Fat Grafting vs Breast Implants For Breast Augmentation
If you have been considering a breast augmentation, you should make sure that you have reviewed all of your options before making a final decision. While breast implants are the best-known forms of breast augmentation, another enhancement option is fat grafting.
But what exactly is fat grafting and how does it work for breast augmentation?
What is Fat Grafting?
Fat grafting is the process of using your own body’s fat to augment your breasts. It works by removing fat from areas of your body that retain excess fat and then injecting it into your breasts. It is ideal for women who would like to have a small augmentation, remove fat from other parts of their bodies, and who would like completely natural looking results.
What are Breast Implants?
You are probably more familiar with the concept of breast implants, but we will give you a brief reminder. Breast implants can be made out of silicone or filled with saline. Silicone implants are made with a set shape that will be reflected under your skin and will look and feel very natural. Saline do have a slightly different feel about them, but can be noticed when they leak as your breast will decrease in size. Implants have their own pros and cons between types, but now we are going to look at the pros and cons of fat grafting and breast implants.
Pros of Fat Grafting
Before you decide which procedure is the right for you, let’s look at the pros and cons of both fat grafting and breast implants.
Fat grafting is:
- Safe because it uses your own body fat
- Allows for natural-looking results
- No risk of allergic reaction
- Virtually no scars with fat injections
- No risk of rippling
- No maintenance
- May help reduce fat in an unwanted area
Cons of Fat Grafting
Unfortunately, there are still cons associated with fat grafting.
The cons are:
- Will not work for large size changes
- Risk of calcifications in the breasts
- Process can be more cumbersome than implants
- Risk of lumps and nodules in the breasts
- Risk of indentation at the site of the fat harvest
- Cost is more prohibitive
Pros of Breast Implants
Now that we have reviewed what fat grafting is like, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of breast implants.
The pros for breast implants are:
- Reliable and predictable results
- Allows for dramatic size change
- Implants are safe
- Only require surgery on the breasts
- More affordable
- Can be removed easily
The Cons of Breast Implants
There are still some cons associated with breast implants as well.
The cons include:
- May need to be changed out every few years
- Risk of rippling
- Risk of scar tissue thickening
- Visible scars where the implants are inserted
- Risk of failure
Which is the Best Choice?
Dr. Pirani will be able to go over the choices of breast augmentation surgeries with you to help you decide what the best course of action is to meet your goals. While you will receive more natural results with fat grafting, the procedure is not reversible and the results are not as predictable as they are with breast implants. Implants, however, allow you to change your breast size to meet your goals and expectations with predictable results.
Both procedure choices are known to be safe and carry little risk to your overall health. The right choice for you is completely individual to you. Dr. Pirani will go over your options with you and help you determine which procedure can meet your needs and expectations.
Dr. Asif Pirani has dedicated his career to helping patients achieve the best cosmetic results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, comfort, and discretion. Board certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, Dr. Pirani teaches at Canadian and American universities and serves as an expert reviewer for The Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Journal, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s official scientific journal. He is frequently called upon by media outlets and news agencies for his opinion as an expert plastic surgeon.