Fat Transfer to Breast Melbourne

Enhancing the breasts doesn’t always mean opting for implants. For individuals seeking subtle, proportionate changes that feel and look natural, fat transfer to the breast offers a refined and implant-free alternative using your body’s own tissue.

Performed by Dr. Gary Kode, a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne, fat transfer (also known as autologous fat grafting) involves removing fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, processing it, and carefully injecting it into the breasts to improve volume and shape.

This technique is particularly suited to patients looking for gentle enhancement and natural contours, without the feel or long-term maintenance associated with implants. Dr. Kode’s personal surgical approach—where he completes every stage himself—ensures high precision and consistency in every case.

Am I a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer to the Breast?

Not all patients are suitable for fat grafting. A personalised consultation is essential to assess suitability, and Dr. Gary Kode takes the time to understand each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and goals before making a recommendation.

You may be a good candidate if:

• You are seeking a modest enhancement: Fat transfer typically increases breast size by about half to one cup size per session. If your goal is a gentle, natural enhancement rather than a dramatic increase, this approach may suit you.
• You wish to avoid breast implants: Many patients are interested in this procedure because they prefer not to introduce synthetic materials into their body. Fat transfer allows the use of your own tissue for a result that ages naturally with your body.
• You have sufficient fat stores elsewhere: A key requirement for this procedure is that you have donor fat available. Common areas include the lower abdomen, flanks, thighs, and hips. Dr. Kode will assess your fat distribution to determine suitability.
• You are in overall good health: Non-smoking patients without significant underlying health issues usually recover more easily and are less prone to complications. Good skin quality also supports a smoother outcome.
• You have realistic expectations: Understanding the limitations of fat grafting is important. Some fat will be naturally absorbed by the body, and results take time to settle. Repeat sessions may be needed to achieve more volume.
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding affect breast size and tissue behaviour. This procedure is best considered once these changes have stabilised.

Types of Fat Transfer to the Breast

Fat grafting is a versatile tool in modern breast surgery. Dr. Gary Kode uses it in several specific contexts:

1. Primary Breast Enhancement

This is the most common application—using fat transfer alone to increase breast size in patients who want a natural feel and appearance. It provides modest volume enhancement without implants, suitable for patients with good skin tone and reasonable fat reserves.

2. Revision or Secondary Augmentation

Patients who already have implants may develop visible edges, rippling, or asymmetry. Fat grafting can be used to refine these issues by softening the upper pole, camouflaging the implant, or improving overall breast symmetry. This is especially helpful for very slim patients with minimal natural tissue coverage.

3. Post-Surgical Contour Correction

Following previous surgery (such as lumpectomy, breast reconstruction, or implant removal), patients may be left with hollow areas or uneven contours. Fat grafting allows for targeted correction, improving shape and restoring volume in a controlled, layered fashion.

4. Hybrid Procedures

In select cases, fat transfer may be used alongside implants to fine-tune the result. While Dr. Kode more commonly performs fat grafting as a standalone procedure, he may combine techniques if a patient’s goals and anatomy suggest benefit.

Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s needs, with an emphasis on symmetry, proportion, and natural integration of the grafted tissue.

Surgery for Fat Transfer to the Breast

Performed under general anaesthesia, fat transfer surgery is typically completed as a day procedure at fully accredited private hospitals in Melbourne, such as Glenferrie and Masada.

Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)

The process begins with the removal of fat from areas where there is excess. Dr. Kode uses the wet liposuction technique, combined with a Microaire device, which allows for gentler fat extraction with better cell survival. The goal is not only to collect fat for transfer, but also to shape the donor areas effectively.

2. Fat Processing and Purification

After harvesting, the fat is cleaned to remove blood, fluid, and damaged cells. Dr. Kode prefers not to use stem cell filters, which may reduce final injectable volume by around 20% and add unnecessary expense. His technique preserves viable fat cells while retaining a larger, usable volume for shaping the breasts.

3. Fat Injection into the Breasts

Fat is injected in small, even layers using fine cannulas. This layered technique supports improved fat survival and allows for detailed shaping of the breast contour. The amount of fat transferred is carefully calculated to match the patient’s tissue capacity, ensuring a balanced, symmetrical outcome.

Throughout the entire operation, Dr. Gary Kode performs each step himself. He does not use assistants, ensuring direct oversight, consistency, and precise attention to detail from start to finish.

Photos / Gallery of Fat Transfer to the Breast

Before and after photographs can help patients understand what kind of results are possible with fat transfer. Dr. Kode’s gallery features real patients and highlights subtle, elegant outcomes achieved through fat grafting.

