Breast augmentation is one of the most-requested cosmetic procedures in the world, with more than 1.9 surgeries performed in 2023 globally. It used to be the case that if you wanted to enhance the size of your breasts, implants were the only available option. Today, thanks to advancements in plastic surgery techniques, fat transfer offers an all-natural, less invasive alternative—and more and more women are opting for this modern approach.
Ultimately, breast enhancement and how you achieve your desired look is a personal choice. Our goal with this article is to explore the pros and cons of both procedures to help you make the best decision.
How does fat transfer breast augmentation work?
Breast augmentation with fat transfer involves harvesting unwanted fat from other areas of the body (like the midsection, bottom or thighs) with a liposuction procedure, then injecting that same fat into the breasts to increase volume. Otherwise known as ‘fat grafting,’ this procedure uses your own body fat as filler instead of silicone or saline implants.
One of the biggest benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation vs. implants is that you’ll be awake during the procedure, which means you can avoid the risks and stress of general anesthesia. It also allows for a more personalized experience, where you are an active participant in the procedure.
At Squlpt, we’ve developed an advanced awake liposuction and fat transfer breast augmentation procedure called Naturals®, performed using our proprietary SoftSqulpt® technology. We use precision instruments to gently remove unwanted body fat from areas like the midsection or thighs, before transferring it to the breasts using small incisions to create a natural look in perfect proportion with your body.
Another upside of Naturals is that you get the added benefit of contouring other areas of the body while enhancing the breasts. So if you’re looking to get rid of stubborn belly, thigh or arm fat, you can address those areas and add volume to the breasts, all in the same treatment.
How do breast implants work?
Traditional breast augmentation uses either saline or silicone implants to increase breast volume. These implants come in a variety of sizes, allowing women to choose anything from a small and subtle enhancement to a substantial increase in breast size.
Unlike fat transfer breast augmentation, breast implant procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which involves a range of potential risks including infection, allergic reactions, nerve damage or even stroke. They are also significantly more invasive, with surgeons having to make large incisions on each side of the breast, which can result in more scarring.
Saline vs. silicone implants
What’s the difference between saline and silicone implants? Both have a silicone outer shell, but what sets them apart is what they’re filled with and how they feel.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They’re typically put into the breast empty and filled once they’re in place. Many find they feel more firm than natural breast tissue and they can be seen more easily under the skin, often causing a rippling or wrinkling effect.
Silicone implants are made with silicone gel and are commonly believed to look and feel more like natural breasts. The downside is that they pose more of a health risk if they rupture. If you choose to have silicone implants, it’s important to check for ruptures every few years with an MRI screening.
What results can you expect from fat transfer breast augmentation vs. implants?
Fat transfer
Because fat transfer breast augmentation uses your own body fat to enhance the breasts, the look and feel is all natural. Once the transferred fat settles, your new look will be yours to keep permanently. If you’re looking for a non-invasive procedure with subtle, natural results and want to go up a cup size – a fat transfer procedure like Naturals is the ideal solution.
Implants
While breast augmentation with implants can deliver good results, the breasts will never look and feel as natural as with a fat transfer, and many end up looking unnatural or overdone. Another thing to consider is that, unlike breast augmentation with a fat transfer, implants only last 10-15 years (or less if you experience issues like leaking or rupturing), which means you’re likely to need multiple surgeries.
Safety of fat transfer vs. breast implants
Fat transfer
Because fat transfer breast augmentation is performed using local anesthesia rather than general, you eliminate the risks of going under. Fat transfer procedures are also less risky because the breasts are filled with your own body fat instead of a foreign substance, which means less chance of infection and rejection (and zero chance of leaking or rupturing).
Implants
In addition to the risks associated with general anesthesia, breast implants come with other risks such as capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it), rupture and deflation, breast pain, changes in breast and nipple sensation, and even more serious complications, although rare, like anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.
Breast implants vs. fat transfer recovery
Fat transfer
Because breast augmentation with fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery is typically easier, and shorter, than with breast implants. Naturals®, our safe and gentle technique sets you up for a faster and easier recovery. Because we also perform awake liposuction on your midsection, you can expect to feel some soreness. While every one heals differently and has a different pain threshold, the below is the breakdown of the recovery process:
- Significant swelling for 7-10 days
- Resumption of light activity the day after the procedure.
- Return to desk jobs in 3-5 days, and for physically demanding jobs, allow 5-10 days off.
- Majority of swelling is gone by 1 to 2 months and full results visible by 6 months
Implants
After breast implant surgery, you can expect to experience more pain, bruising and swelling than with breast fat grafting. You may also need to stay in the hospital overnight after the procedure. Breast implant surgery typically involves creating a pocket beneath the muscle or breast tissue, which can cause more tissue disruption than an awake fat transfer.
Fat transfer vs. implants: Cost consideration
Fat transfer
Fat transfer breast augmentation may cost slightly more upfront due to the length of the surgery, but over the long term it offers a more cost-effective approach since the results are permanent and you won’t have to pay for multiple surgeries. Fat transfer procedures also offer the added benefit of awake liposuction to other areas of your body – abdomen, back, hips etc.. – in the same treatment at no extra cost making Naturals@ our awake breast augmentation procedure really a 2-for-1.
Implants
Implants typically cost a bit less than a fat transfer procedure, but you don’t get the added benefit of reshaping your midsection. It’s also important to factor long-term costs of potential maintenance and replacement surgeries or explant surgery if you decide to remove the implants.
| Procedure | Minimally invasive; local anesthesia | Invasive; general anesthesia |
| Safety | Generally considered safe if done with a reputable provider. | Potential risks due to general anesthesia and implant-related issues |
| Results | Natural look and feel; permanent results; limited volume increase | Less natural look and feel; results last 10-15 years; more size choice |
| Risks & side effects | Mild bruising, swelling and soreness | Typically more discomfort after surgery; risk of leaking, rupturing, infection, allergies, etc. |
| Downtime | Go home the same day; back to work within a week; back to regular routine 4-6 weeks | May need overnight hospital stay; back to work in 2 weeks; back to regular routine 4-6 weeks |
| Time to see full results | 6 weeks to look good; around 6 months to see final results | 4-6 weeks to look good; around 6 months to see final results |
| No. of treatments needed | One treatment only | Several treatments to maintain/replace implants |
Enhance what you were born with, naturally.
If you’re looking to dramatically increase the size of your breasts, and are comfortable with undergoing several procedures to maintain results, breast implants are your best option. If you’re going for a natural look & feel, one cup size up, a fat transer breast augmentation procedure is the solution for you.
With Naturals®, you can increase your cup size by one or more, add more fullness to the cleavage line, fill out the upper part of the breasts, and move the nipple up by 1-1.5 inches. You also benefit from awake liposuction to your Midsection, arms and more for a full transformation.
The best way to decide if a fat transfer breast augmentation is right for you is to book a free consultation with a Squlpt body consultant. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan to achieve your body goals and enhance your breasts, naturally.
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