Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery

As with all cosmetic surgeries, it’s crucial that you follow the recovery timeline and guidelines provided by your surgeon after having a fat transfer breast augmentation. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you should expect during your fat transfer breast augmentation recovery so that you can make the necessary preparations before undergoing the procedure.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

At first, patients will experience swelling and other side effects, which will gradually dissipate a few days after the surgery. In most cases, patients usually make a full recovery after 6 weeks, although swelling may still persist for a few more weeks in the areas treated with liposuction. Most patients feel recovered enough to return to office work and other daily activities after 2 weeks, and more strenuous exercise and activities after 4-6 weeks.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

The fat transfer recovery process will vary for each patient. However, most patients can expect their recovery to progress along the following timeline:

Week 1-2

The swelling, bruising, and other post-surgical side effects will significantly dissipate within 1-2 weeks after surgery. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment, where any dressings will be removed. Most patients feel able to return to work after this recovery period and resume other light activities. However, you should continue to avoid any activities that put pressure on your breasts.

Week 4-6

Most patients will make a full recovery 4-6 weeks after surgery. With clearance from your surgeon, you can begin to resume strenuous exercise and activities. In general, we recommend that you restart strenuous lower body exercises after 4 weeks, and upper body exercises after 6 weeks. Additionally, your breasts may still feel sensitive when touched at this time, which may make some activities uncomfortable.

Week 6-12

You will start noticing the results from both your liposuction and fat transfer at this recovery stage, although some residual swelling may still persist. It may take around 2 more months for the new fat grafts in your breasts to stabilise. However, around 12 weeks after surgery, the skin in your breasts will begin to expand to accommodate the new fat grafts, making your results feel natural.

What to Expect After Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Bruising and Swelling

It’s normal to experience swelling and bruising in the liposuctioned areas and the areas where the fat was injected, caused by the trauma from the incisions. In most cases, the swelling and bruising peak in the first 72 hours. Your surgeon may prescribe pain killers and provide aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort arising from these side effects. Additionally, we highly recommend lymphatic drainage massages to minimise swelling and speed up your recovery.

Compression Garments

You will be provided with compression garments that you should wear for 6 weeks after your recovery. The garments are designed to tightly fit your body and will apply pressure evenly around your breasts and liposuctioned areas. As a result, it will help minimise swelling and bruising, protect your incisions, and preserve the contouring effects of your surgery while your body recovers.

Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Worth It?

While there are pros and cons to having a fat transfer procedure, a fat transfer breast augmentation provides a range of benefits for patients. In addition to increasing the volume and improving the proportions of beasts, a fat transfer is ideal for correcting uneven breasts. Furthermore, some patients prefer the procedure to breast implants due to the more natural-looking results and organic method of the surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO

Dr Omar Tillo is a double-board certified surgeon specialising in body contouring procedures, including fat transfer breast augmentation. Notably, he is one of few surgeons in the UK performing composite breast augmentations, an advanced technique that combines implants and fat transfer to produce the most natural-looking result. 

If you are considering a fat transfer breast augmentation, book a consultation with Dr Tillo at the CREO Clinic to discuss a bespoke treatment plan and the recovery process in further detail.