Fat Transfer To Breasts In Sarasota

FAT TRANSFER TO BREASTS IN SARASOTA, FL

In the United States, the majority of breast augmentation procedures use implants to increase the size and enhance the shape of the breasts. Some women, however, do not want to use saline or silicone implants. Others want only a small size difference. For these patients, fat transfer to the breasts may help them meet their aesthetic goals and achieve a natural, subtle difference. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alberico Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts offers fat transfer to the breasts as one of his many breast augmentation options to patients in the Greater Sarasota area.

WHAT IS FAT TRANSFER TO BREASTS?

Fat transfer to the breasts is a breast augmentation option that utilizes fat from one part of the body and transfer it to the breasts. A fat transfer procedure does not require a large incision because it utilizes a small needle or cannula to inject the fat into the breasts. 

Unlike implants, the amount of fat transferred does not directly equal the results. Transferred fat takes time to settle in the breasts and usually a percentage of fat does not take and absorbs back into the body. This makes the procedure ideal for women not looking for very dramatic results, or those who only want to increase one or two cup sizes.  

Fat transfer procedures have become increasingly popular, especially to areas like the face and buttock (aka a Brazilian buttock lift). Fat transfer to the breasts provides natural looking results without the use of implants.

Is It Safe?

Generally, breast augmentation procedures are safe when performed on ideal candidates and by a capable, board-certified cosmetic surgeon. Fat grafting comes with some risks, like any surgical procedure. Before undergoing your surgery, Dr. Sessa will review your medical history and anatomy to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure and have a low risk of complications. 

Most healthy women who want to increase their breast size with fat are candidates for surgery. Along with assessing your risk, Dr. Sessa will minimize risk during surgery by using methodical, gentle liposuction and strategic placement of the fat. Few patients experience major complications after Sarasota fat transfer to the breasts surgery. 

Possible Donor Sites?

The fat transferred to your breasts can come from nearly anywhere you have extra fat on your body. During your consultation, Dr. Sessa will examine the possible donor sites to determine which will enhance your fat transfer to breasts results and will provide the most viable fat. Sites that often work well for liposuction for fat transfer include:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Back
• Flanks/ Love handles
• Waist
• Arms
• Butt

FAT TRANSFER VS. IMPLANTS

Breast implants and fat transfer to the breasts both result in an increase in breast size. However, each method of breast augmentation provides different results and benefits to patients. Dr. Sessa can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you to determine which type of breast augmentation will best achieve your goals.

Implants–whether saline or silicone–can increase breast size dramatically, more than one or two cup sizes. Additionally, with a range of implant shapes and options, implant augmentation can enhance the shape of the breasts which can improve the projection and correct abnormalities like tuberous breasts.

Typically, implants are best suited for breast augmentation candidates who want to go up multiple cup sizes. Also, for patients who want to change the shape of their breasts, such as, making them look more round, implants often provide the best results. Modern breast implants are known to have lifetime warranties and be long lasting. Conversely, when transferred fat attaches in the breasts, it should have a long lasting effect and can be permanent. However, with weight loss or other factors, the fat may naturally change in size.

Fat transfer does not carry many of the risks and complications possible during a breast augmentation surgery. For example, capsular contracture or rupture are not possible with fat transfer to the breasts because there is no foriegn implant. For those with small breasts, certain implants can cause rippling or additional issues that fat transfer does not. 

Transferring fat can enhance or correct current breast implants. For those experiencing rippling or asymmetry, fat transfer to the breasts may help disguise the implant or provide better symmetry. Some women seek a fat transfer procedure to fill in their breasts after a breast biopsy.

Overall, the breast augmentation option that will suit you will depend on what you want to gain from the procedure. If you want a smaller enhancement, fat transfer may work for you. Your body and health must also complement the procedure. Dr. Sessa will explain all of your options for augmenting your breasts and examine you to determine which will best help you.

FAT TRANSFER TO BREASTS: BEFORE AND AFTER

Starting your journey to accomplish your aesthetic goals is a daunting task that can create anxiety and uncertainties. At Sarasota Surgical Arts, we walk you through every step of the process and focus on you, your results, and your goals. The first time you come into our office about your fat transfer to breasts in Sarasota is the consultation with Dr. Sessa.

The Consultation

At your consultation with Sarasota cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sessa, he will want to gain an understanding of what you want to achieve. At this point, he will ask you about your current cup size and the cup size you want to be. From there, he will review your medical history to ensure that a breast augmentation procedure will not compromise your health. 

Once he determines that you are a possible candidate for breast surgery, Dr. Sessa will explain the procedure and the alternatives. This will include the results you can expect, benefits, and risks of the procedure. 

