Fat transfer for breast augmentation involves a two-step process. First, a surgeon uses liposuction to remove fat from another area of the body. This fat is then processed to purify it, removing impurities and excess fluid. Finally, the purified fat is injected into the breasts using small needles to create the desired breast shape and size. This technique is used in both cisgender and transgender women for breast augmentation or contouring. The specific location from which fat is harvested varies depending on the individual patient and their body composition.
The Process in Detail
- Liposuction: Fat is carefully removed from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips using liposuction.
- Purification: The extracted fat undergoes a purification process to separate the fat cells from other tissues and fluids.
- Injection: The purified fat cells are then injected into the breasts using a series of small injections. This precise injection allows the surgeon to sculpt and reshape the breasts to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. This injection process typically takes around two hours.
Applications of Fat Transfer
- Breast Augmentation: Increasing breast size and volume in both cisgender and transgender women.
- Breast Contouring: Reshaping and improving the overall appearance of the breasts. This can involve addressing asymmetry or correcting irregularities.
The success of fat transfer depends on several factors, including the patient's overall health, the skill of the surgeon, and post-operative care. While not all transferred fat survives, significant improvements in breast size and shape can be achieved. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also contribute to breast development in transgender women, sometimes preceding or complementing a fat transfer procedure.
