Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
In The Greater Toronto Area
“Reveal Before & Afters (May Contain Nudity)”
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Surgery Before & Afters
What is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
A fat transfer breast augmentation, also referred to as autologous fat transfer to the breasts, is a cosmetic surgery that uses liposuction to remove fat from undesirable areas while transferring fat to the breasts to enhance their size. No implants are required for a fat transfer to the breasts and it is perceived as a more natural breast enhancement method. The procedure is minimally invasive and also typically has less dramatic results than breast implants. Many patients who seek a fat transfer breast augmentation, however, are not appropriate candidates for the procedure and may require a breast implant to achieve their surgical goals. At Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann will develop a surgical plan unique to your needs and will help you achieve your vision for your body. Dr. Dreckmann is a board-certified, highly talented plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction and performing fat transfer breast augmentations in the Greater Toronto Area.
Why have a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
- Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
- Simultaneously remove fat from unwanted areas while transferring it to the breasts
- No major scars typically associated with liposuction and fat injection
- Natural look
- Safe form of breast augmentation which repurposes your body’s own fat
- A more subtle increase in breast volume is achieved compared to breast implants
Am I Candidate for Fat Transfer to the Breasts?
Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute follows all guidelines from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to maximize patient safety, and Dr. Dreckmann will personally perform any necessary physical assessments during a consultation to evaluate your eligibility as a surgical candidate. The following are a general set of requirements to be an eligible candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation surgery:
- Generally fit and healthy
- Body mass index (BMI) less than 35
- You can calculate your BMI here
- Smokers should quit smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery as well as after
-
You are maintaining a stable weight
- The transferred fat is just as susceptible to changing size when weight is gained or lost
-
Less than 50 years old
- Fat cells are more likely to survive after transfer
-
No patients with diabetes
- Patients with diabetes have a much lower rate of fat cell survival after transfer
- Realistic expectations
- With a consultation at Valespring Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Dreckmann will help provide realistic expectations by aligning your desired breast size and shape with your age, lifestyle, physique and proportions so that you have a clear idea of what you can expect in your final result.
Valespring reserves the right to turn down patients who do not meet the necessary physical or psychological criteria for cosmetic surgery, and would do so only because we make your health and safety our top priority.
Why Choose Dr. Dreckmann for Fat Transfer to the Breasts?
Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann is one of the top plastic surgeons specializing in breast implants in Ontario, Canada. Known for her advanced training in breast and body contouring and extensive experience in breast augmentation. At Valespring, we adhere to strict safety protocols and use advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure patient safety and enhance surgical outcomes. Dr. Dreckmann employs innovative methods to maximize both safety and results, making your breast augmentation experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Overview
Procedure
- Liposuction is performed on the targeted areas, harvesting and collecting the fat for processing
- After processing the fat, syringes or cannulas are used to inject the fat into the breast. Small amounts of fat are injected in many areas to increase fat cell survival.
- The entire procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia
- General Anesthesia so that the patient is fully asleep for the procedure.
Recovery
- Return to work after 1 to 2 weeks
- 4 to 6 weeks before heavy exercise
- A compression garment must be worn for 4-6 weeks following the surgery
- Sleep on your back for at least 6 weeks and avoid direct pressure on your breasts to maximize fat cell survival
- Initial swelling may last for several weeks and final results may take up to 6-12 months
- These numbers serve as a rough guideline, but you should always follow your surgical team’s specific and individualized recovery plan, as recommendations may vary from patient to patient
Fat Transfer vs Implants
Fat Transfer
-
Cup Size
- Typically an increase by 1/2 cup, and potentially up to 1 cup.
-
Natural Look
- Using the patient’s own fat cells to increase breast volume produces very natural results. Fat transfer to the breast can also be used to address irregularities in breast shape.
-
Minimal Scars
- Less invasive with minimal scarring, and smaller than implants.
