14 Jun Using Your Fat For Breast Augmentation Is More Costly In Many Ways, Not Just Price
Should You Try Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Breast implants are an excellent way to augment the breasts. Women can enjoy improved size, shape, and volume by inserting silicone or saline implants into the breasts. Implants are still popular with fantastic results, but more women are considering fat for breast augmentation. The appeal lies in using the body’s natural fat for augmentation. However, the costs and risks involved far outweigh the procedure’s benefits.
What happens when you use fat for augmentation?
Using fat for breast augmentation is a 2-step process that involves liposuction. The surgical team first removes fat from one area of the body, usually the midsection. The fat is then transferred using large cannulas into strategic parts of the breast. The goal is to provide a natural, subtle lift. Fat transfer typically occurs over multiple procedures until results are achieved.
Comparing the costs
On average, fat transfer is more expensive than breast implants. Breast implants are usually one procedure with an agreed-upon implant placed in front or behind the chest muscle. Fat transfer involves both liposuction and fat transfer, which can be expensive. Furthermore, patients often need more than one procedure, increasing the overall cost.
An underwhelming result
Patients who opt for breast augmentation wish to see a noticeable change at the bare minimum. Sometimes, fat transfer can bring underwhelming results. The fat removed during liposuction loses the native blood supply keeping those cells alive. The blood vessels in the breast can only accommodate some of the new fat cells. Most of the fat is reabsorbed into the body. On average, fat transfer can increase breast size by a half cup. Some patients can be dissatisfied with the results, costing more than expected to achieve a more desirable outcome.
High risk, lower reward
Both implants and fat transfer have some degree of risk. However, there are significantly higher risks with fat transfer. For instance, some of the remaining fat transferred can become calcified or turn into oil cysts. These cysts may change the shape and feel of the breast and may even require further surgery. Oily cysts also show up on future mammograms. Several cysts on the exam can cause unnecessary biopsies or make radiologists miss possible signs of cancer. There is also the chance of infection. These complications can cause unwanted stress on the patient.
Make the right choice
Anyone considering breast augmentation will choose between implants and fat transfer. Fat transfer has some benefits. However, the risk can prove to be costly. One of the biggest appeals to breast implants is that the procedure is reversible. Patients can have the implants removed, and the breasts will eventually return to normal. On the other hand, fat transfer may cause permanent cysts to form, which can be uncomfortable. For a predictable, safe result, consider breast implants.