Fat GRafting
While breast augmentation with implants is an extremely common and safe procedure, there are some risks with placement of a foreign material within your body such as risk of infection and need for implant replacement at some point. Using fat harvested from the body, we can create a natural and long-lasting improvement in breast volume and shape while minimizing the need for repeat procedures.
Any area of the body that have excess fat (lipodystrophy) can be used to harvest the fat using liposuction. The most common areas are the belly (abdomen), sides/love-handles (flanks), and upper/lower back. However, the neck, arms and thighs can also be used to harvest fat for transfer.
Additional Information
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For an outpatient procedure, where you’d go home afterwards, we are limited to removing 5 liters of fat and fluid in one session.
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This will vary from patient to patient however most people will get several years to indefinite improvement in the overall breast volume.
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The volume of fat that each breast can hold will vary from patient to patient based on the degree of laxity of the skin but most patients will be able to hold at least several hundred milliliters of fat per breast which can comfortably increase their breasts at least a cup size if not more.
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While current research does not show any significant changes in breast cancer risk after fat injection, it is recommended that you obtain a new baseline mammogram 6-12 months after surgery to monitor changes to the breast.
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There is always swelling, soreness and bruising in the treated areas but the degree of each varies from patient to patient. Many people require minimal pain medications and can return to work the next day. Generally, the bruising lasts 1-2 weeks with the swelling remaining 6-8 weeks but this varies greatly on the areas treated and volume of fat removed/transferred.
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From a sculpting standpoint, patients should expect to begin seeing results as early as the 2 week mark but usually notice a marked difference in the 6-8 week timeframe once a majority of the swelling begins to resolve with the final volume of shape of the breast most evident at this time.
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The cost of fat transfers to the breast ranges from $2500 - $3500, not including OR, liposuction, implant or anesthesia fees.
Interested? Find out what’s next!
If you are interested in having fat grafting to your breasts and you reside in or near Washington, DC, or you are planning to visit this area, call Dr. Maiorino's office to schedule an initial consultation, or CLICK HERE to schedule now!
