Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., with over 300,000 procedures performed in 2023. Since launching in the 1960s, the procedure has evolved significantly. While many believe implants are the only way to enhance the breasts, medical advancements mean there are now several options to achieve the same (if not better) results naturally, without the use of silicone or saline implants.
One such option is breast augmentation by fat grafting, which uses the body’s own fat as filler to eliminate the risks and downsides of implants. If you’re looking to enhance your breasts naturally, read on to learn all about fat grafting breast augmentation and whether it’s the right procedure for you.
What is a fat grafting breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation by fat grafting is a technique that uses your own body fat instead of silicone or saline implants to enlarge and lift the breasts. During the procedure, the surgeon harvests unwanted fat from areas like the thighs, midsection or hips. Then using liposuction, the fat is gently removed and processed, before injecting it into the breasts for a naturally fuller look.
At Squlpt, we’ve developed a fat grafting breast augmentation procedure called Naturals®, performed using our proprietary SoftSqulpt® technology—an awake liposuction and fat transfer technique that is safe, gentle and close to pain-free. With Naturals, we skip the risks of implants altogether by using your own body fat as filler to achieve natural, long-lasting results. Unlike silicone or saline implants, fat grafting breast augmentation reduces complications like leaking or rupturing—and there’s no risk of rejection—making it a much safer option for many patients.
The benefits of breast augmentation by fat grafting
Breast augmentation using silicone or saline implants comes with various risks, including breast pain, scar tissue that can change the shape of the implant (a condition called capsular contracture), infection, leaking, tearing and more.
At Squlpt, by using your own body fat, we create a natural look and feel with results that last—all without the downsides of implants. Just some of the benefits of breast augmentation by fat grafting compared to implants are as follows:
o Minimally invasive. Unlike breast augmentation with implants, breast augmentation by fat grafting is a minimally invasive procedure performed using local rather than general anesthesia. With SoftSqulpt Naturals, we use miniaturized instruments and smooth vibration to gently remove unwanted body fat before transferring it to the breasts. This gentle approach means the experience is close to pain-free and sets you up for a smooth recovery.
o Fewer complications. As mentioned above, silicone or saline implants involve various risks and potential complications (like tearing or leaking), which means you may need multiple treatments to achieve the desired results and/or to fix post-surgical issues. Choosing breast augmentation by fat grafting instead of implants also means you can avoid the risks and downsides of general anesthesia, which include nausea, dizziness, heart attack, stroke and even death.
o Natural look and feel. One of the biggest benefits of a fat grafting breast augmentation is that, because the surgeon is using your own body fat to enhance the breasts, you can count on results that look and feel natural. With SoftSqulpt Naturals, your “after” look is natural and perfectly proportioned, compared to silicone or saline implants that often end up looking unnatural and overdone.
o Double the benefits. With breast augmentation by fat grafting, in addition to fuller breasts, you get the added benefit of a more sculpted silhouette since we remove unwanted fat from other areas (like the tummy, buttocks or thighs).
o Lasting results. With breast implants, patients often require redos or touch-ups. But because breast augmentation by fat grafting uses your own body fat as filler, your new look will be yours to keep.
o Faster recovery. Because fat grafting breast augmentation is performed awake, the recovery is typically significantly shorter, and smoother, than procedures performed under general anesthesia. With SoftSqulpt Naturals, you can expect to go home the same day, be back at work within the week, and return to your regular routine within about six weeks.
o Minimal scarring. Thanks to the gentle approach and precision of SoftSqulpt, you’ll experience significantly less scarring than other techniques that often involve harsh instruments, painful pulling and tearing, and outdated technology. As outlined by the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, “because the incisions for breast reconstruction with fat grafting are typically smaller than those required for implants, there is noticeably less scarring after surgery.”
Who is the ideal candidate for a natural breast augmentation fat transfer?
Fat grafting breast augmentation is the ideal solution for anyone looking to enhance and lift the breasts naturally without a dramatic increase in size. SoftSqulpt Naturals is the perfect treatment for you if:
o You’re looking to go up one or two cup sizes.
o You’d like to fill out the cleavage line.
o You want to add fullness with a natural teardrop breast shape.
o You want to avoid the risks and downsides of silicone or saline implants.
o Your goal look is naturally curvy and perfectly proportioned.
Book a free virtual consultation with a Squlpt surgeon and body consultant to figure out if a natural breast augmentation fat transfer is the right procedure for you and your body goals.
Recovery for a natural breast augmentation fat transfer
Because breast augmentation by fat grafting is performed awake and uses your own unwanted body fat instead of implants, the recovery is typically smoother and shorter compared to traditional liposuction procedures and/or breast augmentation procedures using silicone or saline implants.
With SoftSqulpt Naturals, our safe and gentle approach means you’ll experience minimal discomfort and very little downtime. Our team will fit you with a compression garment and soft memory foam, which you’ll need to wear for two weeks post-treatment. They’ll also share personalized tips and our SoftHealing™ Aftercare Guide to help with your recovery and ensure optimal results.
Commonly asked questions about breast augmentation by fat grafting
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked by patients about fat grafting breast augmentation, along with our answers.
Q: Is fat grafting painful?
A: During a Naturals breast augmentation procedure, we use localized meds and laughing gas to keep you comfortable and relaxed at every step. All you’ll feel is a soft vibration and light pressure with minimal discomfort. Post-treatment, while you can expect to feel sore (as with any cosmetic procedure), our safe and gentle approach means you’ll experience very little discomfort and downtime compared to alternative procedures.
Q: Does it increase the risk of breast cancer or affect mammograms?
A: Breast augmentation by fat transfer does not increase the risk of breast cancer, or of breast cancer recurrence, and mammograms still work well for most people after this type of procedure. Breasts contain fatty tissue and breast tissue, which look dark on a mammogram, compared to tumors that appear white. Even though augmentation adds more fat to your breasts, tumors are still easily visible.
Q: Can you replace breast implants with a fat transfer?
A: Yes, Simultaneous Implant Exchange with Fat (SIEF) is a breast revision surgery in which breast implants are removed and then immediately replaced with the patient’s own fat. This approach provides a new alternative for women choosing to remove implants for breast augmentation.
Q: How long does fat transfer to the breasts last? Will I need multiple procedures?
A: With SoftSqulpt Naturals, around 30% of the body fat we transfer will reabsorb naturally in the first six weeks post-treatment and the rest stays permanently from there. Our approach takes this into account so that once everything settles, you’ll be left with your desired look. And because we use your own body fat instead of implants, your new look will be yours to keep—no redos or touch-ups needed.
Enhance your breasts naturally with Squlpt Lipo-Shaping
If you’re looking to enhance your breasts naturally without implants, and want to create curves in perfect proportion with your body, breast augmentation by fat grafting could be the solution for you. Book a free consultation with a Squlpt surgeon and body consultant today to see if SoftSqulpt Naturals is the right treatment for you and take the first step in bringing your body goals to life.
In the meantime, get inspired with these beautiful before & after shots and watch testimonials from our body-confident community who decided to go for Naturals—and never looked back!
