What You Need to Know Beforehand
How much size can I gain with breast fat grafting?
Your age, skin quality, and anatomy determine how much fat can be grafted in a single session. Typically, fat transfer can increase breast size by 1–2 cup sizes, often requiring at least two sessions to achieve optimal results. For slim patients or those desiring more volume, we may recommend combining fat grafting with implants for the best aesthetic outcome.
Can lipotransfer and skin issues be treated simultaneously?
Yes, if your breast skin shows signs of cellulite, collagen loss, or stretch marks, we may recommend additional treatments, such as a breast lift, to be performed during the same surgery to minimize downtime.
Are there any scars after fat grafting?
Fat grafting uses very fine cannulas to harvest and re-inject fat, leaving no visible scars as no incisions are made.
How is fat transfer to the breasts performed?
The procedure is typically performed under deep IV sedation (twilight sleep) combined with local anesthesia. Patients remain comfortably asleep yet can move naturally, reducing the risk of complications like thrombosis. The pain-free procedure usually takes 1–2 hours.
How long is the recovery of lipotransfer?
Recovery takes about 7–10 days, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding within the first week. Temporary skin numbness or lumpiness in the treated areas may persist for 6–8 weeks. Patients should avoid putting pressure on the treated areas for 3–4 weeks.
After Surgery and Beyond
Breast Fat Grafting Aftercare
Ocean Clinic prioritizes minimizing pain and discomfort. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring a painless experience. Post-operative pain is rare, and patients typically report only mild tenderness for 24–48 hours, managed with oral pain relief.
Patients can usually return home the same day and are scheduled for a follow-up visit after 2–3 days. During the first four weeks post-surgery, patients are referred to our specialized physiotherapy program to accelerate recovery and reduce swelling.
- - Avoid lifting objects over 5kg for 14 days.
- - Refrain from weight-based sports for 14 days.
- - Avoid sleeping on your stomach for 4 weeks.
Lipotransfer-Related Risks
Breast augmentation via lipotransfer is safe when performed by experienced plastic surgeons in accredited facilities. As a biological procedure, results depend on the survival of transplanted fat cells, which may require more than one session to achieve desired results, especially for smokers.
Rare complications include infection, asymmetry requiring revision, or prolonged swelling or hematoma. Temporary changes in skin sensation are common but typically resolve over time.
How Long Does Fat Grafting Last?
Most patients experience satisfying results after 1–2 sessions, lasting 3–5 years or longer. Changes in the outcome may occur during the first year as the body absorbs non-viable cells. Long-term results depend on lifestyle and maintaining stable body weight. While aging and soft tissue changes continue, many patients opt for touch-ups or alternative treatments over time.
Alternative Treatments to Fat Transfer
Breast augmentation with implants is a viable alternative for patients seeking more dramatic results or a less natural look.
Ocean Clinic’s Expertise in Fat Grafting
Ocean Clinic’s surgeons have performed over 1,000 fat grafting procedures in the last decade. As a global leader in advanced fat grafting techniques, our clinic has contributed to peer-reviewed research and continues to be at the forefront of scientific innovation.
