Treatments Cosmetic Surgery Non Surgical Dermatology All

0207 901 8500

Get in touch

Fat Transfer

Fat Transfer to Breast

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists.

Get in touch Download Factsheet
Trustpilot

Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We’ve won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We’ve invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

We’re regulated by the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

What is Fat Transfer to Breast?

Fat transfer breast augmentation, or a ‘natural breast augmentation’, or 'fat transfer to breast', is a surgical procedure designed to increase the volume of the breast using fat grafting techniques. This eliminates the need for foreign implant materials such as breast implants, and enables more natural-looking outcomes.

Fat transfer breast augmentation benefits from the use of liposuction to harvest the fat to be transferred and injected to the breast, allowing your surgeon to remove unwanted fat from stubborn areas anywhere in the body as part of this procedure.

Infection rates are also significantly reduced as the need for a foreign implant is eliminated, and the procedure completely natural and organic. Fat is also injected into the breast meaning scarring is minimal.

Women turn to fat transfer breast augmentation after experiencing a loss of volume in their breasts. This can happen for a number of reasons.

As women age, their bodies produce less and less oestrogen as they approach the menopause. This drop in hormone levels causes the breasts to shrink in size and the breast tissue to lose its elasticity. This leads to a loss of volume and sagging.

Breastfeeding can also have an impact on the size, shape and position of the breasts. When breasts produce milk, they become heavier and denser. Once a woman has completed her breastfeeding journey, the breast tissue may shift, resulting in changes to the breast. This varies from woman to woman. Often a woman will revert back to her pre-breastfeeding cup size, but sometimes her breasts will shrink to a smaller size.

Weight loss can also have a huge impact on breast size. Any amount of weight loss can cause a loss of volume in the breasts. It varies from person to person as it depends on how much fat the individual naturally stores around the breast area. A significant amount of weight loss will lead to saggy skin in different places all over the body, including the breasts.

If you have experienced a loss of breast volume due to one or more of the reasons above, then you may wish to consider natural breast augmentation.

Get in touch

Fat Transfer to Breast At a glance

Surgery Time

1 - 3 hours

Time off work

1 - 2 weeks

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

1 week

Reasonable Mobility

48 hrs

Exercise

4 -6 weeks

Bras & Garments

6 weeks

Sexual Activity

Restricted 4 - 6 weeks

Sleeping on back

2 weeks

Full Recovery

4 - 6 weeks

Driving

2 weeks

Before and after

Why do people have Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation vs traditional Breast Augmentation?

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation (or Fat Transfer to Breast) is the perfect solution for those looking to refine the size and shape of their bust rather than significantly alter it. Fat transfer to breast provides a subtle boost to the volume of the breast, and is most suitable for those looking to increase by no more than one or two cup sizes.

For those who want a more significant increase in their bust size, we usually recommend surgical breast augmentation with implants.

However, not everyone wants foreign material inserted into the body and natural breast augmentation using your own fat is an attractive alternative.

So too is fat transfer breast augmentation common among women who are unsatisfied with the texture of previous breast implants, or those who have undergone a mastectomy or breast reconstructive surgery, and require reshaping of the breast or the restoration of symmetry.

There is also the added benefit that natural breast augmentation via fat transfer involves liposuction, meaning the treatment has particular appeal for those looking to remove unwanted areas of stubborn fat during the same surgery.

Who is suitable?

Cadogan Clinic considers individuals fit for the procedure, if all of the following are true of them:

  • Physically and psychologically fit and healthy, with fully developed breasts
  • Concerned by the size or shape of at least one of their breasts
  • Have realistic expectations of what can be achieved by surgery

Words from our clients:

Trustpilot

The cost of Fat Transfer to Breast

Get in touch now to get a price

The cost of fat transfer to breasts will depend on your particular case. This can only be determined during a consultation with your surgeon, and following that an accurate price can be quoted.

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance 

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan 

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery 

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses

What does Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation involve?

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation or Natural Breast Augmentation is an invasive surgical procedure that is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between 1 – 3 hours, depending on the volume of fat being transferred.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation utilises natural fat deposits found elsewhere in your body to enhance and increase the size of your breasts. The procedure involves two elements: first, liposuction techniques are used to remove unnecessary fat (typically from the waist, buttocks or thighs); second, this excess fat is then injected to the breast in order to enhance and reshape the existing breasts.

Our surgeons will be able to go over the areas which are best to take the fat from for the transfer, and what will look best on you to give you your desired figure and body shape. If you're looking for more fat removal from other areas, additional liposuction treatments can be performed.

Recovery time tends to be between 1 – 3 weeks, during which time we recommend some time off work and reduced physical movement until the swelling has subsided. Regular physical activity and exercise can be fully resumed in roughly 6 weeks.

Fat Transfer Breast
Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.

Our Surgeons

What to expect

Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

Find out more

The first step for all of our patients is to meet for a consultation with the surgeon we feel is most suited to you and best placed to perform your procedure.

