Breast Augmentation vs Fat Transfer to Breast, Melbourne

Understanding Your Options

When considering ways to increase breast volume it’s important to understand the different options available and who might be a suitable candidate. There are two main options for increasing breast size: Breast Augmentation with implants or Fat Grafting surgery. In some cases, Breast Augmentation using both implants and Fat Transfer may also be appropriate. Each approach offers different potential outcomes and understanding these differences is an important step in making an informed decision.

Dr Gary Kode is a specialist plastic and cosmetic surgeon consulting in Melbourne and Tasmania. He performs a range of breast, body and face surgeries for individuals wanting to change their appearance for either aesthetic or functional reasons.

The information below is provided as general guidance only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined during a consultation with a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Gary Kode.


What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast Augmentation with implants involves placing silicone or saline implants in one of three positions (over the muscle, under the muscle or dual plane) to increase the size, volume and projection of the breasts.

Implants come in various shapes, sizes and projections, which allows patients and their surgeon to select an option suited to the individual’s desired appearance.

Why people consider Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  • Desire to increase breast volume or achieve a specific breast shape.
  • Alleviate the appearance of asymmetry or differences in breast size.
  • Personal preference for a fuller appearance.

What are the Potential Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  • Predictable increase in breast size.
  • Wide range of implant shapes and sizes to suit individual anatomy.
  • Long-established surgical procedure with known techniques and outcomes.

Who may be a suitable candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

  • Individuals who are in good general health, with no underlying health concerns that could impact the surgery, recovery or results.
  • Those with realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery.
  • Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit smoking at least 3 months before and after the procedure.
  • Individuals seeking a more noticeable or structured change in breast size.

Considerations and risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery

  • Implant-related complications such as rupture, capsular contracture, or implant displacement.
  • Individuals may need to undergo future surgeries (implant replacement or revision surgery in the future). Breast Implants are not lifelong devices.
  • Risks associated with any surgical procedure, including infection, bleeding, scarring, or anaesthetic complications.

For more information, please visit our Risks and Complications page.


What is Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery?

Fat transfer, (also called Autologous Fat Grafting or Autologous Breast Augmentation) involves harvesting fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction, filtering the fat and then reintroducing it to the breasts to increase volume or alter shape.

Why people consider Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery? 

  • Desire for an increase in breast size without the use of synthetic materials
  • Preference for a result that more closely resembles breast tissue in appearance and feel.
  • Interest in reducing fat in other areas of the body.

What are the Potential Benefits of Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery?

  • Use of the patient’s own tissue rather than implants (no foreign or synthetic materials used).
  • Shapes the donor area (liposuction) as well as increases breast volume.
  • Scars are smaller than those made during Breast Augmentation with Implants.

Who may be a suitable candidate for Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery?

  • Individuals who are in good general health, with no underlying health concerns that could impact the surgery, recovery or results.
  • Those with realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery.
  • Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit smoking at least 3 months before and after the procedure.
  • Individuals with sufficient donor fat for transfer.
  • Those looking for moderate volume changes.
  • Individuals that do not want to use implants.

Considerations and risks of Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery

  • Fat survival rates vary. Not all transferred fat will survive.
  • May require multiple procedures to achieve desired results.
  • Risks such as fat necrosis, calcification, cysts, or oil cyst formation.
  • Limited increase in breast size compared to implants.

For more information, please visit or Risks and Complications page.


Breast Augmentation with Implants and Fat Transfer (Hybrid Approach)

Some patients may consider Breast Augmentation with Implants as well as Fat Transfer. This approach allows Dr Kode to utilise both techniques to achieve a tailored, comprehensive result for each patient.

Why people consider a Hybrid Breast Augmentation (Implants with Fat Transfer) Surgery?

  • Desire to increase breast volume while addressing areas where implants alone may not provide the desired appearance, such as the upper pole of the breast.
  • Interest in using fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, as part of the procedure.
  • Patients seeking to alleviate asymmetry or achieve proportions that implants alone may not provide.

What are the Potential Benefits of a Hybrid Breast Augmentation?

  • May help reduce the visibility of implant edges, particularly in patients with less breast tissue.
  • Offers flexibility in shaping the breasts and distributing volume where needed.
  • Can reduce the need for larger implants by supplementing with fat grafting.
  • May address irregularities or differences in breast size more effectively than implants alone.

Who may be a suitable candidate for Hybrid Breast Augmentation (Implants with Fat Transfer) Surgery?

  • Individuals who are in good general health, with no underlying health concerns that could impact the surgery, recovery or results.
  • Those with realistic expectations about the procedure and recovery.
  • Non-smokers or individuals willing to quit smoking at least 3 months before and after the procedure.
  • Individuals with sufficient donor fat for transfer.
  • Those looking to increase breast size while addressing specific areas of concern.

Considerations and risks of Hybrid Breast Augmentation (Implants with Fat Transfer) to Breast Surgery

  • Carries the risks of both implant surgery and fat transfer.
  • Longer operative time and potentially more recovery demands.
  • May still require revision surgery in the future.
  • Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and changes in sensation as well as implant specific risks.
  • Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body over time, which can affect the volume.

A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Gary Kode is essential to determine what approach is suitable for each individual.


Which Option is Right for Me? – Making a Decision

Choosing between Breast Implants, Fat Transfer, or a Hybrid approach is a personal decision that depends on your individual goals, body type, and overall health. During a consultation, Dr Kode will review your medical history, discuss the options available and explain potential outcomes and risks. He can provide advice on the approach that is most appropriate for your situation.

FAQs

 

Further Reading

If you would like more information (including procedure details and recovery after surgery information) for either Breast Augmentation or Fat Transfer to Breast Surgery please visit our dedicated surgery pages;