Fat transfer breast augmentation scars are hardly noticeable once they’ve healed. In fact, this is one of the major benefits of this procedure.
Below, we’ll explain what type of incisions are required for the two stages of fat transfer breast augmentation. We’ll also talk about what you can expect in terms of scar appearance after surgery. And finally, if you do have slightly visible scars, we’ll recommend some tips for minimizing their appearance so that you end up with a virtually scarless procedure.
Before we dive in, however, let’s review how fat transfer breast augmentation is performed.
What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a breast augmentation procedure that increases the size of the breasts by taking fat from other places on the patient’s body and transferring that fat to the breasts. This is basically the same concept that is used in Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedures.
The first stage of any breast augmentation fat transfer procedure is liposuction. Your plastic surgeon will use liposuction to remove excess and unwanted fat from the abdomen, inner thighs, hips, chin and neck area, upper arms, or elsewhere. These fat cells will then be processed and purified so that they are ready for re-injection.
The final stage of fat breast augmentation procedures is re-injection of the fat to the breasts. Plastic surgeons will typically use three or four injection sites on the breasts. The fat will be re-injected carefully for a natural look.
Finally, once your surgeon is happy with the final results, they will close up any open incisions, and you will be ready to go to the recovery room and later return home on the same day as your surgery.
Before and After Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Scars
Incision and Injection Site Locations
When thinking about scars after fat transfer breast augmentation, you must consider the two types of “wounds” that are used during this surgery. The first are the incisions required for liposuction, and the second are the injection sites where the harvested fat is injected into the breasts.
Liposuction incisions are notoriously small. They only need to be large enough for a cannula to fit through them. This means they are usually just a few millimeters wide, and they will heal very well after surgery.
Fat injection sites are even smaller. A slightly larger-than-average needle is used to inject fat into the breasts, and it leaves such a small mark on the skin that it is sometimes hard to see at all once it has healed.
Scar Appearance After Breast Fat Transfer
Again, both liposuction and fat injection scars are extremely small. They will appear as bright red or pink marks at first. Over the subsequent weeks of recovery, you will notice them fade in pigment and start to flatten out. After several months, it may be difficult to find these incision sites at all.
Minimizing Scar Appearance
If you do end up with marks on your skin that you would like to minimize even further, there are a few things you can do to lessen the appearance of scars after breast augmentation fat transfer surgery:
- First, make sure you stay out of the sun, especially directly after surgery
- . UV rays from the sun can increase pigmentation in your scars and keep them from healing properly.
- Next, use silicone gel sheets. These work wonders at smoothing out scars, keeping them hydrated and helping them fade.
- Finally, during your breast augmentation fat transfer recovery, be sure to avoid straining your treatment areas. Do not stretch or overexert yourself. This is typically when scar widening or the exacerbation of scar appearance occurs.
FAQ: Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer Scars
Is the fat transfer process painful?
Is the fat transfer process painful?To harvest fat, liposuction is used, and during recovery, your liposuction areas may be slightly sore. However, other than this, most patients do not experience much pain following breast augmentation fat transfer procedures. During the procedure itself, anesthesia will be used, so you will be comfortable.
What’s better: fat transfer breast augmentation or implants?
When it comes to fat transfer breast augmentation vs implants (traditional breast augmentation), it really depends on your goals. A breast fat transfer procedure is great for patients who only want a small breast size increase of up to around one cup size. Fat grafting procedures are also good if you’re particularly concerned about a natural look.
On the other hand, breast surgery with implants (breast implant surgery) is good for patients who want a more significant breast size increase. Of course, breast fat transfers can sometimes be combined with breast implants or breast lift surgery as well.
Book a Breast Fat Transfer Consultation Appointment
A lipo fat transfer to breast procedure can be ideal for patients who want a natural-looking breast size increase. The procedure is virtually scarless, there’s very little downtime during breast fat grafting recovery, and when you choose from the best fat transfer breast augmentation surgeons, you’ll have a very natural looking outcome.
If you would like to learn more about the breast fat grafting procedure, please contact us today and schedule a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dahlia Rice. Fat transfer breast augmentations are becoming increasingly popular as a cosmetic surgery. Book your appointment today and find out if you’re a good candidate!
