Breast Implant or Fat Transfer: Which one is best for you?

If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, you may be considering an augmentation procedure. This is where cosmetic surgery is used to increase the volume of the breasts so that they are larger than before. Once a little taboo, today, breast augmentation procedures are extremely common and a great way for a woman to boost her confidence in her appearance.  

In the past, women were limited to surgical implants to increase their breast size. However, today there are both different types of an implant to choose from, as well as a third option – fat transfer. Here is what you need to know about the different options available to you when you choose a breast augmentation procedure.
 

About implants for breast augmentation

Implants have long been the standard method used for breast augmentation surgery. The process involves using artificial implants that are inserted into the breast cavity in order to increase the volume and overall size of the breasts.

There are two different types of breast implants. Silicone and Saline.

Silicone implants are the most well-known. These are pre-filled to certain sizes and inserted whole through an incision on the underside of the breast. You, along with your surgeon, will choose the most appropriate size ahead of your surgery. Although in the past there has been some concern over the safety of silicone implants, they are now considered a very safe and suitable method of increasing breast size and volume.

Saline implants are an alternative to silicone. Instead of being pre-filled, they are inserted into the breast cavity empty and then the saline is added until the breasts reach the desired size. This method means that saline implants are particularly good for patients who have one breast reasonably larger than the other and are hoping to achieve better symmetry. Since they are inserted empty, they can also be placed through much smaller incisions, which helps to ensure scarring is minimal.

Both types of implant are placed using a general anesthetic, meaning that you aren’t awake or in any pain during the process. Saline implants are said to produce results that look and feel more natural, whilst silicone implants offer a more obvious improvement in breast size.

About fat transfer breast augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a newer method for increasing breast size and volume and uses the patient’s own body fat to do this. This is a two-part process. Firstly, liposuction is performed on the area of the body where fat is to be removed. Typically, this is the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks or flanks. This is done using a general anesthetic so that you aren’t awake or in any pain. The entry sites will be closed with sutures once the fat has been removed. Once the fat has been vacuumed out, special equipment is then used to spin the fat so that it is separated from blood and other fluids. The prepared fat is then injected into the breasts in pre-determined locations to add volume and shape. Since the needle is fairly small, sutures aren’t usually needed and the injection sites are left to heal, with virtually no scarring.

Fat transfer for breast augmentation is usually recommended for patients who are looking for a fairly small and natural increase in their breast size. Since it uses their own body fat, the risk of rejection is eliminated, and the surgery is usually very successful. It also has the added benefit of slimming and toning the area where liposuction was performed, giving you the advantage of two procedures in one!

Which is right for me?

Deciding whether implants or fat transfer is the best method for your breast augmentation really depends on the outcome that you hope to achieve. If you are looking for a subtle, natural increase in your breast size that involves a minimally-invasive procedure, a fat transfer may be the ideal solution. However, if you wish to significantly increase your breast size and aren’t too worried about undergoing surgery to achieve this goal, then implants may be a better option. Your surgeon will ask you to attend a consultation whereby you can discuss your goals for the procedure, and they will help you to decide on the most suitable method for your breast enlargement.

To find out more about either method listed, or to schedule a consultation to discuss breast augmentation with our experienced, expert cosmetic surgeon, please get in touch with our offices.