At the consultation, you will be able to discuss with your surgeon what you hope to achieve from the natural breast augmentation procedure, as well as discuss in detail what may or may not be possible given your existing breast anatomy, bone structure and skin quality.

A comprehensive discussion regarding risks and complications will take place, alongside a discussion regarding the post procedure and recovery phase. Your previous medical history will be recorded (including previous surgery, medications and allergies) and the surgeon will make an assessment of your fitness for surgery.

If your surgeon feels you are a good candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation, you are then invited to consider whether you would like to proceed with surgery. All patients are given a two week ‘cooling off’ period. During this time you are welcome to come in and discuss your potential surgery with your surgeon as many times as you like.

If you choose to proceed with surgery, the next time you come into the Clinic after your final consultation will be the day of your procedure.

Before admission the following behavioural changes are recommended / required:

  • In the 6 weeks before your procedure we recommend smoking is discontinued as patients who smoke have a higher risk of healing more slowly and complications
  • In the week before your procedure you must cease taking Aspirin or any medication that contains Aspirin
  • In the 6 hours prior to surgery you must not consume food or any drink, other than small sips of clear fluid (e.g. still water, black coffee, black tea) which are allowed up to 2 hours before admission

On the day of your procedure we ask that you arrive for your admission an hour before the agreed start time of surgery. At this point a nurse will come and record blood pressure and other relevant tests, you will meet with your anaesthetist and your surgeon who will make the final mark-ups.

The procedure itself is takes place under general anaesthetic over the course of between one and three hours. The surgery involves the harvesting of fat via liposuction and the re-injection of this fat into the breast site.

Following the procedure, you will recover in our ambulatory recovery rooms for between two to three hours, dependent on the scale of the procedure. Once our specialist nursing team are happy that your initial recovery is complete and you are safe to return home, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic accompanied by a friend or member of your family.

Once home you will have access to our dedicated oncall nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This team of specialists are dedicated to your comfort and recovery, and are there to field any questions you may have in the immediate post operative phase.

Natural breast augmentation recovery is fairly quick and any residual discomfort should subside in a matter of days. Patients are able to return to a normal routine after a week following the procedure. The full healing process is between 2 – 3 weeks. You will have some bruising and swelling, but it will be gone after a few days and you'll be able to get back to your normal routine.

We advise patients to take a week off work whilst swelling is at its peak. We ask our patients to be sensitive to their breast area during this time, and not try to do too much too soon. We also recommend avoiding UV light for 2 -4 weeks to aid the scarring process.

We ask that you come in and see our nursing team 1 week after surgery to ensure your incision sites have been properly reviewed. At this juncture we also recommend you meet with one of our on site aestheticians to discuss ongoing treatment to support the healing process.

You should start to see your results clearly after 6 week mark. We ask that you come in to see your surgeon after 6 weeks for a post procedure for a final check up.

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a question

Natural Breast Augmentation is recommended for those who want a more natural-looking breast augmentation. Suitable patients will have enough fat from other parts of the body to transfer and, are not considering having children within the next year and do not require a breast uplift also. For those who want a more significant increase in their bust size, we recommend surgical breast augmentation with implants.

Natural breast augmentation is recommended for those who want a more natural-looking breast augmentation. Suitable patients will have enough fat to transfer from other parts of the body and do not require a breast uplift.

Natural breast augmentation is the perfect solution if you are looking to refine your shape rather than significantly alter it. This procedure will give you fuller and more shapely breasts, but you are unlikely to be any more than a cup size bigger. For those who want a more significant increase in their bust size, we recommend surgical breast augmentation with implants.

Fat transfer breast augmentation is an excellent way of restoring volume to breasts which has been lost through aging, breastfeeding or weight loss. You should avoid having a natural breast augmentation if you are considering having children within the next year.

It is important to be open and honest with your consultant so you can move forward with a procedure that can achieve the results you are looking for. 

The final result of your fat transfer to breast procedure will depend on your current breast size and the amount of fat that can be extracted to be re-distributed. You may need several sessions to achieve the full look. The best way to find out exactly what you should have for your specific case is to book a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons at the Cadogan Clinic.

Yes, it does.

We use fat in three ways to enhance the breast at the Cadogan Clinic:

  • To improve the shape after breast augmentation to disguise visible edges. These can become visible in slim people across the top of the breast and in the cleavage.
  • To improve the shape after breast reconstruction or a mastectomy
  • To increase volume as a natural alternative to implants. It works well for small increases. Larger ones will require multiple procedures to build up the volume. Older people after pregnancy often develop empty breasts with stretched skin and loss of volume. Fat grafted into the upper part of the breast will give back that pertness of youth.
    Whilst it is true that the degree of success of the procedure can vary from case to case (depending on the suitability of the candidate and the quality of the donor site), excellent results are typically achieved.

This procedure is also a safer way to enhance the breast than implants since no artificial, foreign substances are used; it is completely natural. Also, by inserting one’s own body cells, the likelihood of allergic reactions or other negative body responses is much lower than with implants.

