What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.

Breast Augmentation can be done using different methods depending on a patient’s preferences and desired outcomes. Breast Implants and Fat Transfer are two of the most popular techniques. Breast Implants involve inserting saline or silicone implants within the breast pocket, either above or below the pectoralis major muscle which lies behind the breast. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation involves injecting fat taken from another area of the body, using Liposuction, into the breast tissue.

Your surgeon will recommend the best method for you based on several factors, such as your body type and the desired outcome.


What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Implants?

Breast Augmentation using breast implants offers several advantages, such as larger breast size, more customisation, long-lasting results, and more.

Bespoke results

Implants alter breast shape, increase size, and create symmetry. This leads to more proportionate and aesthetically appealing breasts. You can pick between different implant types, with varying size, shape, material and texture. Breast implants are also available in different projections to achieve a look that meets your desired results and is also proportionate to the rest of your body. You can also choose the placement of your breast implants, either above or below the chest muscles, which can alter the appearance of the final result as well as affect your recovery time.

Long-lasting results

Although it is not possible to leave breast implants in place forever, most breast implants will last between 10 and 15 years completely safely. After this time you may need to consider a Breast Implant Removal and Replacement procedure.

Adding lost breast volume

If you have experienced changes in breast size and shape due to pregnancy, weight loss, breastfeeding or ageing, implants can restore the volume of your breasts with natural results. This can increase your comfort and confidence to choose certain clothing which you may have felt you weren’t able to wear anymore.

Visibility

By skillfully placing the implant within the breast pocket, and also choosing the right breast implant for the patient, our expert surgeons are able to make sure no rippling or implant edges are visible. This has been a concern of some patients in the past, but surgical techniques have advanced significantly to reduce this issue.

At Cadogan Clinic, our experienced surgeons prioritise a personalised approach during Breast Augmentation consultations. We discuss your aesthetic goals and provide expert recommendations tailored to your body type and desired outcomes.


What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer?

Fat Transfer to the Breasts, also known as a Natural Breast Augmentation, is an alternative to implants with several benefits, including natural results, minimal scarring and reduced risk of complications.

Natural results

Fat Transfer to the Breasts uses fat extracted from different areas of your body through Liposuction, before it is injected into the breasts. The augmented breasts feel and look very natural, blending with your natural breast tissue. The procedure can increase your breast size by a maximum of 1.5 cup sizes, producing a subtle enhancement.

Reduced risk of complications

The risk of complications is slightly lower in Fat Transfer procedures compared to Breast Implants. This is mainly due to breast implants being artificial, resulting in some people’s bodies rejecting them meaning they need to be removed. As Fat Transfer only uses fat from your own body, it cannot be rejected. Although the risks involved in Natural Breast Augmentation are lower, it is important to remember that breast implants are entirely safe.

Minimal scarring

Fat Transfer involves a small incision in each area that is treated with Liposuction and then another small incision for the injection of fat into the breast tissue, resulting in minimal scarring. Your surgeon will strategically place the incisions so that the scar is concealed as effectively as possible

Adjustable results

Fat Transfer results are long-lasting but it is normal for a patient's preferences to change over time. If a patient decides they would like more volume in future, it is possible to have a follow up procedure, where more fat is extracted and injected to increase the size of the breasts further.

Improved recovery

Recovery from a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is generally fairly fast and straightforward. This is because it is generally slightly less invasive than Breast Augmentation with implants and the use of the patient’s own fat also helps to speed up recovery. As with Breast Enlargement with implants, you will need to wear a surgical bra during your recovery and may also need to wear surgical garments to cover the areas that have been treated with Liposuction.

Dual benefit

As Fat Transfer involves Liposuction to extract fat from other areas of your body the overall appearance of the body can be enhanced with improved contours in the donor areas as well as improved volume and shape to the breasts.


How Do I Decide Between Breast Augmentation and Fat Transfer?

When comparing Implants vs. Fat Transfer, you should consider several factors, such as your desired outcome, body type and recovery time.

