Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Enhance your curves naturally and sculpt your body by moving unwanted fat to areas that need more volume, for a balanced and beautiful silhouette.

Years of Experience
1 +
Surgeries Per Year
1 +
Procedures Performed
1 +

Overview

Procedure Summary

Breast augmentation with fat transfer uses the women’s own fat to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

Average Cost

$15,000

Time Duration

3-4 hours

Alternate Names 

Natural Breast Augmentation, Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation, Breast Enlargement Fat Transfer, Autologous Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Before & After

Check out these before and after photos of past Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation patients of Dr. James Lacey. These photos can give a realistic idea of the amazing breast contour improvements you can achieve through this surgery.  

What is Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer?

Your own fat can be moved around your body. Put simply, we can move unwanted fat to areas you want it; this truly is as incredible as it sounds. 

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The fat is then purified and injected into your breasts. This is a breast augmentation option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size or would prefer natural results without the use of synthetic implants.

For the past 6 years, Dr. James Lacey has been successfully grafting fat to faces, breasts, and hands in his private clinic; the potential sites are really endless.

This is by far the most exciting thing our board-certified surgeon has seen in plastic surgery in decades – it is a game changer. In our state-of-the-art private surgical facility in Ottawa, Canada, Dr. Lacey proudly offers fat transfer.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

We already know that this procedure is ideal to get that natural breast lift and contour. However, breast augmentation with fat transfer offers some additional benefits which are as follows:

Dual Contouring

The procedure offers body contouring benefits as fat is removed from problem areas.

Reduced Risk of Complications

As the fat used is autologous (from the person's body), there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or implant-related complications such as rippling or thinning.

Minimal Scarring

The procedure involves small incisions for liposuction and fat injection which results in minimal scarring.

No Foreign Materials

The procedure avoids the use of synthetic implants. This makes it a more appealing option for those wary of foreign objects in their bodies.

Long-lasting results

Unlike temporary implants which may need replacements after a few years or so, fat grafting offers a permanent solution.

Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer in Ottawa?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is a great option for many women, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some common scenarios where it can be a good choice:

  • Have deflated breasts because of age or following pregnancy (or implant removal), and want your breasts fuller, softer and natural without implants. 
  • Got breast implants but desire to increase cleavage, change and improve breast shape, increase volume, make them more natural and cover any rippling or palpability of implants.
  • Want to treat breast asymmetry.
  • Have capsular contracture or implant pain, in which case, Dr. James Lacey performs a Simultaneous Implant Exchange & Fat transfer (SIEF) procedure. 
  • Lost implant or reconstruction from cancer or infection and need further breast reconstruction.
  • Got a mastectomy and want something of a smaller increase in your breast size, but not necessarily large reconstructive surgery.
  • Want to improve symmetry in previous breast reconstruction surgery using fat transfer.
  • Have enough body fat to harvest for the procedure.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • At a healthy weight (BMI under 30) with good skin elasticity.
  • Realistic about the procedure and its outcomes.

Consultation and Preparation For Natural Breast Augmentation

There are a few steps to prepare yourself for the surgery which include:

Initial Consultation

The first step to fat transfer breast augmentation is a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon at Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery. You can book an appointment by calling us or visiting our website.

 

During your consultation, Dr. James Lacey will examine your breasts and discuss your options, including where to harvest fat for the best results (like your thighs, tummy, or hips). He’ll also provide details about the procedure, recovery, and any necessary pre-operative steps.

Medical Evaluation

To determine if you’re ready for surgery, Dr. Lacey will do a quick check-up to review your medical history. He’ll ask about any medications, allergies, or past surgeries you’ve had. 

 

He’ll also take some photos to help visualize your desired results. Then, Dr. Lacey will create a detailed plan, in which he’ll highlight where he’ll take the fat from and where he’ll add it. This blueprint helps him achieve the best possible outcome.

Lifestyle Changes and Preparation

Before the surgery, avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase bleeding risk. If you’ve special requirements, make sure to discuss them with Dr. Lacey during your consultation. If you smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, it’s important to quit several weeks before surgery to promote healing. 

 

You should also consider arranging transportation and post-operative care, as you won’t be able to drive immediately after the procedure. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your fat transfer journey.

What Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Is Not?

Fat transfer is not:

  • Not a Significant Size Increase Solution

Fat transfer breast augmentation is ideal for those seeking a modest increase in breast size. It is not suitable if you’re looking for a dramatic enhancement like a cup to c cup size.

  • Not a Weight Loss Solution

Fat grafting does not address the underlying causes of obesity, such as metabolic disorders, poor diet, or lack of physical activity. It is purely a cosmetic procedure that reshapes and contours breasts.

What to Expect During the Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in Ottawa?

Let’s walk through the procedure step by step.

Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort and safety, you’ll receive general anesthesia during the procedure. This means you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain.

Liposuction

During liposuction, fat is harvested from predetermined donor areas like hips, thighs, and back. This safe, minimally invasive process uses tiny, hidden incisions to extract fat from beneath the skin. For optimal results, the treated areas should have good skin tone quality.

Fat Purification

The extracted fat is purified to remove any impurities and prepare it for injection.

Fat Injection

The purified fat is carefully injected into the breasts in small, precise amounts through smaller incisions to ensure even distribution and natural results.

vector image showing breast implant placements

What to Expect in Recovery and Aftercare?

Initial Recovery

Recovering from fat transfer breast augmentation involves healing from both the liposuction and the breast augmentation procedures. You can expect some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in both donor and recipient sites. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days.

First Few Weeks 

The first few weeks after your fat transfer are crucial for optimal results. You’ll continue to experience bruising and swelling, which is normal and gradually improves over time. Dr. Lacey will also instruct you to wear a compression garment after the surgery. The compression garment reduces swelling, offers gentle support to breasts and enhances circulation. 

 

Most people can return to work within a week, but full recovery may take up to six weeks. While you’ll see initial improvements, it takes about three months for the final results to become apparent as the swelling subsides.

Follow-Up Appointment

Following your surgery, there will be regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Lacey in which he will monitor your incision sites for proper healing, assess the shape, symmetry, and overall appearance of your breasts, address any questions you may have, and identify any potential concerns early on.

Activity Restrictions

Limit strenuous physical activity for a few weeks to allow proper healing. However, gentle movement is important for recovery. Aim to take short walks the day after surgery. You can gradually increase activity to light exercise after about 10-14 days. Avoid heavy lifting and sleeping on your stomach.

What Results Can I Expect After the Surgery?

After a fat transfer breast augmentation, you can generally expect an increase of one cup size per surgery. Any enlargement beyond that typically requires additional procedures. One of the key benefits of this technique is the longevity of the results. Structural fat grafting often lasts longer than traditional implants, which may need replacement over time. Plus, this procedure offers greater flexibility in shaping the breasts compared to silicone or saline implants.

Can I Combine Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can combine fat transfer with breast lift or breast implants. If you have sagging breasts, Dr. Lacey will perform a breast lift or Mastopexy alongside fat transfer to improve the shape and position of the breasts.

Another procedure is Hybrid Breast Augmentation which combines traditional breast implants with fat grafting. Dr. Lacey will approach this procedure in stages. First, he will place implants for structure and then use fat grafting to refine the shape and create a softer feel. This approach often leads to a more natural-looking result with reduced risk of complications compared to traditional implants alone.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost

The cost of a fat transfer breast augmentation varies depending on several factors, including the amount of fat being transferred, and the complexity of the procedure. At Kanata Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we offer competitive pricing to make this transformative procedure accessible. To get a precise estimate, schedule a consultation with Dr. James Lacey. He'll provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific needs. All financial aspects will be discussed upfront so there are no surprises.
For those who need additional support, we offer third-party financing options. Visit our website to learn more about available financing plans.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications

While fat transfer breast augmentation is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications.

  • Fat Necrosis

One of the primary risks is fat necrosis, where fat cells die due to insufficient blood supply. This can lead to lumps, pain, and even skin discoloration. While most cases resolve on their own, some may require surgical removal.

  • Like any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection, although it’s relatively low. 
  • It’s normal for some of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by your body. This can affect the final results, and additional procedures might be necessary to achieve your desired volume. 
  • As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with anesthesia. These can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. 
  • It’s possible to experience some asymmetry in breast size or shape. 
  • As part of the healing process, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) can develop in the areas where fat was injected. These cysts are usually benign but can cause discomfort and may require drainage or removal if they become problematic. 
  • Some of the transplanted fat cells may not survive, which leads to the formation of small calcium deposits in the breast tissue. While usually benign, calcification can be mistaken for cancerous growths during mammograms. 
  • Other possible complications include bleeding, blurry vision, bruising, scarring, dizziness and headaches. 



Ottawa’s Private Surgical Facility

To schedule your consultation, simply call our Cosmetic
Patient Coordinators at 613-591-1099 or complete the
contact form below. We are here to support you through
your journey and look forward to assisting you!

Non-Surgical Options for Breast Enhancement

For those not ready for surgery, we offer excellent non-surgical options such as Injectable Fillers that can provide temporary enhancement.

 

Our cosmetic nurses inject natural and safe fillers like hyaluronic acid into specific areas of the breasts to achieve a fuller appearance. The procedure is quick and involves minimal downtime. While the results are immediate and provide a subtle increase in breast size and improved shape, they are typically less dramatic than those achieved through surgery. Fillers generally last several months to a year and can be partially or fully reversed if needed. 

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