View the gallery here to see examples of his work. Please note that all images are used with consent and represent typical, not guaranteed, outcomes.

Recovery After Fat Transfer to the Breast

Recovery is usually straightforward, but healing timelines may vary depending on the amount of fat removed and your body’s natural response.

Immediate Post-Operative Phase (First Week):

• You may experience bruising, swelling, and tenderness in both the liposuction sites and the breasts.
• Mild discomfort is usually managed with oral pain relief.
• Patients are advised to avoid pressure on the chest and to sleep on their back.

Short-Term Recovery (Weeks 2–4):

• Swelling begins to subside.
• Light activity, such as walking and desk work, can resume.
• A supportive garment or compression garment should be worn on the donor area(s) to aid healing and reduce fluid build-up.

Mid to Long-Term Recovery (1–3 Months):

• Most normal activities can be resumed, including light exercise.
• The grafted fat begins to stabilise, and swelling fully resolves.
• Dr. Kode will monitor the settling of the breasts and provide guidance on next steps, especially if a second session is planned.

Scar Care and Support:

• Scar management may include silicon tape, gentle massage, or topical treatments.
• Dr. Gary Kode provides detailed aftercare instructions tailored to each patient’s procedure.

Results of Fat Transfer to the Breast

Results from fat grafting are not immediate. It can take several months for the swelling to settle and the final breast shape to emerge.

• Patients can expect a subtle, soft increase in volume—typically around half to one full cup size. On average, one can expect 60 – 70% of the injected fat to survive. Over filling usually results in a higher percentage of fat loss.
• The breast texture feels natural and integrates well with surrounding tissue.
• Unlike implants, fat cells age and change with the body, providing a more organic result.

Up to 30% of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed, which is completely normal. Dr. Kode will discuss this during your consultation and may suggest a second grafting session for patients who want more volume. It can be repeated 3 or even 4 times to achieve the desired outcome.

Scars with Fat Transfer to the Breast

One of the major advantages of fat transfer is the minimal scarring it involves:

• Tiny incisions, usually less than 5mm, are used for both liposuction and fat injection.
• These are typically placed in natural creases or concealed areas such as the inframammary fold or lateral chest wall.
• Over time, these small scars fade significantly and often become almost invisible.

Dr. Gary Kode provides tailored scar care protocols to encourage the best possible healing and aesthetic outcomes.

Cost of Fat Transfer to the Breast

Pricing varies depending on several factors:

• Extent of liposuction required – More donor sites may increase operating time.
• Volume of fat transferred – Larger or multiple sessions affect cost.
• Hospital and anaesthesia fees – These are determined by the facility and complexity.
• Follow-up sessions – Additional procedures may be needed for patients seeking further volume.

Under AHPRA guidelines, specific prices are not listed online. However, during your consultation with Dr. Gary Kode in Melbourne, you will receive a clear, individualised quote that reflects your treatment plan.

Risks of Fat Transfer to the Breast

As with any surgical procedure, fat grafting carries some risks. These are minimised through careful planning, surgical skill, and personalised follow-up care.

Possible complications include:

• Fat resorption – Some of the transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body, reducing the final volume.
• Fat necrosis or oil cysts – Small lumps or irregularities may develop where fat does not survive.
• Infection or bruising – Though uncommon, all surgery carries a small risk of infection, which is managed with antibiotics if needed.
• Asymmetry or contour irregularities – These are usually mild and can often be corrected in follow-up procedures.
• Calcification – In rare cases, fat deposits may form firm areas that appear on future breast imaging.

Dr. Gary Kode discusses all potential risks during consultation and takes a proactive approach to patient safety and informed decision-making.

FAQs About Fat Transfer to the Breast

About the Surgeon

Dr. Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with decades of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. With training in both South Africa and Australia, he brings a global perspective to surgical precision and personalised care.

Key points about Dr. Kode:

• Performs all surgical steps himself—no assistants involved
• Consults and operates at accredited hospitals in Melbourne
• Offers tailored treatment plans based on patient anatomy, lifestyle, and goals
• Known for producing natural, proportionate results
• Prioritises education, transparency, and long-term patient support

Book a Consultation

To find out whether fat transfer to the breast is right for you, arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Gary Kode in Melbourne.

Visit the website to enquire or book.

Further Reading about Fat Transfer to Breast by Dr Gary Kode

• Read Dr Gary Kode’s Breast Surgery Page
• Read Dr Gary Kode’s Breast Augmentation Melbourne Page
• Read Dr Gary Kode’s Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Melbourne Page
• Read Dr Gary Kode’s Breast Reduction Melbourne Page