Fat Transfer vs. Implants: Which Breast Augmentation Option is Right for You?

by Yoo, Michael

Breast augmentation is a procedure that improves the shape of the breasts and increases their size with fat transfers or synthetic implants. Both types of breast augmentation offer different and unique benefits for patients. The most effective breast augmentation option depends on one’s aesthetic goals and underlying anatomy.

Michael J. Yoo, MD, is a double-board certified plastic surgeon accredited by the American Board of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He is dedicated to helping people restore their confidence and has years of experience learning from some of the best hospitals in the country. Dr. Yoo is trained and qualified to perform both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, including complex microsurgery.

To schedule your consultation at either our Newport Beach or Beverly Hills office, please call (949) 861-3340 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

About Breast Augmentations

Breast augmentation is a type of procedure designed to improve the shape, volume, and symmetry of the breasts through the use of biocompatible implants or fat transfers. Breast augmentations are one of the most popular procedures in the country and have been since 2006 ⁽¹⁾, with hundreds of thousands of procedures performed each year.

Breast Implants

Breast implants are body-safe prosthetics that are placed in the breast tissue during an augmentation to help enhance the overall look, shape, and volume of the breasts. Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and are available in a range of sizes, spanning from 100cc to 800cc. ⁽²⁾ Implants can either arrive pre-filled or empty, as well as textured or smooth. Texturing in implants is used to help stop any unwanted rotation and can help lower the risk of capsular contracture or the formation of scar tissue around the implant.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are a type of breast implant composed of a silicone shell with a silicone filling to help imitate the look and feel of natural breast tissue. These implants are recommended for women who may have thinner skin around the treatment site. Patients who choose silicone implants may need occasional follow-up appointments in the future to ensure there are no ruptures. This type of implant can either be round or tear-shaped. Tear-shaped implants, also called gummy bear implants, are designed to imitate breast tissue further.

Saline Implants

Saline breast implants consist of a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterile saline solution to help patients achieve fuller, perkier breasts. These implants are filled after your surgeon places them into the breast, and the procedure typically involves a smaller incision.

Fat Transfer

A breast fat transfer augmentation is a treatment designed to enhance the shape and volume of the breasts through the use of injected fat. The fat cells are harvested from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, with liposuction. After Dr. Yoo removes the fat cells, he will purify the fat in a centrifuge to extract the healthy fat cells before injecting them into the treatment area. This procedure is a great choice for women who may not be interested in or have the time for an extended recovery period.

Candidates for a Breast Augmentation

The best candidates for breast augmentations are those interested in restoring the symmetry, shape, and volume of the breasts with minimal downtime. Women who have recently undergone a mastectomy and are interested in enhancing their breasts or those with deformities due to injury or trauma are typically good candidates for this treatment. The best treatment for your needs will depend on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. After a medical examination, Dr. Yoo will recommend the best methods and strategies to help each patient achieve their dream figure.

Ideal Candidates for Fat Grafting

If you would like to increase the volume of your breasts without implants, a fat transfer is likely the best treatment option. Fat grafting augmentation is primarily used for more subtle yet noticeable enhancements with minimal scarring. ⁽³⁾ Candidates interested in liposuction are recommended for this procedure as the process of harvesting fat cells leaves the donor areas more toned, offering enhancement to multiple parts of the body. All candidates interested in fat grafting breast augmentations should have a sufficient amount of harvestable body fat.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Implants

Candidates interested in breast implants are typically looking for a more dramatic increase in the size and volume of their breasts and are not opposed to the use of synthetic materials in their procedure. If you do not have enough donor fat for a fat transfer, implants can help you achieve your desired volume.

To find out which breast augmentation method is right for you, please call (949) 861-3340 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Personal Consultation

Each patient is required to schedule a personal consultation before scheduling breast augmentation procedures. During the consultation, Dr. Yoo will conduct a medical examination of the treatment area to ensure a breast augmentation is the best procedure for their anatomy and goals. After the examination is complete, he will discuss each type of procedure and help the patient decide the best strategy to achieve their dream contour. The full cost of the breast augmentation will also be discussed at the personal consultation alongside the preparation and recovery instructions. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and bring up any concerns, as we want our patients to feel secure and informed about their procedure.

To make a consultation at either our Newport Beach or Beverly Hills office, please call (949) 861-3340 or fill out our contact form and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Procedure

The procedures for each kind of breast augmentation vary. The treatment plan will be discussed between each patient and Dr. Yoo at their consultation. While each treatment differs in its procedure, both offer significant results and unique benefits for each patient.

Breast Implant Procedure

During your procedure, our team will administer anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. Depending on the type of implant you receive, Dr. Yoo will then make an incision along the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. ⁽²⁾ Dr. Yoo will determine the best type of incision during your consultation.

After making an incision, Dr. Yoo will then create a pocket for the implants. He will place the breast implants above or below the pectoral muscles. Placement above the muscle is also referred to as subglandular placement, while placement below the muscle is referred to as submuscular. After placing the implants in position and carefully ensuring everything is correctly set, the incisions are closed.

Fat Grafting Procedure

A fat grafting procedure first begins with the administration of anesthesia. Dr. Yoo will then make small incisions in the area where you would like to remove excess fat, focusing on placing the incisions in discreet and hidden areas to minimize any visual scarring. He will administer a tumescent solution containing local anesthetics and epinephrine, which causes the fat cells to swell for easier removal. Epinephrine is used to reduce any potential bleeding or bruising during and after the treatment, while the local anesthetic helps our patients feel more relaxed and comfortable. This solution also helps separate the fat cells from other tissue. ⁽³⁾

Dr. Yoo will use a thin cannula (tube) for liposuction to remove the fat cells with suction and help break the cells up in the body before they are removed. Once removed, he will process them to further separate the healthiest cells from other matter. The processed fat cells are then injected back into the breasts, creating a fuller bust and leaving the donation sites more slim and toned.

Why Not Choose Both?

Some patients may find that their ideal result may come from implementing both procedures into their breast augmentation treatment. While many patients opt for implants, some may benefit from enhancing the shape of their breasts with a fat transfer. Combining both procedures can also help create a more natural result and minimize the chance of visual rippling in thinner patients choosing to receive implants. ⁽⁴⁾ Fat grafting can be used to soften the look and feel of the breasts while also toning the donor sites of the patient, creating a curvier figure.

To find out if you can enhance your breasts using both implants and grafting, please call (949) 861-3340 or fill out our contact form, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

To learn more about other treatments we offer, please read Dr. Yoo’s blog!

References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
Wang CL, Luan SS, Panayi AC, Xin MQ, Luan J. Methods used for evaluation of volume retention rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation. Chinese Medical Journal. 2019;132(18):2223-2228. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/cm9.0000000000000415
Lotter L, Zucal I, Brébant V, et al. Intraoperative 3D Comparison of Round and Anatomical Breast Implants: Dispelling a Myth. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;11(1):149. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010149