Saline Implants vs. Silicone Implants
Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland
Breast augmentation with fat transfer is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes a patient’s own body fat to increase the size of the breasts. This is also known as natural breast augmentation and allows women to choose a procedure that offers a shapelier appearance without the addition of synthetic implants. During the surgery, liposuction removes fat from other areas of the body that have ample donor fat. The fat is then purified and injected into the existing fatty tissue in the breasts. As a result, patients achieve enhanced breast volume and contours while also streamlining problem areas with stubborn fat, such as the abdomen and thighs.
Dr. Alyson Wells‘ impeccable medical background and unwavering dedication to exceptional results has made her an authority in the Baltimore area. Her patients know that they can count on her and the caring staff of Valley Plastic Surgery and Med-Spa to plan and perform surgeries that provide optimal results. Call our Cockeysville, MD, surgical office at (410) 628-8200 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for breast augmentation.
Contents
About
Fat grafting was initially used to correct congenital deformities and the aftermath of traumatic wounds. [1] Today, autologous fat transfers are a popular aesthetic procedure and are used to emphasize various areas of the body. Once injected, the living fat cells graft to the recipient area, where they develop the necessary blood supply to thrive alongside the existing fat cells. Fat transfers are performed to add volume to the face, breast, buttocks, hands, and other areas. Simultaneously, it also gives patients the bonus of targeting slimming down other sites. Fat is removed via liposuction from designated areas such as the abdomen, arms, back, flanks, and inner or outer thighs. The extracted fat is then thoroughly cleansed from contaminants and healthy fat cells are isolated. The newly fat will be prepared inside a medical-grade syringe and injected into various points and depths into the breast profile. [1]
Before and After Photos
Benefits
This breast surgery allows women to choose a natural solution to increase the size of their breasts, and avoid many of the risks that silicone implants pose. In the process, patients will also achieve a slimmer body silhouette thanks to the removal of body fat used to augment the breasts. Along with these benefits, a fat transfer for the breasts can provide:
- Eliminated risk of developing implant-related complications such as allergic reaction, rupture, or capsular contracture
- Elimination of future surgeries to replace or remove implants
- Correction to size, shape, and symmetry of breast profile
- Ample choices for shaping other areas of the body
- Increased self-confidence
- Minimal scarring and fast recovery time
Candidates
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation with fat transfer are ready to make a difference to their breast and body contours. Patients interested in this treatment will first meet with Dr. Wells to determine which breast contouring treatment will be suitable for creating their ideal aesthetic. At our office, we will discuss how patients should:
- Be in good physical health and have a stable weight
- Be willing to refrain from tobacco products until fully recovered
- Have adequate fat stored in donor areas to augment the area of concern
- Understand the kind of contours that can be achieved with a fat transfer procedure
- Are not currently pregnant or nursing
Personal Consultation with Dr. Wells
Dr. Alyson Wells has a proven track record of delivering only the best results for her patients. Your initial discussion at our surgical office in Cockeysville, MD, is dedicated to learning about your reasons for seeking surgery. For the first part of the discussion, we’ll learn more about your medical history and desired results. This helps Dr. Wells pinpoint which donor area can be utilized to increase the volume of the breasts. Towards the end of the meeting, Dr. Wells will share her recommendations with you. We’ll schedule your breast augmentation appointment if you think these recommendations match your goals.
Call us at (410) 628-8200 to schedule your one-on-one appointment with Valley Plastic Surgery and Med-Spa. Or, if you’re outside the local area, click here to book a virtual consultation.
Preparation
Dr. Wells and the staff at Valley Plastic Surgery will counsel you on how to prepare for surgery. Please complete the following items before coming into the office.
- Quit smoking at least four weeks before to ensure proper healing.
- Stop medicines for certain blood thinners such as ibuprofen and Advil to prevent bleeding.
- Schedule the required time off of work.
- Have a friend, loved one, or family member ready to pick you up from our office.
Patients are encouraged to further prepare for their surgery by engaging with us on social media and reading through our insightful blog.
Procedure
Once appropriately anesthetized, we’ll start your surgery by making small, inconspicuous incisions in the pre-selected areas. This newly created entry point will allow a slim cannula to be inserted, the area to be infiltrated with tumescent fluid, and the collection of donor fat. The collected fat is processed and filtered to isolate healthy fat cells from unnecessary liquids. [2] Once prepared, the processed fat is then strategically injected into the fatty tissue of the breasts. However, to create the desired aesthetic, Dr. Wells will deliberately inject a surplus of fat because not all of it will survive. The body naturally absorbs fat that doesn’t take initially. Once the desired aesthetic is achieved, Dr. Wells will close the incisions and have the treated areas dressed with bandages and compression garments.
Recovery
Please follow your aftercare instructions for your treatment to ensure a standard recovery and optimal results. In the first three days, you will experience symptoms of tiredness, discomfort, redness, and swelling. However, the recovery medication will help these signs dissipate within the first week after surgery. By week two, you should be confident enough to return to your routine, including work. You will, however, need to wait 4-6 weeks before partaking in strenuous activities.
Results
Your fat transfer affords you the opportunity to make natural revisions to your breast size. Six months following surgery, the majority of the transferred fat will have settled into its new location, and your final results will become visible. Most patients will have long-lasting results that they will be able to enjoy for many years!
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Your consultation is your chance to learn how you can obtain the ideal aesthetic you desire. Dr. Wells may recommend other alternatives to serve you better during our talk. We may discuss:
Breast Augmentation
Women who prefer a rounder and fuller appearance can choose breast augmentation that surgically places implants inside the breast pocket. Dr. Wells will guide you through your choices of implant size, shapes, textures, and incision techniques that will ultimately provide you with the desired breast contour. Breast augmentation with implants can also be combined with a fat transfer to provide smooth, natural-looking contours to the breast and to minimize the appearance of rippling.
Stem Cell & Fat Transfer
Patients wanting to add a natural, youthful volume to the face, buttocks, and hands in addition to their breasts can also do so with a stem cell and fat transfer treatment. Injections of donor fat can lessen the signs of aging and volumize various areas of the body.
Cost of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Cockeysville
Breast augmentation with fat transfer provides personalized results to patients. Consequently, the extent of those customized requests will impact the final cost of surgery. At your initial appointment, Dr. Wells will answer questions about cost and point you to helpful financial resources.
FAQ
What kind of anesthesia will I receive during breast augmentation with fat transfer?
The kind of anesthesia administered to you (local or general) will depend on different variables, including your needs and preferences. During your consultation, you will be asked about your desired results, medical history, and the changes you want to make. This will allows your surgeon to develop a personalized treatment plan that details the kind of anesthesia used for your procedure.
What if I don’t have enough fat required for a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
Patients who do not have adequate body fat should not worry. Instead, patients can create a bigger breast profile with a breast augmentation with implants. A highly knowledgeable plastic surgeon with a keen eye will meet with you to evaluate your options and determine what treatment is suitable for you.
Will I need additional touch-up appointments after a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
The sophistication of today’s fat transfer surgeries allows patients to enjoy long-term benefits. However, because not all fat cells will survive the fat transfer, patients may need to return for an additional session in order to achieve their desired results.
References
- Simonacci F, Bertozzi N, Grieco MP, Grignaffini E, Raposio E. Procedure, applications, and outcomes of autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;20:49-60. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.06.059
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. The science behind autologous fat grafting. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:65-73. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.11.001
