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How Long Does Fat Transfer to Breasts Last?

How Long Does Fat Transfer To Breasts Last

Patients may be attracted to fat transfer as a method of breast augmentation due to its long-lasting results. However, maintaining these results requires some effort on the part of the patient. In this article, we’ll discuss the results you can expect from fat transfer breast augmentation and what you can do to maintain it. 

Results Following Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Immediately after surgery, your breasts may appear bigger than expected due to the swelling and excess fat the surgeon injects to account for the 30-50% of fat that is  eventually absorbed by your body. It takes around 3-6 months for your fat grafts to settle, after which you will be able to fully appreciate the volume and contouring effects of your surgery. 

A fat transfer breast augmentation requires liposuction in order to harvest the fat grafts. As a result, the surgery can provide a full-body contour by sculpting areas of excess fat. Typically, it takes around 6-12 weeks for the results of liposuction to emerge, with the treated areas appearing noticeably flatter.

Why Does the Body Absorb Some of the Fat?

Your body absorbs the dead fat cells that are transferred, which usually consists of around 30-50% of the fat grafts. These fat cells die due to being damaged during liposuction. 

As surgeons can’t differentiate between the living and dead fat cells, they will transfer the extracted fat after processing and purifying it. Afterwards, the body will discard the dead fat and integrate the living cells into the injected area.

Factors That Impact Fat Transfer Results

Weight

As the volume from your fat transfer is provided by living fat tissue, fluctuations in weight post-surgery will affect your results. Losing weight will decrease its volume as the fat cells shrink, while gaining weight will increase its volume as the fat cells expand. Either outcome is not recommended, as the shape and contours created during surgery will be altered.

Age

As we age, our skin becomes weaker, which gradually gives way to sagging skin. The breasts are an area of the body you can expect to sag with age. As a result, the shape and contouring effects of your fat transfer breast augmentation surgery may diminish with age. However, if this occurs, a breast lift can restore the perkiness of your breasts to prolong your results.

How to Maintain Fat Transfer Results

Exercise

You should wait until you recover from your fat transfer breast augmentation before resuming strenuous exercise in order to preserve your fat grafts. Afterwards, we recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to help you maintain your figure. Additionally, you should ensure that you’re not exercising excessively so that you lose weight and shrink the fat grafts.

Work with a Dietician

A healthy balanced diet is vital to avoiding weight fluctuations. If you are struggling to maintain your weight, you may benefit from the personalised weight loss programmes offered by our dieticians. Finding a diet that addresses your body’s unique needs that you can sustain is key to keeping off the weight.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is a key factor that affects our weight. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased appetite, food cravings, lower metabolism, and disrupting other bodily functions. Therefore, you should aim to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep every night to help you maintain your weight.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is another factor that can affect weight gain, and you should be drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water per day. Water has been shown to increase calorie burning and can suppress your appetite to prevent you from overeating. Additionally, it plays a key role in regulating all our bodily functions.

Ideal Candidate for Fat Transfer to the Breasts

You will need to attend a consultation with our plastic surgeon in order to confirm your eligibility for the procedure. In general, women who are in good health, with a BMI below 35, are usually eligible for the procedure. We also recommend that you pursue the surgery after you have reached your ideal weight so that you can maintain your results.

How Many Cup Sizes Can You Go Up with Fat Transfer?

On average, a fat transfer increases the volume of the breasts by around one sup size. Therefore, it’s an ideal procedure for women looking for a modest enhancement. 

However, the procedure can be repeated to add more volume depending on the amount of excess fat the patient has. Alternatively, women who are looking for a more pronounced enhancement while retaining the benefits of fat transfer can combine the procedure with breast implants, a technique known as composite breast augmentation.

Is Fat Transfer to the Breasts Worth It?

Fat transfer to the breasts can be a worthwhile procedure for many women wanting to enhance their breasts and contour other areas of the body, particularly as it provides permanent and natural results. Additionally, the procedure can correct uneven breasts and enhance cleavage while leaving behind minimal scars.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

Dr Omar Tillo is a double board-certified plastic surgeon specialising in fat transfer procedures and breast cosmetic surgery. He has extensive experience in performing fat transfer procedures and is one of few surgeons performing composite breast augmentation in the UK. 

If you’re considering a fat transfer breast augmentation, book a consultation at the CREO Clinic to discuss a bespoke treatment plan.

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