Breast Augmentation By Fat Transfer

Ever wanted to increase your breast size but didn’t want to have breast implants?  Taking fat from the stomach or thighs and using it to boost breast size is entirely possible. The procedure, known as breast augmentation by fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, has grown in popularity in Australia in the past five years, particularly in the wake of the health scare surrounding PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) silicone breast implants. Whilst the technique is not new, with Specialist Plastic Surgeons transferring fat to the face and other parts of the body for at least 20 years, what is new is the amount of fat needed to increase a breast size.  Doctors were initially concerned that if they transferred large amounts of fat to the breasts, it might form fatty lumps that could be mistaken for breast cancer, leading to unnecessary biopsies.  But advances in technology have helped us diminish those concerns. The technique used is similar to liposuction to harvest fat cells from the abdomen, hips and thighs.  The fat is prepared to a type of ‘‘puree’’ and injected into the breast tissue, under the skin of the breasts.  There is no cutting involved, but there will be puncture marks and bruising where fat has been removed.  To prevent lumps, the fat is injected into multiple tunnels in the breast, then moulded into shape so that a smooth and uniform breast enlargement is produced.