Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery
6750 W Loop South, Ste 1060,
Bellaire, TX 77401
Transgender Safe Space and LGBTQ-friendly
Though many of us spend a large chunk of our lives trying to get rid of fat, the fact remains that fat is extremely helpful when it comes to smoothing out lines and wrinkles and plumping up certain areas. Indeed, a healthy amount of fat in the right places is seen as universally attractive.
Still, the operative phrase here is in the right places. If you’ve been considering “plumping up” and adding volume to your breasts, for example, fat transfers may be able to help.
While there’s no doubt of the merits of traditional breast augmentation surgery with implants, an alternative procedure involving the relocation of your own body fat may provide even more benefits.
It’s called a fat transfer procedure, and it essentially uses your own excess unwanted fat to enhance the appearance of other areas like your breasts, face, or buttocks.
Could a natural breast augmentation fat transfer be right for you? Below, we’ll learn more about this procedure and take a look at the requirements for candidacy.
Dr Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston
Meet Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston
After earning degrees from universities in London and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Steinberg went to St. George’s, Grenada, where she took two years of basic science courses.
She then graduated Magna cum Laude from SGU and secured a general surgery residency in Brooklyn, New York, where she spent time scrubbing in with two esteemed plastic surgeons.
Dr. Steinberg had the opportunity to rotate in plastic surgery with the late and renowned Dr. William Zamboni after transferring to the University of Nevada, School of Medicine.
She later pursued further education at the Houston Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world, where she completed three more years of plastic surgery training with some of the world’s best plastic surgeons at the esteemed Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Ashley Steinberg has been recognized as a top doctor in Texas for three years in a row, earning the prestigious Rising Stars award, and has performed over 1500 plastic surgery procedures.
What Is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer procedures (also called donor fat grafting procedures) involve removing excess fat from an area like the abdomen (where excess fat is generally not desired) and relocating it to other areas of the body where more volume would provide enhancement. In most cases, fat harvesting (fat removal) can be carried out on any donor areas, but it is most common to have fat removed from the abdomen, flanks, upper back, or upper arms.
Likewise, the harvested fat can be reinjected in a range of other places on the body. But it is usually used to enhance body parts such as the breasts, buttocks, hips, and face.
Optimize your body’s silhouette and improve the cup size, shape, and symmetry of your breasts with natural breast augmentation surgery.
How Does a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Work?
There are two main stages to breast fat transfer— sometimes called a boob job with fat transfer.
First, liposuction will be performed. Liposuction involves your surgeon creating small incisions near where you plan to have fat removed or “harvested”. For example, your surgeon may make these incisions on your abdomen.
It is through these incisions that they will insert a thin metal tube (cannula). This will ultimately remove the excess fat from the donor location. Then, the incisions will be closed.
The second stage involves your surgeon processing the fat they removed from your body. The fat must be processed in order to be reinjected into the breasts.
Finally, your surgeon will reinject the removed fat into your breasts. They will use their skill and expertise to expertly sculpt fuller, natural-looking breasts with the new fat.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Before and After
What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Although the procedures are similar, patients will notice marked differences between the benefits of breast augmentation with implants and fat transfer breast augmentation. Most notably, breast fat transfer provides the following key benefits:
Subtle changes in breast volume
Many women desire more attractive breasts, but they’re not interested in implants. Not only do some women simply not like the idea of implants, but they may only want small, subtle changes. In this case, Houston fat grafting is the best option.
Natural-looking results
Although the breast implant “look” is sometimes desired, most women who seek breast augmentation want to appear to have natural breasts. Natural breast augmentation can sometimes be difficult to achieve with implants, however.
Fortunately, the fat transfer method uses your body’s own fat to enhance the appearance of your breasts. This creates amazingly natural-looking results. No one will know you’ve had work done.
Fewer incisions
The incisions associated with breast augmentation with implants are necessary, but undesirable. And while incisions are a part of the fat transfer process as well (performed during liposuction), they are extremely small. Furthermore, no incisions need to be made around the breasts when fat reinjection happens.
Less downtime
Patients who undergo a fat transfer to breast procedure usually require less downtime during their recovery from surgery.
No implant issues or regular testing
Implants can sometimes cause medical problems and other unfortunate annoyances for patients. Likewise, certain types of breast implants require that the patient get regular testing every year. This ensures that leaks have not occurred.
No tests are necessary with fat transfer breast augmentation. Furthermore, because added volume is achieved with the patient’s own fat, no implant-related medical issues can occur.
