A Word from Dr. Shermak
Natural Breast Augmentation, an Alternative to Breast Implant Augmentation
Many women pursue breast augmentation to help improve proportions in the body and rejuvenate breasts that may have deflated from either pregnancy or weight loss. Traditionally breast augmentation was only performed with breast implants, either gel- or saline-filled. Now there is a different option: fat! Fat may be suctioned out of one or multiple body areas and moved into the breast to provide enhanced size and appearance. Fat transfer may be performed as a primary augmentation method, as a boost to the cleavage in breast lift, or to refresh and fill the breast after implant removal.
How Is This Done?
First, you would come in for a consultation, where I will review your medical and surgical history, as well as your personal and family breast history. A physical examination of the breasts, including measurements, helps me to identify the best options to meet the aesthetic goals you’ve brought with you. Fat transfer typically will allow for an increase of one half to a full cup size. The fat not only provides nice volume but also a stem cell effect that improves the appearance of the nipple and skin.
The fat volume that may be moved into the breast is paradoxically limited by the baseline breast size. If there is a desire or greater need for a larger degree of increase, multiple fat transfer sessions may be planned, or implants might provide a better option. I will identify sites in the torso and extremities from which fat can be suctioned, even in thin women.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery is typically no longer than two to three hours, depending on the fat donor sites. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure, and the downtime is short (typically no more than one week). I tell my patients they will likely expect to return to normal exertional physical activities two weeks after surgery.
Fat transfer provides a wonderful option for women looking to naturally freshen and enhance their breast appearance while benefiting from fat removal of the torso or extremities, a “win-win,” without depending on Breast Implants.
