Breast Implants Or Fat Transfer?

If you’re considering breast augmentation, having an implant is no longer your sole option. Fat transfer is gaining in popularity as a more natural option.

So that may now leave you with the question, “Do I want breast implants or fat transfer?”

Fortunately, you don’t have to decide now; or even by the end of this article. But we’ll give you a quick rundown of the two different options so you can make a better informed decision.

What Happens with a Breast Implant

There are numerous reasons a patient may seek a breast implant. In some cases, they’re looking to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. In others, they simply want to increase volume after giving birth or losing weight. Some just want larger breasts.

Breast implants are made with either saline or silicone. Each of these materials has its own distinct advantages which are outlined by the surgeon during a consultation.

During the procedure, the implant is placed either over or under the chest (pectoral) muscle. And just as there are different options for the implant, the incisions the surgeon uses will also depend on a number of factors.

The Deets on Fat Transfer

For those who would prefer to keep things more natural, a fat transfer might be a good option. With this method, fat cells are harvested from another part of the body utilizing liposuction techniques. The cells are then purified before being injected into the breasts.

Not only does this procedure result in fuller breasts, but there’s the added bonus of removing fat from an area where there is excess.

So now the question remains:

Breast Implant or Fat Transfer?

Ultimately, you’ll want to discuss your options with your board-certified plastic surgeon. But we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.

Implants

For those who want to select the size and shape closest to their ideal, there is more control with implants. In addition, breast augmentation with implants has been practiced and refined for many decades so former safety issues have been nearly eliminated.

Breast implants have decent longevity – lasting between 15 and 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Given that it’s surgery performed under general anesthesia, this aspect must be considered. And recovery from augmentation with implants can be on the longer side – although the difference between implants and fat transfer may be just a few weeks.

Fat Transfer

While implants are increasingly more natural looking in appearance, it’s hard to beat fat transfer for the most natural look. Plus, some patients find it appealing to avoid putting foreign material in their bodies. And as we mentioned above, there’s the additional benefit of losing fat in another area of the body.

Fat transfer also requires general anesthesia, so it’s still a major procedure. But it’s less invasive than getting implants. It’s often chosen for patients who have uneven breasts or after a lumpectomy.

All of these advantages aside, fat transfer tends to deliver more modest results, so it’s not ideal for those looking to enhance their breasts by a cup size or more. In addition, fat transfer doesn’t have the predictability that implants do so the procedure may need to be done again within a few years.

Considering Breast Augmentation?

If you’re feeling a bit more in the know on breast augmentation, you may be ready to take the next step. Go for it!

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss whether breast implants or fat transfer is the better option for you.