Breast Fat Transfer (Augmentation Mammoplasty) Gold Coast

Disclaimer:
1. Individual results will vary from patient to patient.
2. All photos are of patients from Cosmos Clinic, and all ‘after’ images are taken 6 weeks or later post-procedure.
3. Recovery, side effects, and potential complications experienced will vary for each individual patient.
4. Photos and videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same as another person, and do not guarantee you will receive a particular surgical outcome.
5. Content on our website and social media pages is published with the consent of our patients. The content featured is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
6. Any invasive or surgical procedure carries risks, side effects, and complications, which can be permanent.

What is breast fat transfer surgery?

Breast fat transfer, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery for altering the breast shape and volume by injecting the patient’s own fat into the breast area. This procedure entails extracting surplus fat from appropriate areas of the body using Vaser Liposuction, before the harvested fat is processed and then injected into the breast tissue.

How is breast fat transfer surgery performed?

During the Vaser Liposuction segment of the procedure, a numbing solution containing local anaesthesia is used in the areas undergoing liposuction, combined with IV sedation (either twilight anaesthesia or general anaesthesia). The level of IV sedation used by the anaesthetist is decided during the initial consultations with the doctor, considering the medical history and specific needs of each individual patient.

The ultrasound technology utilised in Vaser Liposuction employs heatwave energy to disintegrate and liquefy the targeted fat cells of the patient for extraction. Small incisions are created in the donor areas of the body, allowing a specialised ultrasound probe to disrupt the unwanted fat deposits. After the excess fat in each designated area has been fragmented, it is then aspirated out of the body through the same small incisions using a cannula.

The extracted fat is refined using a centrifuge before being injected into the breasts. Through the small incision sites, a cannula is used to inject the fat into the breast tissue, increasing the density and quantity of fat cells in the breast area.

Where will my breast surgery be performed on the Gold Coast?

Your breast procedure will be performed at our fully licensed and accredited private hospital located at our Cosmos Aesthetics location in Southport, on the Gold Coast, QLD Australia.

How long does the surgery take?

The duration of a Vaser Liposuction procedure with fat grafting typically ranges between two to four hours, on average. This timeframe can fluctuate based on several factors, including the specific needs of the individual, the number of areas of the body undergoing treatment, and the amount of fat being transferred.

What cup size will I be after one round of surgery?

The exact results depend on many factors, which we will outline in your consultation.

For those desiring a more significant change, traditional breast implants may be an alternative option.

Is there any downtime after surgery?

Undergoing autologous breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery with Vaser Liposuction is an outpatient surgical procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day as their surgery. Postoperative symptoms such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort are common, with the degree of discomfort varying among individuals. To alleviate any discomfort, patients will be prescribed pain medication by their doctor and will receive comprehensive postoperative care instructions.

Recovery periods can vary among individuals, with the timeframe depending on various factors including the number of areas treated with Vaser Liposuction, past healing experiences, and individual sensitivity to discomfort from surgery. It’s crucial to note that this is a general guideline and not a guaranteed recovery timeframe. The specific recovery expectations tailored to your individual circumstances will be thoroughly discussed during your initial consultations with the doctor.

How long is the recovery time after surgery?

The recovery time needed post-surgery is contingent on several individual factors, with patients typically resuming light activities approximately one week after the procedure, while more strenuous activities, such as high-intensity workouts, are generally deferred until six weeks post-operation.

You will be required to wear a post-procedure surgical bra, and will not be able to wear a bra with underwire for a minimum period of six weeks following surgery, Additionally, to mitigate swelling and aid in skin retraction, you will need to wear compression garments on the areas treated with Vaser Lipo for a total of six weeks following surgery: three weeks full-time and three weeks part-time.

How many fat transfers will I need?

When opting for breast augmentation mammoplasty using your own fat, it’s crucial to understand that not all the transferred fat may endure the process. To survive, the relocated fat needs to develop a new blood supply in the recipient tissue. The average survival rate of fat cells harvested with Vaser Liposuction and then transferred to the breasts is on average more than a 50% survival rate.

Various factors can influence the outcome, and to attain the desired results, multiple sessions of fat transfer may be necessary, especially for those seeking a substantial change in their breasts. These sessions can be planned with intervals of three to six months, allowing for adequate healing and assessment of results between procedures.

What are the risks and side effects of fat transfer breast augmentation mammoplasty?

A fat transfer breast augmentation mammoplasty is a surgical procedure, and like all surgeries, it comes with its own set of risks, side effects, and potential complications that must be thoroughly considered. The possible risks, side effects, and complications arising from undergoing Vaser Liposuction and fat grafting surgery can encompass, but are not limited to:

• Pain and aching
• Bruising and bleeding
• Persistent swelling
• Infection
• Asymmetry and uneven results
• Poor scarring
• Skin sensation changes and numbness
• Breast cysts
• Death of fat cells (fat necrosis)
• Blood clots
• The need for revision surgery
• Fat emboli

Will breast fat transfer increase my risk of breast cancer?

There is no evidence that transferring fat into the breast has any influence on breast cancer, but conversely, there is also no conclusive evidence to confirm that it does not. This technique has been widely embraced in Europe and Japan for over 20 years. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) has asserted that transferring fat into the breast is as reliable as other breast augmentation mammoplasty procedure methods. RACS has also clarified that the fat injected does not hinder the detection of breast cancer.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the associated risks such as fat necrosis with a 1.2% probability, calcification with a 5% probability, cysts with a 6.5% probability, and infection with a 1% probability (Orholt et al, 2020). Post-procedure, it is recommended to inform the radiologist that you have undergone a fat transfer to the breast during mammogram appointments. This is essential as it ensures the technician is informed and can accurately differentiate between calcification and potential signs of breast cancer when reviewing the results.

Will I have visible scars after my fat transfer breast augmentation (mammoplasty)?

Every surgical procedure that breaks the surface of the skin will result in some form of scarring. With breast fat grafting using Vaser Liposuction, the incision sites needed to perform this surgery are small, leading to less noticeable scars compared to more invasive techniques. The final appearance of scars will differ between individuals based on personal factors including previous scarring history.

When will I see the final results after having surgery?

The final results of cosmetic procedures vary from person to person, based on the details of their procedure. Discuss your potential results with your doctor during your consultation.