Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ

At LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, women are provided with natural breast augmentation through fat transfer to achieve their ideal breast shape without implants. With weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, most women experience loss of breast volume. With recent advances in fat grafting techniques, it is now possible to augment breasts with one’s own body fat for a more balanced and natural look.Dr. LaBarbera is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, with a specialty in breast augmentation surgeries. He is well-versed in fat transfer breast enhancement and tailors every procedure to meet the unique needs of each patient. We are dedicated to helping women restore lost breast volume, feel more confident in their own skin, and look better.

Table of Contents

What Is Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a natural breast enhancement procedure that increases breast size by utilizing a patient’s own body fat instead of implants. During this operation, Dr. LaBarbera uses liposuction to take fat from a donor area such as the abdomen, thighs, or flank. The natural fat is cleaned and injected strategically into breasts to create a more full and contoured appearance. The goal is to enhance breast size with a natural feel.

This procedure is not employed to lift sagging breasts substantially. However, it can be combined with a breast lift for women seeking both increased volume and improved breast position.

It is important to note that with a breast fat transfer surgery, a woman can expect to increase her breast size by up to one cup size. Alternative like breast implants can be considered if the patients wants to achieve a higher volume.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Procedure Explained

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

Before undergoing fat transfer breast augmentation, patients meet with Dr. LaBarbera. During this consultation, he evaluates the size of the patient’s breasts, skin elasticity, and fat distribution. He also discusses with the patient their goals, what can be accomplished with the procedure, and medical history that may have an impact on the operation.

To ensure that patient safety is maintained, Dr. LaBarbera may request medical tests such as:

The patients must have sufficient fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flank for the transfer to be successful. In instances where they have minimal fat deposits, other breast augmentation options are explored.

The Surgery

Marking and Anesthesia: During the surgery day, Dr. LaBarbera marks the donor areas where fat will be harvested, as well as the injection sites on the breasts. The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free experience.
Liposuction and Fat Purification: Next, using a thin tube called a cannula, Dr. LaBarbera suctions the excess fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, or upper arm. The extracted fat is then purified and processed with extreme caution to remove any non-viable fat cells, oils, and excess fluid. This is to ensure that only the highest-quality fat cells are transferred.
Fat Injections to the Breasts: Following the purification of fat, Dr. LaBarbera injects it into breasts through small incisions. The fat is injected in small amounts in a manner that gives a natural and evenly distributed volume and sustained viability of fat cells. This is done until fullness and breast shape are achieved.
Closing and Recovery: After the breasts are sized and shaped appropriately, Dr. LaBarbera closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches. Then, he places compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing. The procedure lasts from 2 to 4 hours.

Recovery After Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Immediate Recovery

After fat transfer breast augmentation, patients are monitored closely when emerging from anesthesia. Dr. LaBarbera ensures that everything is fine before discharging them so they can return home on the day of surgery. Patients should have a family member or friend drive them and assist with light activities for 24 hours. Soreness and swelling in both breasts and liposuction areas are usual. In this case, our surgeon prescribes pain medication to alleviate pain and pressure and provides patients with certain after-op care to enable healing.

Initial Weeks

Recovery from a fat transfer breast augmentation surgery can take up to 8 weeks. For the first three or four weeks, patients ought to avoid wearing tight bras or undergarments to prevent pressure on the newly transferred fat. We recommend wearing compression garments on liposuction areas to minimize swelling and allow skin retraction. Dr. LaBarbera advises against wearing tight undergarments and bras for at least 7 weeks.
Patients should take antibiotics as directed to prevent infection. Besides, they should avoid sleeping on their belly in a manner that would compromise fat graft viability. We advise our patients to return to light activities and work in a week. Strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise must be avoided for six to eight weeks in order to maximize fat retention.

Long-Term Outcomes

Swelling can take up to four months to subside and allow breasts to achieve their final shape. Since some fat naturally absorbs over time, Dr. LaBarbera strategically overfills the breasts during surgery to achieve the best long-term results. We recommend patients be at a stable weight in order to maintain their new breasts’ fullness because significant changes can affect fat viability.

Before & After Photos

The LaBarbera clinic specializes in plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery, offering a wide range of procedures to enhance natural beauty and boost confidence. The team is committed to patient comfort and works collaboratively to achieve the desired outcomes, whether dramatic or subtle. Dr. Jude LaBarbera takes pride in understanding each patient’s vision, helping them feel more attractive and confident. To see the potential results, view our before and after photos of patients who have successfully achieved their goals with Dr. LaBarbera’s expertise.

Candidates for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a good option for women who prefer to have their breasts enhanced without implants. Here are some reasons that make someone a good candidate:

Wishing a Natural Breast Enhancement

The operation is most suited for women who wish to have mild to moderate breast augmentation. It is also an option for those who would like a more natural look and feel compared to breast implants.

Adequate Fat Reserves

Since this procedure relies on liposuction to remove fat, patients must have unwanted fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, thighs, flank areas, or buttocks.

