Pros and Cons of Autologous Breast Augmentation

One of the most common cosmetic procedures done in the U.S. every year is breast augmentation. However, some women don’t find breast implants appealing at all. If you do not want implants but are interested in fuller breasts, you can still enhance your breast shape and size through autologous breast augmentation. It is a process where breasts are enhanced using fat transfer via liposuction. Instead of using implants, autologous breast augmentation uses the fat in your body to increase your breast size. The fat can be obtained from your tummy, thighs, hips, or back, depending on your preferred area. It is then purified and injected back into your breasts, providing a full and all-natural appearance. 

Though nothing foreign is being used to enhance your breasts, there are pros and cons of autologous breast augmentation. This article will help you understand both fat transfer and implants and help you decide which of them is better. 

When to Choose Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

If you want mild to medium breast increase and avoid having implants, then fat transfer breast augmentation is the right procedure to choose. For a large increase in breast size, implants will be more reliable. If you have sagging breasts, a breast lift, whether with implants or without implants, will yield better results compared to fat transfer. Below are the pros and cons of autologous breast augmentation. 

Pros for Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

• It’s all-natural. The process uses the tissues in your body, minimizing the chance of experiencing any complications. 
• No implants. Fat transfer eliminates the standard risks that come with implants such as rupture, capsular contracture, and implant malposition. 
• Virtually scarless. Following your procedure, you are only left with tiny incisions for harvesting and injecting fat 
• Reshapes your whole body. When fat is removed from a different part of your body, you can better sculpt a particular area of concern in the same moment as adding more definition to your breasts.

Cons 

• Limited size of augmentation. Autologous breast augmentation only produces a maximum increase of one-cup size once your results have settled. On the other hand, implants can produce more than a three-cup size increase in breasts, if desired. They also cannot be shaped differently like implants can.
• Possibility of fat re-absorption. This procedure is done very carefully to ensure maximum survival of the transferred fat. However, the possibility of the fat being reabsorbed into your body is very high, and could leave you with different results than you expected. 
• Fails to lift your breast. Autologous breast augmentation does not rectify sagging breasts that result from aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics. If you already have sag occurring in your breasts, a breast lift (with or without implants) would likely be a better fit.
• Costly. Autologous breast augmentation solves two problems at the same time. Your breasts can be naturally enhanced, and various parts of your body can be slimmed or reshaped. However, because there are two procedures at once, this option can be more expensive than simply receiving implants. 

For Those With Less Body Fat 

Most people think that slim ladies cannot undergo autologous breast augmentation. In many cases, an experienced plastic surgeon can get enough fat from a very slender woman for augmentation, even if they have to draw from a few different areas. If you are a very skinny woman, your surgeon might ask you to intentionally add a few more pounds before the procedure is performed. Through personal consultation, you will know whether or not there is enough fat for augmentation. 

Why You May Need to Choose Breast Implants 

Now that the pros and cons of autologous breast augmentation are more defined, let’s take a closer look at the option of implants instead and why it could be a better choice. 

Advantages of Implants over Fat Transfer 

• Can allow for more or better cleavage, if desired
• Provides the ability for larger, more defined breasts
• The results are more consistent and can be better planned for, as there is no chance of absorption or dissolving
• They can be cheaper than fat transfer, depending on if any other procedures are added as well 

An important statistic to take into consideration is that implants account for more than 95% of the breast augmentation surgeries done in the U.S. In contrast, fat transfer accounts for less than 5% of breast augmentation procedures. The best treatment for you will be determined during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon

Results of Natural Fat Transfer Breast Augmentations

To view our past cases of natural breast augmentation via fat transfer, you can view our gallery. Dr. Lucie Capek, a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in the Capital District, provides a woman’s touch with her surgical prowess. Each of her patients receives the absolute best care before, during, and after their treatments. At Capek Plastic Surgery, we strive to be the very best and give the very best to our patients.

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