not only enhances the breast appearance but also significantly improve the overall body contour. Another benefit of the treatment is that it has an easier recovery than recovery from traditional breast augmentation methods.

Many positive reviews of patients who have had breast fat grafting procedures prove that this technique is gaining popularity among women, and more and more of them are willing to enlarge their breasts and improve their appearance in this way.