Loss of Breast Volume or Asymmetry

Women who have lost breast fullness due to pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations can benefit from fat transfer. It is an excellent solution for refining breast shape and correcting mild breast asymmetry.

Stable Weight

Patients must be near or at their optimal weight at the time of undergoing surgery. Excessive weight changes after surgery can have an effect on the viability of transferred fat.

Non-smokers

Nicotine reduces blood circulation and affects fat graft survival, increasing the risk of complications. Patients should be non-smokers or willing to quit at least four weeks before and after surgery.

Physical and Emotional Well-being

Like most cosmetic procedures, a patient’s general health is paramount. They must not suffer from chronic illness or autoimmune diseases that would compromise healing.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Reduced Body Fat

One of the standout benefits of this breast enhancement method is its dual advantage. Fat is taken from areas where it’s not needed, such as the belly, thighs, buttocks, or hips, which results in additional toning and shaping of those donor areas. The outcome is a more toned and proportionate figure. So, this is a preferred solution for women who need to enhance both breasts and body.

Lower Risks

This augmentation method uses the patient’s own body fat to enhance breast size, avoiding artificial implants. This eliminates the risk of the body rejecting a foreign object. Fat transfer breast enhancement avoids common issues associated with implants, such as capsular contracture, wrinkling, rippling, malpositioning, bottoming out, and rupture. This natural technique offers a safer and more harmonious alternative.

Natural Look and Feel

Using the patient’s own fat instead of saline or silicone implants results in a natural look and feel. This method is especially suitable for women seeking a modest increase in breast size. The use of the patient’s own fat ensures a more harmonious and natural outcome, making it an excellent option for those looking for subtle enhancement without the risks associated with artificial implants.

Less Invasive Technique

Implant-based breast augmentation involves making larger incisions, usually in the breast crease, to insert artificial implants. In contrast, fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to extract fat from other body areas, which is then processed and injected into the breasts. This technique requires only small, barely visible incisions. Additionally, fat grafting for breast enlargement typically results in a shorter recovery time compared to implant augmentation, making it a less invasive option with quicker healing.

Permanent Outcome

Once the transferred fat establishes a new blood supply, it integrates with the surrounding breast tissue for a permanent enhancement. Typically, only about 75% of the fat will successfully integrate. But the remaining fat is permanent and long-lasting. Over a period of years, breasts will naturally change with weight fluctuations and hormonal changes, as will the rest of the body.

Cost of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ

The cost of fat transfer breast augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ, typically ranges between $6,000 and $12,000. The fee includes the liposuction price, surgeon fee, anesthetics, fat purification, and injection costs. The price varies with a number of factors, such as liposuction sites, and whether other procedures are involved. Since this is a body contouring procedure with liposuction involved, most patients opt to have it accompanied by other augmentations for a more defined appearance. To obtain a proper estimate, patients must schedule a consultation with Dr. LaBarbera, who will assess their needs and design a customized treatment plan.

LaBarbera Plastic Surgery: A Top Choice for Breast Fat Transfer Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ

At LaBarbera Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and natural-looking breast enhancement for every patient. Dr. LaBarbera, a leading plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, has years of experience in fat transfer breast augmentation and body sculpting techniques. His patient-first approach ensures that each woman receives a personalized plan tailored to her unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. With state-of-the-art facilities and advanced liposuction techniques, we deliver beautiful, long-lasting results while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Adequate preparation is key to a successful surgical outcome. Dr. LaBarbera advises patients to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery, as smoking can hinder the procedure and impair healing. Patients should also avoid certain medications and herbal supplements, such as aspirin, which can increase bleeding risk. Additionally, it’s important to stock up on healthy food and necessary supplies for the recovery period.

Should I be worried about scarring?

Scarring is a natural consequence of any surgical procedure involving skin incisions. However, natural fat transfer uses very small incisions that are typically hidden within the body’s natural folds and become unnoticeable after full recovery. Dr. LaBarbera employs advanced surgical techniques to minimize the risk of scarring and other adverse effects, ensuring a satisfactory outcome.

How much volume can be added to my breasts?

The increase in breast size achieved through fat transfer depends on the amount of fat that can be harvested and the available space within each breast. Some of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body, so achieving the desired outcome requires a skilled approach. During your initial consultation with Dr. LaBarbera, he will use various tools to give you a clear idea of what to expect from the procedure.

Will the results of fat transfer breast augmentation look natural?

Yes! One of the best benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation is that it provides a very natural look and feel. Since the procedure uses a patient’s own body fat rather than implants, the enhanced breasts have a soft, natural texture with no foreign substance. The result blends perfectly with the body, which makes it a great option for women who want subtle yet noticeable enhancement.

How long do the results of fat transfer breast augmentation last?

The effects of fat transfer are durable, even though the body reabsorbs part of the injected fat in the first few months. An average of 60-80% of the transferred fat remains permanently. A stable weight is essential for optimum results, as extreme weight fluctuations can affect the volume of the transferred fat. The effects can last for years after the fat establishes a blood supply, creating a natural and durable augmentation.