Breast enlargement with autologous fat: two birds with one stone
A beautifully shaped bust gives women self-esteem and self-confidence. However, it often does not match the rest of the body proportions or is simply perceived as too small, leading them to desire breast enlargement — but without implants. For this, breast enlargement with autologous fat is the best method, as it solves two problems at once: the body’s own fat is removed from areas where you would like to lose fat, and at the same time, the breasts are enlarged. In addition, the method is very sustainable, natural, and aesthetic.
Breast enlargement with autologous fat: combination of gentle liposuction and natural breast enlargement
A breast enlargement with autologous fat is performed in a single procedure in two steps: first, we remove the autologous fat by means of liposuction, also called liposuction. Afterwards, the fat cells are processed and injected into the breast for the enlargement — medically called mamma augmentation.
For the liposuction, only very small skin incisions (3–4 mm) are necessary because the suction cannulas used are only 3 mm thick; for the insertion of the fat into the breast, the holes are even smaller (2–3 mm), and the cannula used is even thinner. Thus, hardly any scars remain, or they are not visible.
Fat removal for breast enlargement with autologous fat
Almost all areas of the body can be considered as donor sites to obtain the fat for breast enlargement with autologous fat:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Inner and front thighs
- Saddlebags
- Calves
- Upper arms
- Back
After the removal of the autologous fat, the processing of the extracted fat cells takes place in several steps. During this process, the cells are separated from blood and tumescent fluid and enriched with blood platelets (PRP = platelet-rich plasma). Autologous fat is the best natural filler. With autologous fat, long-lasting and harmonious results can be achieved.
To achieve a satisfactory result, as many fat cells as possible must survive, which requires a refined technique and a great deal of experience. Our modern equipment and gentle suction method allow for a high survival rate of the harvested fat cells.
Injection of the processed autologous fat into the breast
The processed autologous fat is injected under the mammary gland using a thin cannula (diameter 1.5–2 mm) through a small puncture on the side of the inframammary fold. Another puncture at the upper edge of the areola allows for filling in the décolleté and the upper breast areas. The fat cells are therefore injected under or just above the pectoral muscle, as well as just beneath the skin, but not into the glandular tissue.
After the procedure, the puncture sites are sutured and covered with a protective dressing. Through the method of breast enlargement with autologous fat, our patients achieve an aesthetic result with naturally looking and naturally feeling breasts without implants. Breasts enlarged with autologous fat do not look operated on — they are completely natural and possess a natural aesthetic.
Rest and support bra afterwards
After the procedure, patients must rest in order not to impair the integration rate. They should avoid any kind of sports for 2 weeks and refrain from jumping sports or sauna visits for 8 weeks. In addition, patients must wear a special support bra after the procedure that keeps the breast immobile but does not compress it (cup bra, by no means a sports bra!)
Note: A breast enlargement with autologous fat can be repeated (supplemented) after 3 months.
Requirements for breast enlargement with autologous fat
To perform a breast enlargement with autologous fat, physical and medical requirements must be met. On the one hand, there must be a small amount of excess fat available, and on the other hand, as before any procedure, one must simply not be ill.
Physical requirements
For breast enlargement with autologous fat, there must be sufficient fatty tissue available, but a normal BMI or even slightly below average values are always enough. Only very rarely is it not possible to extract any fat at all. Furthermore, it cannot be precisely determined in advance how much of the injected fat will be accepted (integrated) by the tissue during the fat transplantation. The amount of fat that integrates varies greatly from patient to patient and depends on many factors: how large the breast is (the larger the breast, the more fat can integrate), how firm the breast tissue is (after pregnancies, the breast is usually looser, allowing more integration, etc.).
This method can also be applied to slim women, as they often have some storage fat in the areas of the hips, abdomen, upper arms, and thighs. Thus, fat can also be taken from several areas of the body to obtain a sufficient amount for breast enlargement.
For breast enlargement with autologous fat, not only must there be enough autologous fat available, but the breast should also have a certain size to accommodate the fat tissue. Breasts that have already been stretched once (for example, after implant removal, at an older age, or after pregnancy and breastfeeding) are particularly well suited, as the integration rate is especially high in these cases.
