South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery

Fat transfer breast augmentation (also known as autologous fat grafting) involves removing fat from one area of your body—typically the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back—and injecting it into the breasts to add volume, shape, and softness.

It’s essentially a two-in-one procedure: liposuction + breast enhancement, resulting in a slimmer donor area and fuller, perkier breasts.

This approach appeals to women who:

• Prefer a more natural look and feel
• Are hesitant about implants
• Want a modest volume increase (typically ½ to 1 cup size)
• Have stubborn fat pockets they’d love to slim down
• Desire a more or subtle enhancement

Because you’re using your own fat, the results blend seamlessly with your natural anatomy—no risk of implant rupture or shifting, and no long-term maintenance like implant replacement. Plus, there’s the added bonus of body contouring in the areas where fat is harvested.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2–4 hours, depending on how much fat is being removed and transferred.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Liposuction: Fat is harvested from a donor area using gentle, low-pressure liposuction techniques that preserve fat cell integrity. The most common donor sites include the:

• Lower abdomen
• Flanks (“love handles”)
• Inner or outer thighs
• Bra roll or lower back

Your surgeon will work with you to identify the best donor sites to match your body contouring goals.

2. Purification: Once extracted, the fat is processed using specialized methods to purify and isolate only the healthiest fat cells. Excess fluids, damaged cells, and oils are removed to ensure optimal survival of the transferred fat.

3. Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into the breasts using a micro-droplet technique. This means small amounts of fat are layered strategically throughout the tissue to ensure even distribution, smooth contouring, and better fat survival.

There are no large incisions—just tiny entry points that heal quickly and leave minimal, if any, scarring.

Fat transfer is best suited for subtle to moderate enhancement—typically 100–300cc per breast, depending on your anatomy and the quality of the harvested fat.

If you’re looking for a dramatic increase (e.g., 2+ cup sizes), implants may still be the better option. However, fat transfer is perfect if you:

• Want a natural, athletic look
• Prefer no foreign materials
• Seek correction after implant removal
• Want to fill out the upper pole or smooth irregularities

You can also opt for multiple fat transfer sessions to build volume gradually if desired.

You may be a good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation if:

• You’re in good overall health
• You have enough fat in donor areas to harvest
• You desire a modest size increase
• You have realistic expectations about fat survival and volume retention
• You’re not currently breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy soon
• You want a softer, more natural look vs. a dramatic change

It’s also a popular option for women who’ve had implants in the past and want to return to a more natural result without sacrificing fullness entirely.

Not sure if you qualify? A consultation with one of our eligible plastic surgeons can help assess your body goals and anatomy to determine the best option.

Recovery from fat transfer breast augmentation is generally smooth and well-tolerated.

General timeline:

• Days 1–3: Expect soreness, bruising, and swelling in both the donor and breast areas. You’ll wear a compression garment over the liposuction sites to reduce swelling.
• Week 1: You’ll begin to feel more mobile. Most patients return to desk work and light activity.
• Weeks 2–3: You can resume walking, errands, and some light exercise, but avoid pressure on the breasts (no sleeping on your chest or wearing tight bras).
• 1 Month: Most of the swelling has resolved, and early results are visible.
• 3–6 Months: Final results begin to emerge as the fat stabilizes and the breasts take their final shape.

Some minor fluctuations are normal as your body reabsorbs a portion of the fat. You may also feel some firmness or lumps temporarily as the tissue settles.

Your body will naturally reabsorb 30–40% of the transferred fat, which is why surgeons often overcorrect slightly during the procedure. The remaining fat that successfully integrates becomes a permanent part of your breast tissue.

To help optimize fat survival:

• Avoid direct pressure on the breasts (no tight bras, no sleeping facedown)
• Don’t smoke or use nicotine
• Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions closely
• Maintain stable body weight
• Stay well hydrated and nourished

Feature	Fat Transfer	Implants
Material	Your own fat	Silicone or saline
Look & Feel	Soft, natural	Fuller, firmer
Volume Increase	½–1 cup size	1–3+ cup sizes
Scars	Minimal	More noticeable (inframammary, periareolar, etc.)
Long-Term Maintenance	Minimal	May need replacement after 10–15 years
Risk of Complications	Low	Higher (capsular contracture, rupture, etc.)

Fat transfer isn’t ideal for every patient. Some limitations include:

• Volume is limited by how much fat you can harvest and how much your breasts can safely receive
• Fat survival varies per individual
• Some patients may require a second, third or more procedures to achieve desired fullness
• Not suitable for patients with very low body fat

A hybrid approach—implants combined with fat grafting—is also available for patients who want more dramatic volume with enhanced natural contouring.

Breast augmentation with fat transfer is an excellent option for women who want natural-looking results, a softer feel, and the added benefit of body contouring. If you’re seeking an implant-free solution to refine your shape and boost your confidence, this could be your perfect match.

At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our experienced surgical team offers expert fat grafting techniques to help you achieve beautiful, customized results—without compromising on safety, softness, or satisfaction.