-
Body Contouring
- Liposuction is used to acquire the patient’s fat from donor sites for transfer to the breast, while providing body contouring. Additional liposuction areas can be added on for additional contouring.
Implants
-
Cup Size
- Capable of increasing several cup sizes and the patient can choose the size and shape of implant.
-
Longevity
- Results last from 10 to 15 years under normal circumstances.
-
Immediate and Predictable Results
- The results after the procedure are immediate and apparent.
-
Often less expensive
- If the intent is purely to increase breast size, a breast augmentation with implants can be a more economical choice since no liposuction is required.
Breast Fat Transfer Procedure Details
Liposuction
Liposuction for fat transfer to the breasts starts by first identifying the key areas for fat reduction that will result in an enhanced body contour. Typical areas include the flanks, lower back, thighs and abdomen. Dr. Dreckmann will work with you to craft a liposuction plan unique to your body. During the procedure, tiny cuts are made in into the skin and liposuction tools are used to suction the fat from your body. Up to 5 L of fat may be removed during a single session.
Fat Transfer
After liposuction, the removed fat is prepared for injection (fat grafting). The processed fat is then injected in small amounts into many layers across the breast. Typically ~100-300 cc of fat is injected into each breast, and the amount will vary from patient to patient. There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be transferred to a given location during a single procedure. Beyond a certain volume of fat, the amount of fat that survives the transfer drops off and the risk of complications rises.
Recovery
You will go home on the day of surgery and will be able to walk that same day. You will be prescribed medication to help manage the pain. Patients are usually capable of returning to work within 1 to 2 weeks. After the procedure, you will be given a complimentary compression garment. It is important to wear the garment 24 hours a day, every day for a period of 4-6 weeks to achieve the best fat transfer breast augmentation result. Additionally, you must avoid direct pressure on the breasts for the first 6 weeks and you should sleep on your back during this time.
Let us guide you through the decision
Book a Free Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Consultation Now!
How Much Does a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
$11000+
- Cost Includes:
- Liposuction for fat harvest (cost varies based on how much liposuction is performed and in what areas. Please see our liposuction page for more information.)
- Fat transfer to both breasts
- Surgical bra
Fat transfer to the breasts as an add-on to a qualifying liposuction procedure:
$4000+
- Cost Includes:
- Fat transfer to the bilateral breasts when added to a qualifying liposuction procedure.
Optional Overnight Stay
+$3000
Patients normally return home on the same day of the procedure, but some would like the extra peace of mind of staying in an overnight bed in our medical facility, under the supervision of 2 personal attendants.
- Cost includes:
- Overnight stay in one of our beds
- Nurse supervision for the length of your stay
- Meals for dinner and breakfast the following morning
Consultations are free with no obligation
If you have any questions about our pricing or have specific needs, do not hesitate to contact us
Prices serve as a guideline only. Fees will be adjusted based on each patient’s individual anatomy and the complexity of the case.
Prices do not include HST
Get your fat transfer now, make payments later!
See Our Other Types of Breast and Fat Transfer Surgeries
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Liposuction
FAQs about Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
How long does a fat transfer to the breasts last?
All fat transfer procedures will have some of the transferred fat die within the first few days, and some of the fat will be retained by the body. This is both expected and safe. Approximately 50-75% of the transferred fat cells can be expected to survive. It is extremely important to adhere to your surgeon’s post-op instructions to maximize the number of fat cells retained after the transfer.
It varies between patients. About 6-12 months after fat transfer, the remaining fat cells should be well-established and the results of your fat transfer should be permanent. It should be noted that the number of fat cells in your body does not vary over time, and when you gain or lose weight, your fat cells increase or decrease in size. This implies that gaining weight may correspond to an increase in breast size, and losing weight may correspond to a decrease in breast size. For this reason, it’s advised to have achieved a healthy and stable target weight before pursuing fat transfer. Similarly, if you plan on having more children, you may want to wait to pursue a fat transfer breast augmentation.
How long do breast implants last?
