What’s the Best Breast Augmentation: Fat Transfer or Implants?

Beautiful, shapely breasts are a symbol of femininity, and for many women, they’re also an important part of their image and self-confidence. When a woman’s small breasts are out of proportion with her figure, or droopy from age or weight loss, breast augmentation can help achieve a more flattering figure.  

Breast augmentation can be done with breast implants or fat grafting (also called fat transfer). Determining which of the two augmentation techniques is best depends on your preferences, your current breast tissue, and other factors that Dr. Laverson will discuss with you during your consultation. In the meantime, here’s a general overview of how the two procedures compare. Read on for more information about which is best: a boob job with fat transfer vs breast implants?

 

Procedure

Breast augmentation with fat transfer and breast augmentation with breast implants are very different procedures, but if done by a highly experienced plastic surgeon, they both have the potential to provide sexy, voluptuous results.

Fat transfer 

Breast augmentation with fat transfer involves two different procedures. The first step is fat removal from an unwanted area such as the hips, thighs, or belly—by way of liposuction. The fat is then purified and then injected into the breasts. The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours. 

Implants

Breast augmentation with implants involves the surgical insertion of the breast implant, either under existing breast tissue or muscles in the chest. The specific surgical technique used depends on the type of implant (saline or silicone) as well as a number of other factors. The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours. 

Results

Fat transfer

Breast augmentation with fat transfer achieves results that look and feel natural.  Those who opt for fat grafting over implants are typically looking for more modest changes to the size and appearance of their breasts.  Depending on the current size of your breasts, you can gain half- to a full-cup size per session. Multiple sessions are possible, but they should be spaced six months to a year apart. 

Implants

A boob job with breast implants allows you to achieve a more dramatic increase in breast size in one surgery.  Silicone implants provide a more natural feel while saline implants result in a rounder, fuller appearance and a firmer feel. Both types of implants have their advantages, and each patient has their preferences. 

 

Benefits

Fat transfer

• Little to no risk of allergic reactions
• Subtle results that feel natural to the touch
• Slims down and contours the harvest sites for more appealing body contours
• Minimal incisions and scarring
• No risk of rippling

Implants

• Reliable, predictable size and shape
• Can go up several cup sizes at once
• No additional surgery needed
• Less expensive than fat transfer
• Reversible

 

Recovery time

Breast augmentation with fat transfer and breast augmentation with implants both have similar recovery times. Dr. Laverson typically recommends scheduling 1 to 2 weeks off work and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. The main difference in recovery time between the two procedures is that swelling at the donor site(s) (where the fat was harvested) can continue even after your breasts have healed and settled into their new shape and size. This would not apply to augmentation with implants. 

 

Risks

Augmentation with fat transfer and implants both involve the same general risks associated with surgery, including infection, bleeding, blood clot, and potential scarring (from the liposuction procedure and the implant incision/s).  Breast implants in particular involve the risk of ruptures and leaks as well. The FDA recommends that patients with silicone implants have regular checks for “silent rupture.” 

At Feel Beautiful, we’re committed to keeping patients informed every step of the way. Your safety is our top priority. Dr. Laverson exceeds the highest safety standards and uses only the highest grade products. 

 

Best breast augmentation surgeon in San Diego | Dr. Steve Laverson

Whether you want to enhance the size and shape of your breasts with fat grafting or implants, Dr. Laverson will customize and plan a procedure that accommodates your unique situation, your preferences, and your lifestyle. One of San Diego’s top plastic surgeons, Dr. Laverson is well-known and highly regarded for his expertise, precision, and the level of meticulous care he provides to every patient. If you’re looking for the best breast augmentation surgeon in San Diego, call Feel Beautiful at (858) 295-4001 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Laverson today.