Breast augmentation with autologous fat, natural, sustainable and without scars
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is the minimally invasive method for beautiful and natural breasts without foreign bodies (silicone), with simultaneous removal of unwanted fat deposits on the buttocks, thighs, abdomen or upper arms.
In brief
Autologous fat is very popular as a natural method of improving breast shape and size. In this procedure, fatty tissue is taken from other areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips or thighs and then placed in the breast. Compared to conventional breast implants, this procedure minimizes the risk of complications as no foreign material is used. The removed fatty tissue is harvested using a gentle water-jet assisted liposuction
liposuction before it is processed and purified to achieve long-lasting results. The fatty tissue is injected using fine needles, with particular attention paid to symmetry, shape and volume to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. As only small incisions are required, only inconspicuous scars remain, but the results are long-lasting.
What motivates people to undergo breast augmentation with autologous fat?
In recent years, the trend towards sustainability and mindfulness for nature and body has fortunately become more and more present.
We no longer just look after our bodies on the outside, but also from the inside. In addition to a conscious and therefore healthy diet, this also includes avoiding less sustainable products.
This awareness is also becoming apparent in aesthetic surgery: More and more patients who are interested in breast augmentation are placing decisive value on a result that impresses with its naturalness.
This is precisely why a particularly beautiful result can be achieved by using the body’s own fatty tissue.
This makes the breast look larger, but not artificial.
Even if the silicone implants used today come very close to the natural feel, they still represent a foreign body that many women do not consider implanting into their own body.
What is breast augmentation with autologous fat?
As the name suggests, this method uses the body’s own fatty tissue from other parts of the body to enlarge the breast.
The advantage quickly becomes clear when looking at the anatomy: the female breast consists largely of fatty tissue, which surrounds the mammary gland on all sides and is therefore decisive for its size and shape. It is precisely this fatty tissue that is increased, which naturally enlarges the breast.
The existing shape is retained wherever possible and also harmonized.
Further advantages are that the suctioned fat is not disposed of but reused; in addition, a scar-free result is possible as only small incisions are necessary.
Duration
from 90 min
Pain
low
Scars
ca. 3 mm
Stay
outpatient
Bandage
plaster
Work
after 1 day
Sports
after 14 days
Costs
from € 4.950,-
What different methods are available?
Even though the basic principle of breast augmentation with autologous fat is uncomplicated, there are several methods for removing and returning fat. We perform the operation using the gentlest method according to current study results: water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL). As a result, a high take rate of the transplanted fatty tissue can be expected.
Before after photos
Results speak louder than a thousand words
Who is breast augmentation with autologous fat suitable for?
In principle, this operation is suitable for any woman who is interested in breast augmentation. If silicone implants are not an option, the autologous fat method is the most natural and harmonious option. However, your personal anatomy will determine whether and how much fat can be inserted and, above all, what the result will look like after the operation.
As the autologous fat is removed, purified and returned in liquid form, the basic shape of your breast is crucial. A sagging, slightly “drooping” breast will therefore appear fuller and more harmonious after the operation, although it will still “sag” somewhat. A youthful, “empty” or “small” breast will also retain its shape after the autologous fat transplant, but will be significantly larger.
Who is it not suitable for?
In the rare case that you have too little fat mass or a very low BMI, an autologous fat transplant may not be possible. The less fat there is, the longer the operation will take, as several so-called “donor zones” have to be suctioned out.
Since particularly nutrition-conscious, athletic women opt for breast augmentation with autologous fat, it is difficult to give the BMI as a guide value. With BMI values below 18, the fat reserves are extremely scarce, but regions with sufficient fatty tissue can usually be found.
A small self-test is the “fat pinch”. Pinch the skin with your thumb and forefinger and see how much tissue you can hold between your fingers. If the layer of fat between your fingers is approx. 3 cm or more, the procedure is very suitable for you. If your fat layer is thinner than 2 cm, surgery would be possible, but 2-3 zones of liposuction are absolutely necessary.
When is the best time to do it?
Breast augmentation is an aesthetic operation. There is generally no time pressure here. Every woman will therefore choose the time for breast augmentation for her own reasons. The desire is often very strong after reaching the age of majority or after completion of breast growth and after pregnancy or weight loss. Any month can be chosen for the timing of the operation As compression garments need to be worn after the operation, many women opt for cooler months.
What kind of anesthesia is necessary?
You will be sedated during the operation. This puts you into a kind of twilight sleep. A pleasant state in which you do not feel anything of the operation. A general anesthetic is not usually necessary. The difference between anesthesia and sedation is, in addition to different medications, that artificial respiration is not used. During sedation, you breathe on your own. Patients perceive this as less stressful.
Combination with other procedures
Autologous fat grafting can be combined with many procedures. Patients often opt for an additional tightening of the liposuctioned area. This is particularly useful for loose connective tissue and excess skin. Small autologous fat transplants to fill volume defects on the face or lips are also very popular.
