Breast
Fat Transfer to Breast
Also known as Natural Breast Augmentation · Lipofilling · Autologous Fat Grafting
Fat transfer to the breast, also known as autologous fat grafting or lipofilling, is a surgical procedure that uses the patient’s own fat — harvested from another area of the body via liposuction — to add volume and improve the shape of the breasts. Because it uses the patient’s own tissue, there are no implants involved, making it a natural alternative to traditional breast augmentation.
2–4 Hours
Duration
General / Sedation
Anaesthesia
Day / 1 Night
Hospital Stay
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate for fat transfer to the breast if you:
- Desire a modest, natural-looking increase in breast volume without the use of implants
- Have sufficient donor fat available in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back
- Are looking to improve breast shape, symmetry, or fullness rather than achieve a dramatic size increase
- Wish to correct minor asymmetry or volume irregularities following previous breast surgery
- Are in good overall health and at a stable body weight
- Have realistic expectations regarding the degree of augmentation achievable with fat grafting
What to Expect — The Procedure
Not all transferred fat will survive the grafting process. A percentage of the injected fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body over the first few months, which is why final results are assessed at the 3–6 month mark. Some patients choose to undergo a second session to achieve their desired volume once initial results have stabilised.
Pre-operative Care
- Cease smoking at least 1–2 months prior to surgery
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 2 weeks before surgery
- Inform your surgeon of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
- Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and assist you for the first 24–48 hours
- Fast for a minimum of 6–12 hours prior to surgery, unless instructed otherwise
- Maintain a stable body weight in the weeks leading up to surgery — significant weight fluctuation can affect fat availability and results
- Compression garments will be required post-operatively for both the donor site and breasts — arrange these in advance
The following are general guidelines only. Your assigned surgeon will provide personalised pre and post-operative instructions during your consultation.
Post-operative Care
- Wear your surgical support bra or compression garment as directed, typically for several weeks
- Sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated for the first 2–3 weeks
- Avoid water activities (pools, ocean, baths) until your surgeon confirms the wounds are fully healed
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise for at least 2 months to prevent fat loss
- Wear the prescribed compression garment on both the donor site and breasts as directed — this supports fat survival
- Avoid sleeping directly on your breasts or applying pressure to the chest area for several weeks
- Maintain a stable body weight during recovery — significant weight loss can reduce the volume of surviving fat
When to Call Your Surgeon
- High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
- Sudden or rapidly increasing pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- Excessive bleeding or unusual fluid discharge from the wound
- One breast significantly more swollen, red, or warm than the other
- Wound edges opening or separating
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Signs of allergic reaction — skin rash, severe itching, or difficulty breathing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fat transfer safer than implants?
What is fat necrosis?
How much bigger will my breasts be after fat transfer?
Ready to Begin Your Transformation?
Send us an enquiry and we’ll match you with the right surgeon for your goals.