At the end of the consultation, Dr. Sessa will physically examine you which will help him decide if fat transfer to the breasts will benefit you over other options. Typically, if your goals and expectations match that of a fat transfer, he will deem you a good candidate. After this, he will help you craft a customized treatment plan that allows you to meet your goals and is compatible with your medical needs.

The Procedure

On the day of your fat transfer to breasts surgery, you will come into our office and meet Dr. Sessa where he will review the surgical plan and may make markings to guide him during surgery. After this, you will change into a surgical gown and placed under general anesthesia. 

To begin surgery, Dr. Sessa will perform tumescent liposuction to harvest fat from the donor site. This only requires a small incision to insert the liposuction cannula. Depending on the donor site and targeted size, the amount fat Dr. Sessa removes will vary. During liposuction, he will ensure that he leaves the donor area with a flattering contour. Instead of simply harvesting the need, Dr. Sessa will strategically liposuction to give you the best results. 

Once he finishes liposuction, Dr. Sessa will purify and process the fat to prepare it for transfer. He will then inject the fat into your breasts with special care to ensure that the fat is transferred to meet your needs and goals. For example, if you want to transfer the fat into the hollow left after a biopsy, Dr. Sessa will focus on that area. 

The procedure takes roughly two hours (depending on the donor site and the amount of fat transferred). As an outpatient surgery, you can go home the same day. Before you leave, Dr. Sessa will give you personalized instructions for recovery.

The Recovery

Each patient’s medical needs vary and, therefore, Dr. Sessa’s instructions will differ for your fat transfer to breasts recovery. In general, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection sites and at the donor site. Dr. Sessa may provide a compression garment for the liposuctioned area. These side effects usually go away on their own and can be managed with prescribed or certain over-the-counter pain medications.

The majority of patients can return to work a week after surgery. Staying in contact with Dr. Sessa will allow him to give you an accurate timeline of when you can return to all of your daily activities. Because there are no large incisions, most of the healing time is allowing the fat and skin to settle in the breasts and donor site.

FAT TRANSFER TO BREAST RESULTS: HOW LONG AND WHAT TO EXPECT?

One of the main differences between fat transfer and breast implants are the results you can expect. A fat transfer is less predictable than breast implants because fat may not necessarily take where it is transferred. It is common for your breasts to look larger immediately after surgery and then slowly go down to your final results. 

Typically, fat transfer does result in more than a one or two cup size difference. It also cannot help lift your breasts if there is sagging, although Dr. Sessa can also perform a breast lift to supplement your fat transfer to the breasts procedure. Some patients choose to undergo more than one fat grafting session to maximize the amount of fat that survives. 

Breast implants can last a lifetime, especially with today’s modern technology that gives them a more cohesive structure. Fat is also a long lasting option, but it requires the fat to survive and take well in the breasts. Additionally, if there are major weight fluctuations, it is still natural fat and subject to weight loss. Therefore, you should consider your lifestyle when determining the best Sarasota breast augmentation option for you. 

WHO ARE GOOD CANDIDATES?

As discussed above, most women considering a breast enhancement are good candidates for the procedure. As a rule, potential candidates should be non-smokers (or willing to quit well in advance of the procedure), in good overall health, managing any medical conditions, and have enough harvestable fat in at least one area. Dr. Sessa will confirm all of these before confirming your candidacy for the operation. 

Fat transfer to breasts is a much less invasive procedure than breast implant augmentation. This makes it a compatible procedure for many patients in Sarasota, FL. It is also an option for some transgender breast augmentation procedures.

What If I Don’t Have Enough Fat?

Thin patients or those who have lost a large amount of weight often benefit from breast augmentation surgery if their weight is distributed unevenly. When it comes to fat grafting to the breasts, if you do not have enough fat to liposuction, the procedure will not provide good results or in certain cases may be more risky. 

In your consultation, Dr. Sessa can accurately determine if you have enough fat for transfer to the breasts. Usually, only one area requires liposuction to harvest the fat required for transfer.

THE BREAST SURGERY EXPERT IN SARASOTA

Dr. Alberico Sessa of Sarasota Surgical Arts is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who specializes in breast surgeries. He uses the newest and least invasive surgical methods, such as transaxillary breast augmentation and fat transfer to the breasts to provide his patients with the gold standard in cosmetic surgery. 

Along with breast procedures, Dr. Sessa offers facial and body cosmetic surgeries, like facelift, mommy makeover, and tummy tuck procedures. With over a decade of experience and hundreds of breast surgeries performed, Dr. Sessa commits himself to refining his skill and continuing his education so that he can better serve you and your goals. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts, call us at 941-313-7746. Chat using the icon in the lower right hand corner, or contact us online.