Fat Injection Breast Augmentation

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in using fat grafting for a breast augmentation. (fat injection breast augmentation) Am I right in understanding that you can perform this procedure? If so, what do I need to do find out how I can find out more information? What qualifies one for this type of breast augmentation?

A: Thank you for your inquiry. The critical questions about fat injection breast augmentation by fat injection are the following:

1) Do you have enough fat to make the operation worthwhile? It takes a lot more fat than you think as the fat has to be processed and concentrated for injection and only about 50% will survive the transfer process.

2) What is your breast size expectation? Fat grafting for most patients can increase breast size by about 1/2 cup.

3) What is the patient’s breast shape and current volume?  Small to little breast tissue makes for poor fat take.

Unlike implants, the selection of women for breast fat grafting is much more selective as the outcomes are less in size and the outcome not as predictable. The reality is that of all the women who request fat injection breast augmentation, less than 5% of them qualify for that form of breast augmentation surgery.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana