Before undergoing breast fat grafting, patients must complete general health evaluations, lab tests, and stop smoking, as nicotine compromises fat integration. It's also essential to assess donor areas (like abdomen or thighs) for fat harvesting. Patients should understand the limitations: large-volume grafts may not fully integrate, and multiple sessions might be needed for optimal results.

Our technique, published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2022), involves small canulas, 3-5 cc syringes, precise fat harvesting, processing, and strategic injection into anatomical zones of the breast (Zones I, II and III). This improves volume, shape, and softness while minimizing complications like fat necrosis or irregularities.

Anesthesia choice depends on the extent of the procedure. For isolated or minor grafting, we often use local anesthesia with sedation or spinal block—this allows for quicker discharge. In larger or combined surgeries, general anesthesia may be preferred to ensure safety and comfort.

It’s important to set realistic expectations. Not all transferred fat survives—on average, 60–80% may integrate. Final results appear gradually over weeks to months. Some patients may require touch-ups, especially when fat grafting is used for full-volume replacement or major contour correction.

Fat grafting can be used alone or in combination with implants. It's often part of hybrid breast augmentation, where fat improves implant coverage and gives a more natural contour. It is also used in explant surgery (replacing implants with fat), post-cancer breast reconstruction, or to treat implant-related issues like rippling or visible/palpable edges.

After surgery, patients should avoid pressure or excessive movement in the grafted areas for better fat integration. Regular dressing changes, use of compressive garments in donor areas, and sun protection over any incisions or bruises are key to proper healing.