Are You a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
In order to be a good candidate for a natural fat transfer breast augmentation, you should meet all of the following requirements:
- Be in good physical health
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be a non-smoker
- Have healthy goals surrounding your appearance
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
Who Will Benefit Most From Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Most women who meet the above requirements and want larger, plumper, and perkier breasts may choose to undergo a fat transfer procedure. However, not everyone will benefit most from this form of breast enhancement.
In fact, some may benefit more from breast augmentation with implants, a breast lift, or a combination of the two. It really depends on the goals of the patient and their current anatomy.
In general, the patients who will benefit most from fat transfer breast augmentation are those who have:
- Had issues with a breast implant causing capsular contractures in the past. Most of these patients don’t want more implants, so fat transfer is the best option.
- Struggled with dimpling or asymmetry on their breast tissue. These minor issues can easily be corrected with small amounts of the patient’s own fat.
- Lost breast volume after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. In this case, the breast tissue has already been stretched, so adding fat that has been taken from other parts of the body is an easy solution for enhancing the breasts.
- Had their breast implants removed and lost volume as a result. Similar to those who have lost volume after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, patients who have had implants before already have the breast fatty tissue to support additional fat enhancement.
- Naturally small breasts and ample hips. This body shape tends to lend itself well to the fat transfer process because there is always ample excess fat (in the hips), which can be removed and relocated to the breasts.
You will receive personal one-on-one attention and a customized breast augmentation with Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
How to Plan for Your Natural Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
Your first step toward a breast fat transfer is to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Ashley Steinberg. At this appointment, you’ll get a chance to ask important questions such as:
- Am I a good candidate for a breast fat transfer procedure?
- Do I have enough excess fat to harvest?
- How much added volume can I achieve with a fat transfer?
- How much is fat transfer breast augmentation?
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Recovery
Every patient’s recovery from breast augmentation fat transfer will be different. However, most patients are able to return to their normal routines after just two weeks in recovery. As always, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions Dr. Ashley Steinberg provides you with.
Keep in mind that not all of the transferred fat will survive in its new location. Likewise, you won’t see instantaneous results right after surgery. Not only will you need to give the fat a chance to “settle”, but swelling can also conceal your true results. Within six months, the transferred fat will have settled into its new location in your breasts, and you should be able to see your final results.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost Houston
The cost of a fat transfer procedure varies significantly depending on the patient, ranging from $4,000 to $14,000. This average price range is attributed to the dual processes of liposuction and fat grafting. An accurate quote is challenging until details such as the amount of fat to be removed, the involved body parts, and transfer locations are determined.
Natural Breast Augmentation (Fat Transfer) FAQS
How much does fat transfer breast augmentation cost in Texas?
Houston fat grafting for the breasts can range from $4,000 to $14,000 or more. Usually, the cost is somewhere in the middle. Fat grafting is one of the newer plastic surgery procedures available, so applications and prices can vary widely.
How long does fat transfer last in breasts?
Generally speaking, fat transfer breast augmentation will provide permanent results. Keep in mind that only a certain percentage of the transferred fat cells will survive in the breasts, however. Also remember that your natural body composition and skin and body changes due to aging may alter the effects of your results over time.
Which are better breast implants or fat transfer?
This truly depends on your goals as a patient. If you desire fuller, rounder breasts and want to go up three or more cup sizes, breast augmentation with implants will probably be the procedure for you.
More subtle, natural-looking breasts can usually be achieved through fat transfer breast augmentation. And finally, if you’re looking to lift sagging, drooping breasts, you may need a breast lift.
What are the cons of fat transfer to breasts?
- Mild breast size enhancement
- not every candidate is ideal
- fat survival outcomes are unpredictable
Unlike breast implants, sagging occurs due to factors like aging, significant weight loss, pregnancy, etc., and is unavoidable post a fat transfer procedure.
Do fat transfer breasts feel natural?
Yes. Fat is extracted from the hips, thighs, or tummy and purified fat is meticulously injected into the breasts, providing an entirely natural enhancement with a realistic look and feel.
How Much Fat Do You Need For Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?
Typically, around 200 to 400 cc of fat per breast may be required. Additional procedures might be necessary to attain your desired breast size.
Planning for Your Fat Transfer Consultation
If you are seriously considering natural breast enhancement, your first step will be to book a consultation appointment.
This appointment is essential in your progress towards a new you. You will learn whether fat transfer breast enhancement is a good choice and other information regarding the ideal procedure for your body and desires.
Dr. Steinberg will spend a significant amount of time with you to understand your medical history and how we can help you achieve your goals and desires.