Breast augmentation and fat transfer are two highly effective approaches to enhance the size and/or shape of the breasts. That said, the two procedures are not interchangeable. Depending on the exact improvements you wish to see in your breast contours, one cosmetic surgery may be able to provide your desired results to a greater degree than the other. Here, Dr. David Bottger, our acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, delves into how to determine whether breast augmentation or fat transfer is the best technique to achieve your goals.
Breast Augmentation: For Patients Who Want a Larger Bust Size
Breast implants offer a predictable, effective, and versatile method of customizing your breast contours to your exact preferences. During the process, patients choose their implant size, type, profile, and fill-material in order to achieve the specific breast proportions they desire. Breast augmentation can be incredibly beneficial for patients wanting:
- A larger cup size or a significant increase in breast volume
- Rounder or more filled out upper poles of the breasts
- A more voluptuous, curvy, or sensual look in tight clothing
With that in mind, breast implants are most effective for women whose primary goal is gaining an enlarged breast size or a more dramatic volume increase.
Fat Transfer: For Patients Who Want Softer Contours
Commonly known as “natural breast augmentation,” fat transfer breast augmentation takes fat cells from another part of the body — usually the abdomen, hips, or thighs — and introduces them into areas of the breasts lacking fullness. This can certainly enhance the breast contours, but provides a much more modest increase in breast size. Fat transfer breast augmentation is most effective for women who want:
- A smaller increase in breast size who wish to avoid implants
- Smoother or more supple contours
- A more symmetrical look, but not necessarily an increase in breast size
- To better conceal the edges of their implant(s)
There’s also the option to combine fat transfer to the breasts with implant placement — a dual treatment plan that can often provide the highest quality of results, depending on your goals. Combining breast implants and fat transfer is an advanced technique that can provide enhanced volume, improved shape, and a more natural look than either procedure alone.
Dr. David Bottger is passionate about helping each patient identify the treatment options capable of making their desired results a reality. If you’re not sure which breast surgery is the right procedure for your needs and goals, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Bottger at our Philadelphia office today.