  • Desired outcome: Implants offer greater flexibility in terms of size and shape than a Fat Transfer. If you want a significant increase in your breast size, implants might be a more suitable option.
  • Body type: When comparing Breast Implants with Fat Transfer, it’s important to consider your body's fat reserves. You will need sufficient fat available in the donor area to harvest, which can be challenging if you have a leaner physique.
  • Look and feel: Fat Transfer might be a more suited option if you desire a very natural feel. While silicone implants can maintain their shape better, they typically don’t feel as natural as a Fat Transfer.
  • Recovery time: Consider the downtime associated with each procedure. Fat transfer is a more suitable option if you need a faster recovery. 
  • Longevity and maintenance: When comparing Breast Fat Transfer and Lift, consider the longevity of the results. Implants will need to be replaced after 10-15 years. However, once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in their new location, they act like normal breast tissue and require no additional maintenance.
  • Health and safety: Implants carry certain risks like rupture and capsular contracture. Fat Transfer carries a risk of fat reabsorption or calcification. 

If you compare Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation vs Silicone Implants, consider the natural look and feel offered by Fat Transfer against the precise shape and size achievable with silicone implants. 

Talking to an experienced surgeon will help you understand the nuances, risks and benefits associated with the procedures and make an informed decision. 


What are the Risks of Implants and Fat Transfer?

While Breast Augmentation involving either implants or Fat Transfer are both safe procedures when carried out by an experienced surgeon, they carry some inherent risks and potential complications. It is important to understand these risks and your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation as well as how they could impact your surgery, should they arise.

Risks Associated with Breast Implants

  • Capsular contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around your breast implants overdevelops and tightens, causing pain and hardness.
  • Scarring: The breast implant procedure may result in visible scarring in some cases. The visibility of these scars depends on various factors, such as your surgeon's experience, the quality of aftercare, and your body's ability to heal and recover.
  • Implant rupture and leakage: Silicone implants can rupture and leak, potentially leading to changes in your breast shape and texture. 
  • Rippling: In some cases, you might see visible or palpable wrinkling of the Implant due to a shift in the Implant position.
  • Infection: While it’s rare, infections can occur after breast implants have been inserted. Depending on the severity, the implants may need to be removed. 
  • Breast pain: Some patients may experience breast pain after implants have been inserted. 
  • Nipple sensation changes: You might experience changes in nipple sensation after a surgical procedure involving breast implants. Your nipples may be more or less sensitive than before. For some patients this is temporary, whereas for other people this may be a longer term concern.
  • Breastfeeding issues: Some women with breast implants find it difficult to breastfeed due to pain and discomfort. It’s important to discuss your intention to breastfeed after a Breast Augmentation so that your surgeon can preserve the milk ducts and glandular tissue to allow for future breastfeeding. 
  • Revision surgery: If your implant moves or leaks, you will need revision surgery to correct the issue.

Risks Associated with Fat Transfer

  • Fat necrosis and calcification: Some of the fat transferred to your breasts might not survive, and turn into calcified lumps. These lumps can become painful and might require surgical intervention to remove them.
  • Fat reabsorption: Some of the fat transferred to your breast tissue may be reabsorbed by the body, leading to a loss of breast volume over time. It’s normal to lose up to 50% of the injected fat following Fat Transfer, however some patients do lose more.
  • Infection: As Fat Transfer is a surgical procedure, there’s an inherent risk of developing infections.
  • Contour irregularities: If Fat Transfer is not performed properly, you might develop irregular lumps of fat in the breast and at the donor site. The risk of developing such lumps is relatively low if you choose a skilled surgeon with extensive experience performing the procedure.

It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon in detail. At Cadogan Clinic, our surgeons will thoroughly evaluate your health to minimise these risks and complications.


FAQs

Breast Augmentation primarily aims to increase the size and shape of your breasts, but it may not make them perkier. There are several ways to get perky boobs, with one of the most popular procedures being a Breast Lift.

Implants provide you with a significant and predictable enhancement that can last for 10-15 years. Fat Transfer produces more natural-looking results that typically diminish over time. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and health considerations. Your surgeon will help you to decide which the best option is for you during your consultation.

Both procedures take 4-6 weeks to fully recover. This can vary depending on your body’s healing abilities and the skill of your surgeon. Implant and Fat Transfer procedures for Breast Augmentation are day cases at our clinic, meaning you can leave on the same day.

Treatments mentioned in this article



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