Modern implants are designed to last over 10 years, and in many cases last an entire lifetime. Some patients require a revision surgery sooner than the 10 year mark, and many never require another surgery. Overall, it varies from patient to patient.
What is fat grafting?
Fat grafting is another name for fat transfer surgery, or fat relocation. The procedure involves removing fat from one area of the body with liposuction and then injecting that fat into another area. The fat removal allows for body contouring in one area, and the fat injection allows for an augmentation in another area.
How much fat do you need for fat transfer breast augmentation?
Typically around 200-250 cc of fat is needed to increase one cup size. There is a limit on how much fat can be transferred in a single procedure. If you transfer too much, a sufficient number of the fat cells will not survive and additional complications may arise. An average fat transfer breast augmentation increases the breast size between 1/2 cup to 1 cup. If you wish to increase your breast size naturally beyond 1 cup, you may require multiple fat transfer procedures, otherwise you may have to consider breast implants.
Is fat transfer safe?
All surgeries have risks, including fat transfer. However, fat transfer surgery is generally regarded as safe if it’s done in the proper setting by an experienced and licensed professional. Surgical risks or concerns will be discussed in more detail during your initial consultation. The procedure will be performed by our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dreckmann, in an accredited surgical facility. Patient safety is of utmost importance to us and we take numerous precautions to ensure your surgical experience is a positive one.
When does tightness go away after breast augmentation?
The duration of results from a blepharoplasty are variable and patient-dependent. Some may last permanently, others may require a revision or re-do procedure, typically after 5+ years have passed.
How long does fat transfer take to heal?
Most patients return to their daily activities quickly, within 48 hours. However, it can take several months for breasts to settle into their final shape and to see the final fat transfer results.
Can you get liposuction in the same area twice?
Liposuction can be done twice in the same area, but it is up to the discretion of your plastic surgeon to see if you are eligible and that you stand to benefit from a second liposuction surgery in that area.
Am I too thin for a fat transfer procedure?
It is rare that a patient does not have enough fat to perform the procedure, but can happen. Fortunately, fat cells can be sourced from a number of areas on the body. Consider a free consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann, who can advise you on your surgical options and expected results.
Is a breast fat transfer worth it?
A vast majority of patients are very pleased with their breast fat transfer results and think the procedure is worth it. In fact, on RealSelf, the fat transfer breast augmentation procedure has a 88% “Worth It” rating at the time of writing this article.
How long does it take to recover from a fat transfer breast augmentation?
Patients go home and are encouraged to walk around on the day of surgery. The recommended time off work is usually 1-2 weeks. Depending on where the fat is transferred, you may have to avoid direct pressure on that area for 6 weeks and avoid strenuous exercise during that time. You’ll need to sleep on your back. A compression garment must be worn for 6 weeks after surgery. It can take several months for breasts to settle into their final shape and to see the final fat transfer results.
How long does it take to see fat transfer breast augmentation results?
It can take at least a month for initial swelling to go down, and another 1 to 2 months for body to stop absorbing any of the transferred fat cells. You’ll probably have a good idea of your results after about 3 months, but your final results may not settle in until 6 months after surgery.
Can I get a fat transfer to the breasts if I have implants?
Yes. A fat transfer to breasts with implants can be done to help mitigate rippled skin and implant lines, as well as increase breast volume.
Is a fat transfer painful?
During the liposuction surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anesthesia so that you feel nothing during the procedure.
For the first few days, you will likely experience moderate pain and tenderness. Your surgeon will have provided you with medication to help control the pain.
During the first and second week, the pain should have largely subsided, and most people are capable of returning to work after two weeks, assuming it is not physically strenuous.
How many cup sizes can you go up with a fat transfer?
One can expect to increase 1/2 cup to 1 cup size in volume in a single fat transfer breast augmentation procedure. This can vary from patient to patient. If you would like a larger increase in volume, you may need multiple fat transfers or implants.