Breast augmentation has remained one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for decades. However, the way in which it is performed has changed significantly in recent years. Advancements in the procedure have given patients more choice than ever before, with autologous breast augmentation proving particularly popular.
So, what is autologous breast augmentation and what are the pros and cons of the procedure? Find out everything you need to know in this blog post.
What is autologous breast augmentation?
Also referred to as fat grafting, autologous fat transfer is one of the newest techniques introduced on the market. It involves injecting fat into the breasts that has been taken from different body parts via liposuction. The fat is then spun in a special machine to separate it from blood and fluids, before being injected into the breast region.
During the procedure, tiny incisions are made in the skin of the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen. A cannula is then inserted to gently remove the fat without causing damage. The incisions are closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied to safeguard the healing area.
The volume of fat used will depend on the extent of reconstruction required, with the entire process typically taking about two hours to finish.
The pros of fat transfer to the breast
The main benefits of the fat transfer procedure include:
- No need for an implant
- Minimally invasive
- Fewer complications
- High result satisfaction
During the procedure fat is extracted from another part of the body and injected into the breasts. There is no need for an implant, which means the breasts end up looking and feeling more natural. The fact that only small incisions, just 4 millimetres in size, are needed for the removal and re-injection of the fat is also a major benefit.
Fat grafting also has fewer complications than implant surgery, and a reduced likelihood of patients requiring additional operations. Case reviews indicate that most patients and their doctors are satisfied with the outcomes.
What are the downsides of autologous breast augmentation?
While there are more pros than cons of autologous breast augmentation, the main things to be aware of include:
- There is no standardised approach
- Cup restrictions
- Can only address mild sagging
As there isn’t a standardised approach, it is crucial to choose a surgeon with experience in the procedure. You also need to understand that there are restrictions in the increase in cup size. The procedure can only typically increase cup size by one.
Other potential downsides include its inability to lift severely sagging breasts, potential complications in breast cancer detection, and the possibility of not having enough excess fat for the procedure. The limited blood supply in the breast dictates the amount of fat that can be injected. If too much fat is introduced, it may be reabsorbed, causing breast size to decrease or the fat to harden.
These are the main pros and cons of undergoing autologous breast augmentation. To learn more about the procedure or determine if it is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.