Finally, it is also a great long-term solution to get rid of fat in stubborn areas and enhance the breasts in one operation.

You will see immediate results. The swelling associated with healing and the injection of local anaesthetic settles in a couple of weeks. There is also some loss of the graft itself. At the end of the day, 50-70% of the added volume remains. The appearance and feel of the breasts will continue to improve over the next few months. By 3-6 months the change is as permanent as normal breast tissue and we can look at photographs to make a final assessment.

At this point, one might want to consider if this is the result desired, or whether a further grafting session is indicated. The transferred fat is alive and behaves just like the normal breast fat. Most breast changes occur with pregnancies and rather less with age and weight. This is also the case with grafted fat. There are people who will want extra grafting to replace this further loss. It would also be perfectly safe to carry out breast lift surgery(mastopexy).

After fat transfer to your breasts, you will notice results immediately - more evidently within the first few weeks after your treatment when any swelling and bruising have subsided. The results will continue to improve over the next few months’ as your fat re-distributes itself and settles. 

The immediate concern is to support the breasts and avoid significant exercise, while the grafted fat is developing a new blood supply. This will take about 3 weeks, but it is highly recommended to wear the sports bra your surgeon suggested during both day and night for a month and in the day time for 3 months following the procedure.

There will be some swelling and bruising, accompanied by the expected discomfort, which will settle in 3 weeks. Paracetamol should be sufficient analgesia. Any stitches are removed at 7-10 days.

Some areas of the breast may feel firm or even tender for many months. This is deep bruising and fat, which is slower to incorporate.

You will be able to work from home in a couple of days and travel to work in 3-7 days. Moderate exercise is possible in 3 weeks and severe exercise in 3 months.

Your breasts have conformed to their final shape in 6 months. One of the most significant advantages of this kind of breast augmentation is that the results are permanent. Once the transferred fat cells are completely incorporated into the breast tissue, they are there for life and there's often no need for any additional fat transfer. The breasts may change shape over the patient's lifetime, of course, just as anyone's breasts will change due to the effects of age and gravity. However, the fat that was transferred and fully incorporated won't need to be removed or replaced, as is required with breast implants.

Another major advantage of the breast augmentation with fat transfer is that liposuction from the donor site also improves the body's overall silhouette permanently. It's important to note that while a significant amount of fat can be removed from the treated areas of the body during liposuction, some fat cells will be left behind. Weight gain will continue to be a possibility, just as it always is, so maintaining a healthy diet and exercise habits is important for preventing weight gain and preserving your new sleek figure.

Following fat transfer to the breasts you may have some bruising and swelling but this should subside within a couple of weeks.  Recovery time for fat transfer procedures to the body can depend on how many areas the initial liposuction was carried out on.  You may be bruised and swollen for 1-3 weeks and should avoid exercise during this time and you may wish to be off work for 1-2 weeks also.  The few days following your fat transfer augmentation you may feel some discomfort around the breasts and experience an aching sensation for a week or two following treatment - this is completely normal and will subside as will any bruising and swelling.

Fat transfer to breasts starts from £6900, however this will depend on your particular case. This can only be determined during a consultation with your surgeon, and following that an accurate price can be quoted.

Fat transfer to breast is the most effective alternative to breast implants when it comes to permanently increasing the size of the breasts. Fat transfer to breast relies on the natural volumizing effect of fat grafting and fat injections, and does not require the use of a foreign implant.

Fat transfer to breast relies on fat grafting and harvesting, and fat injections to the breast. This is a highly effective and increasingly popular surgical alternative to breast implants.

Other non-surgical alternatives to breast implants include push up bras, firming creams, and breast prostheses, but these techniques are of course unable to secure a comparable permanent change.

Complications of breast fat transfer are rare. But, like with all types of surgery, there is still the possibility of complications. The risks include:

  • Blood collecting underneath the skin (also known as haematoma)
  • Death of fat tissue (fat necrosis)
  • A piece of fat causing a blockage in a blood vessel (fat embolism)
  • Thick, noticeable scars
  • Air leaking into the space between the lungs and chest wall (pneumothorax)

Any operation also carries a small risk of:

  • Infection
  • Blood clot in a vein
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

Although it is important to bear in mind the risks, overall natural breast enlargement is a safe procedure. Your surgeon will go through all the potential complications with you at your consultation and answer any questions that you may have. The surgeon will also discuss aftercare and how the Cadogan Clinic will support you through the healing process.

A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

Get in Touch

Get in touch

One of our friendly staff will be delighted to help with your enquiry.

0207 901 8500

Or send us an enquiry

By clicking submit you are agreeing that you have read and understand Cadogan Clinic's Privacy Notice

Meet Ellie

Our Lead Patient Advisor is here to support with any queries you may have

What are the risks?

Complications are rare although, as with all surgery, possible. Your surgeon will discuss each of these risks comprehensively at your consultation. Read our FAQ section for more information.

Fat Transfer

Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.

View All

Related Reading

View All
Trustpilot
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards

0207 901 8500

Get in touch