Fat Grafting Breast

While going through your research process for breast augmentation in Singapore, you would have most probably come across the more common method where breast implants are used for breast enlargement procedures. Although the use of breast implants is widely known and popular, there is another breast augmentation method that plastic surgeons in Singapore provide as well.

This method is known as fat grafting breast, also known as autologous fat transfer to the breasts. This method of breast augmentation uses a technique where fat tissues are harvested from other body parts of the patient such as tummy, thighs, or butt areas. This essentially means that fat grafting is one of the most natural breast augmentation procedures that patients can find. Breast fat transfer will not be able to provide a massive increase in breast volume as compared to the use of breast implants. This procedure would work well for individuals lacking some fullness in the breast, or with conditions such as breast asymmetry. 

For fat grafting breast augmentation, the surgeon will first need to extract and harvest fats from other body parts. This part of the process is done through liposuction, at Shens Clinic, the Vaser liposuction technique is used (You may read more about Vaser liposuction here). Once the fats are harvested, they will be processed as injectables to be injected into the breasts. The amount of fats to be drawn out is dependent on the desired outcome of the patient. Breast fat transfer may also require several sessions to ensure that the body has accepted the injected fats from the previous round.

The fat grafting breast augmentation is done as an outpatient surgery where patients will be able to return home after the surgery. The duration of the surgery would be dependent on several factors such as the amount of fats to be harvested, but it will usually be completed in around 2 hours. Before undergoing breast fat transfer, patients will also have to be assessed by the doctor to see if they are suitable candidates and have sufficient fat to be harvested.

The main advantage of breast fat transfer is that the process only involves your own fat tissues, unlike the use of breast implants. It is a more natural augmentation procedure as compared to the use of breast implants as it uses the patient’s own fat tissues which mimics the feel of breast tissues. Therefore, there are no risks of allergy or rejection of your own fats from the body. Fat grafting is also a less invasive method to enlarge the breast, hence patients can expect minimal scarring and downtime from the procedure. Furthermore, patients also get to enjoy the best of both worlds, as unwanted fats from other parts of the body can be removed using liposuction and transferred to the breasts.

There are not many risks associated with breast fat transfer and the success rate is fairly high. Fat grafting to the breasts is also safe and does not increase the chances of breast cancer. One downside of fat grafting is that the injected fats may be reabsorbed by the body causing the breasts to lose volume over time. Fat grafting to the breast may not be able to achieve the same results as breast enlargement with breast implants. As there is a limited amount the breast can be enlarged using fats and would also require adequate time and blood supply for the body to fully accept the injected fats.

Typically, breast fat transfer surgery is conducted on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day. Following the procedure, you should anticipate bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the treated areas, including the liposuction and injection sites. To aid in healing and reduce swelling, your plastic surgeon may recommend you wear a compression garment continuously for a specified duration. This supportive garment promotes faster healing. Pain relief medication may also be prescribed to alleviate soreness and discomfort. It is crucial to prioritize ample rest on the day following the surgery.

It is completely normal to experience pain in the first few days following the procedure. As mentioned earlier, this discomfort can be effectively managed with medication prescribed by your doctor. Most patients typically feel discomfort for approximately three to five days, after which it gradually improves, leading to a significant improvement in how you feel. The duration of swelling can vary depending on your body's individual recovery ability.

During the initial week or so after fat transfer augmentation, it is common to experience some discomfort around the injection sites and a sensation of tightness in the breasts. This is a normal part of the healing process and will subside along with any bruising or swelling. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided throughout the healing period. The overall downtime will vary based on your surgeon's assessment, typically falling within one to three weeks. Following this period, light exercises can be gradually reintroduced to your usual routine.

• It is essential to adhere to the post-operative instructions or prescribed medications provided by your surgeon.

• To alleviate post-surgery pain and discomfort, utilizing extra pillows while lying down can provide support to your body and keep your arms elevated.

• It is important to avoid prolonged bed rest and instead engage in light physical activity, such as walking after the initial 2-3 days of rest. 

• Sexual activities should be restricted for a minimum of 2-4 weeks following the surgery.

• Abstain from consuming alcohol and smoking for the first 2-4 weeks after the procedure.

• During the initial month, it is advisable to limit participation in strenuous exercises. Light walking or moving around within your home is acceptable and recommended.

• To protect the injection site, it is recommended to sleep on your back for a duration of 2-3 weeks.

All in all, the overall recovery period for breast fat grafting will take around 2-3 months, however, it is also dependent on how many fat grafting sessions the patient requires. It is also vital to consult your plastic surgeon pre and post-operation to ensure that you are well briefed on the recovery period, process, and guidelines for the fat grafting surgery.