Fat transfer in breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting to the breasts, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves using the patient's own fat tissue to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Unlike traditional breast augmentation with implants, which involves inserting artificial devices, fat transfer relies on liposuction to harvest excess fat from one part of the body and then inject it into the breasts.
Here's an overview of the fat transfer process for breast augmentation:
1. Harvesting Fat: The surgeon first identifies areas on the patient's body where excess fat is available, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Liposuction is then used to remove fat cells from these donor sites.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is processed to remove impurities, excess fluids, and damaged fat cells. This purified fat is then prepared for injection.
3. Injection into the Breasts: The purified fat is carefully injected into various layers of the breast tissue to achieve the desired augmentation. The injection process involves multiple small injections to distribute the fat evenly and to promote its integration into the existing breast tissue.
4. Recovery: Recovery from fat transfer breast augmentation is generally shorter compared to traditional breast augmentation with implants. Some swelling and bruising may occur at both the donor and recipient sites.