Breast Implants Vs Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Written By
 
Shawn Trumpfeller
Upload on
February 2, 2023

You’ve decided…finally. Or, maybe you’re still thinking about it.

Either way, breast augmentation surgery is on your mind. You want natural but you want implants... You're thinking breast implants vs fat transfer breast augmentation.

Now you’re probably wondering, “What’s next?”

Feeling attractive and living with confidence are probably two of the most sought-after feelings in the human world and one of the most common ways of achieving this is with a breast augmentation procedure.

However, there are many different options available when it comes to breast implants.

If you're looking to take a more natural route, you may want to consider using fat transfer techniques. If you’re looking for a more pronounced look, implants could be the way to go.

Because of current trends in society and technological advances in surgery, you don’t have to choose between breast implants or fat transfer - why not both?

There are also other things to keep in mind including size, shape, look, and feel once completed.

Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it can be difficult for someone to decide which one is best for them. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or something more dramatic, this post will help you decide which option is right for you.

Let’s take a look at what they both are, then compare the two to help you decide which might be the best fit for you.

What Are Breast Implants?

According to Plasticsurgery.org, breast augmentation is a surgery that “...involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.”

One of the most common ways of conducting this surgery is inserting breast implants which are bean bag-sized pouches with silicone lining, filled with either saline or silicone.

The difference between these two materials is how they feel and what they are filled with. Saline implants are also generally inserted into the chest cavity then filled, whereas silicone implants come filled, and are inserted into the body.

What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation using fat transfer is a popular breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results. This surgery uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body, purify it, and inject it into your breasts.

It is becoming more popular as women become more aware of the many benefits that come with natural breast enhancement.

Not only does this surgery result in a relatively small increase in breast size, but it also offers other benefits such as shorter recovery time and a natural looking appearance.

Now let’s get down to it - breast implants or fat transfer…

Pros and Cons of Breast Implants

Implants of different kinds have been used since the 1800’s, but they aren’t without their drawbacks. Pro’sCon’s

  • Immediate results: The size and shape of the breasts are enhanced immediately after surgery.
  • Customizable: Implants can be customized to suit the patient's individual needs and preferences.
  • Long-lasting: Implants can last for many years and can be replaced if needed.
  • Risk of complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or implant rupture.
  • Risk of capsular contracture: A hardening of the tissue around the implant can occur, which can be painful and may require additional surgery.
  • Risk of implant leakage: If the implant leaks, it will need to be removed and replaced.

As you can see from the table above, it makes sense to carefully consider the pros and cons before making your decision.

…But that isn’t the only option.

Pros and Cons of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is quickly becoming a popular treatment option for women who are looking to augment their breasts. However, this procedure also has some potential drawbacks that patients should be aware of: Pro’s Con’s

  • Natural-looking results: Since there is nothing foreign in the body, this fat will feel and appear as natural as can be.
  • Two-in-one: Since fat has to be taken from another part of the body, (liposuction) you can work on another trouble spot at the same time
  • Easier surgery: The injections don’t require general anesthetic or large incisions
  • Low risk of complications: Because the fat is taken from the patient's own body, there is a low risk of rejection or allergic reactions.
  • Limited volume increase: The volume increase achieved with fat transfer is usually less than with breast implants.
  • More than one procedure may be needed: Depending on the desired volume, more than one procedure may be needed to achieve the desired results.
  • Longevity: change shape including decrease in size, depending on body type and lifestyle
  • Results may vary: The survival rate of the transferred fat can vary from patient to patient, and not all of the fat that is injected will survive

There are two sides of the coin with this type of procedure as well. Although generally more natural, it could lead to underwhelming results and longevity issues.

With all this information at your fingertips, how do you choose which is right for you?

Answer is…a consultation with your doctor. They are going to be able to meet with you, get to know what you’re looking for, and take your lifestyle into account when giving you guidance.

But, if you want to start gathering your own information, before the chat with your surgeon, here are some ideas to get you started. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, implants or fat transfer can be the best idea for you right now.

Take a look at our guide below and feel free to use it as a starting point on your journey.

And The Winner Is…Implants!

Sometimes, the best option is going to be implants. Here is when we’d recommend seriously considering these:

Why breast implants over fat transfer breasts?

  • Wow Factor - Implants can provide a noticeable increase in volume, projection and fullness across the upper pole of the chest wall without regard to your body type.
  • Max Number of Options - The breast augmentation procedure with implants is the most flexible option for both the patient and their surgeon. You have options with things like size, shape, material, and placement of the implants, offering much greater flexibility than fat transfer.
  • Most Predictable Outcome - When it comes to medical advances and technology, few can match the level of research and safety that breast implants have achieved. With an impressive track record of successful outcomes, implants are a top choice among those looking for satisfaction with their results.
  • If You Have a Small Frame - If you're considering breast enhancement through fat grafting, it's important to remember that a significant amount of fat is needed for the procedure. Unfortunately, if you are thin, you may not have enough excess fat to make the process possible. This is where implants can solve that for you.

ShAnd The Winner Is…Fat Transfer!

When it comes to achieving aesthetic goals, there are times when surgery is simply not the best option. Here’s when fat transfer might be your best option:

Why get fat transfer breast augmentation over implants?

  • Small ‘Boost’ to What You Have - Breast fat grafting is an excellent way to achieve a natural looking enhancement, but it may not give dramatic results if that’s what you’re after
  • Solving 2 (or more) Problem Areas at Once - Fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure that improves two areas of the body at once. By pulling fat cells from another area of your body into your breasts, the procedure naturally and safely augments them while also slimming the donor area.
  • You Hate Scars - With implants, there WILL be an incision. Depending on a few things combined with the skill of your surgeon, the scars could be barely noticeable to a couple inches long. With fat transfer, minimal injection sites are noticed due to the nature of the procedure, with extremely minimal scarring left in most cases.
  • Totally Natural Procedure, No Extra Pieces - If you’re concerned about the potential risks that come with having a foreign object inside your body, fat transfer could be for you. These include risks such as rippling, rupturing, or capsular contracture. Breast fat grafting avoids these potential complications using your own fat, taken from another part of your body.

Now you know some of the situations that favor implants or a fat transfer. Are there any other options to consider?Who Doesn’t Want It All?...

Should I get Breast Implants Or Fat Transfer? Why Not Both?

Both procedures have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, but what if you could have the best of both worlds? Introducing the concept of a "hybrid" breast augmentation, where both breast implants and fat transfer are used in combination to achieve optimal results.

Hybrid Breast Augmentation

A hybrid breast augmentation combines the benefits of both breast implants and fat transfer to achieve optimal results. In this procedure, breast implants are placed to provide the desired volume, then fat is transferred to the breasts to provide a natural-looking shape and texture.

This can be especially beneficial for patients who have small or uneven breasts, or who have lost volume due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.

The ability for your surgeon to be able to customize the outcome to your specific body is what makes this new procedure so desirable. And, it can give you the personalized results you desire.

As people realize the many benefits this combination has to offer this new procedure is becoming more and more desirable. From a more natural appearance to a boost in self-confidence, our team of surgeons at SixSurgery have the experience and expertise to help you achieve the look you want.

Schedule your consultation here today.