If the breasts are too firm or too small, which is often the case in younger women, the conditions are somewhat less favorable; however, by stretching the breast *before* the fat transplantation, the integration rate can be improved. This is done with a plastic cup that is applied with a vacuum for 3–4 weeks before the operation: this stretches and loosens the breast and increases blood circulation (→ integration rate).
Important note: Women who smoke are strongly advised to stop smoking if they wish to have breast enlargement with autologous fat, as nicotine has a constricting effect on blood vessels. Good blood circulation is absolutely necessary for the integration of the fat tissue.
Medical requirements
In addition to sufficient fatty tissue and stable body weight, the patient must of course also be in good health in order for the procedure to be performed. We recommend a mammography and an ultrasound examination before breast enlargement with autologous fat, in order to exclude breast cancer on the one hand and to have a reference image for future imaging on the other.
Natural breasts thanks to autologous fat
It was only through the American plastic surgeon Sydney R. Coleman, M.D., that fat transplantation became known worldwide. Breast enlargement with autologous fat is very popular. However, the correction of facial wrinkles, the plumping of dark circles under the eyes, and the enlargement of the lips using fat transplantation are also becoming increasingly popular. In recent years, the techniques for fat removal and fat injection have steadily improved, so that the possibilities for transplantation of one’s own fat are now almost limitless. Autologous fat can, in principle, be transplanted into all areas of the body to aesthetically shape the human form. In addition to the breast, the outer labia (labia correction) and the penis (penis thickening) are also filled/thickened with autologous fat.
Transplantation with one’s own fat cells is particularly well suited for achieving natural breast enlargement. This allows the breasts to be gently and naturally enlarged without visible scars and without serious health risks. With just one session, approximately up to 500 ml of processed autologous fat can be introduced into each breast, with an average of 280–350 ml. Furthermore, it is possible through fat transplantation to equalize breasts of different sizes, for example after breast surgery due to breast cancer.
Natural breast enlargement instead of silicone
In recent years, we have observed a trend toward mindfulness and sustainability. Many people care for their bodies naturally not only from the outside but also from within. In addition to healthy and more conscious nutrition, this also includes avoiding artificial materials in the body, especially in breast enlargement, so that there is also a shift in aesthetic plastic surgery that focuses on naturalness.
Especially in breast enlargement, it is understandable why one should work with one’s own fat rather than with silicone implants. The breast consists largely of fatty tissue in addition to the mammary gland tissue, which surrounds the glandular tissue from all sides. Thus, fatty tissue is an essential component of the breast. Therefore, it makes sense to have breast enlargement performed with a fat transplantation. This enlarges the breast harmoniously and naturally and guarantees a scar-free result.
Comparison of breast enlargement with autologous fat and breast enlargement with silicone
We have been working with a vibration-assisted method since the year 2000. It is called Lipomatic®. Characteristic of this method is that the tip of the cannula used to suction the fat rotates three-dimensionally at a frequency of about 100 hertz. This method causes less damage to the fat cells than other methods, as it releases only minimal shear forces, resulting in a higher integration rate. With its help, up to 3 kg of fat can be suctioned in one session under local anesthesia. In our clinic, we are already using the fourth generation of Lipomatic® devices. Both the results of the liposuction and patient satisfaction are excellent; however, for comfort reasons, the operation usually takes place under twilight sedation.
With the Lipomatic® method, we can remove fat from any area of the body. This allows us to treat particularly delicate areas such as the neck, knee area, inner upper arms, calves, and inner thighs without problems. Thanks to the gentle removal of fatty tissue, this method can also be used for autologous fat transplantation.
Breast enlargement with autologous fat
- gentle method without scars in the breast area
- low skin stress
- natural breast enlargement
- compensation of minor asymmetries possible
- anatomically appealing, natural appearance
- depending on the amount of fat, suitable for breast enlargement of up to 2.5–3 cup sizes
- not suitable for women without sufficient fat
- no artificial material in the body
- the procedure has a double benefit: breast enlargement and body contouring
- further breast enlargements possible after a certain period of time
Breast enlargement with silicone
- established method
- suitable for any breast enlargement and any woman
- choice of implant size possible
- option to choose anatomically natural or round implants for breast shape
- artificial material in the body
- very often unnatural appearance in slim women
- unnatural feel for all women (the implant can be felt when touching the breast)
- scars remain
- many short-term and long-term complications and intolerances