Surgical and conservative alternatives
There are various conservative and surgical alternatives for many operations. It is therefore necessary to consider these carefully before any surgical intervention. If the use of a scalpel can be dispensed with due to conservative alternatives, these are of course preferable.
In the case of breast augmentation, however, the options with non-surgical alternatives are extremely limited. Although special vacuum treatments have shown a small increase in volume in studies, this required wearing the corresponding vacuum pumps for three months and 20 hours. This treatment method was rarely chosen and is therefore not relevant. Another surgical alternative is breast augmentation with silicone implants.
Photos
The photos show patients before and 4 months after breast augmentation with autologous fat. The photos will give you an idea of the results you can expect.
I am available for a second consultation and will gladly make corrections to operations performed elsewhere at a lower price (depending on the extent).
However, you should first discuss any dissatisfaction with the surgeon who operated on you – it is quite possible that you will be able to benefit from a free follow-up correction.
Is this operation performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is performed on an outpatient basis in our practice. A total of 3-4 hours should be planned. Even if the actual operation time is 1.5-2 hours, the time for preparation and follow-up must be taken into account. For example, the sleeping pills need to be taken. You are welcome to stay in our surgery until you feel fit again. Immediately after waking up, you may experience slight circulatory weakness. Active participation in road traffic should be avoided at all costs for the first 12 hours. We recommend that you are accompanied for the first few hours after the operation and for the first night. When you leave the surgery, you will be given an emergency number where you can reach us 24 hours a day. The first check-up usually takes place the day after the operation.
Risks and complications
During surgical procedures, skin and tissue as well as underlying structures are treated with suction cannulas. Despite all caution, complications of varying severity can occur. It is important that you are adequately informed about all possible risks and complications before a planned operation. During the initial consultation, we will go through a corresponding information sheet with you.
Minor complications
Autologous fat grafting is a breast augmentation procedure with relatively few complications. If performed carefully, the risk of permanent consequences is very low. As with all surgical procedures, there may be minimal pain, comparable to moderate muscle soreness, as well as swelling and hematomas. These occur both at the removal sites and on the breast. After approx. 3-4 weeks, this should subside considerably. Many women only report a slight pulling sensation in the breast.
Other possible complications in the donor area can include dents and irregularities. As a preventative measure, strict care is taken during the operation to ensure that the areas are evenly lumpy. Nevertheless, minimal irregularities may remain. To minimize the risk of irregularities in the suctioned areas after the operation, we recommend consistently wearing compression garments and lipomassages by your physiotherapist.
Rare, major complications
After transplantation of adipose tissue, it is essential to ensure immediate blood supply to the fat cells. If there is insufficient blood flow/diffusion within the first 48 hours, the cells may suffer significant damage. Pressure, cold and nicotine consumption jeopardize the blood circulation and thus the survival of the cells. This can result in so-called fatty tissue necrosis (dead fat particles) or oil cysts in the breast. These are rarely noticed by patients and in exceptional cases must be surgically removed. Such changes typically occur within the first 6-12 months after the operation. Such changes can also be visualized by the radiologist as part of breast cancer screening.
Rarely, persistent swelling and lymphatic drainage disorders occur. This is not a permanent condition. Nevertheless, those affected describe this development as unpleasant. Consistent lipomassage shortly after the operation can have a preventative effect.
What to do in the event of complications?
If, contrary to expectations, complications occur, we will not leave you alone with them. After the operation, you will be given an emergency number where you can reach us 24 hours a day. During the routine check-ups following the operation, we will discuss the progress and further procedure with you in detail.
Healing and progress
As soon as patients have decided to have surgery, there is great anticipation of the result. However, depending on the procedure, there is a long way to go. You will need to be patient until the final result is achieved. If you know what to expect before your planned operation, this path will be easier.
How long does the healing process take?
The transplanted fat cells must be protected, especially during the first 2 weeks. We therefore recommend avoiding jumping and bouncing sports. In the first 24-48 hours you will notice moderate swelling, bruising (especially at the donor site), slight pain and minimal discomfort. It is normal that you will need mild painkillers. Most patients take a day off on the first day after the operation to give the body the rest it needs to recover quickly. After 48 hours you will be able to shower normally with “shower plasters”.
If you do not have to do any heavy physical work, you will probably be able to return to work from the 3rd/4th day after the operation.
After about a month, the majority of patients feel as they did before. Slight bruising and any swelling will have largely disappeared. Your breasts will take on their “final” shape over the coming months.
After 6-8 weeks, all sporting activities are possible again. This does not apply to competitive athletes who put a lot of strain on their chest muscles.
Of course, these time recommendations are guidelines based on our experience, which sometimes require individual adjustment.
Your body will take as much time as it needs.
Is the treatment painful
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is not painful. You will not feel any pain during the operation. Immediately after the procedure, the painkillers will continue to have an effect, so that you will probably only feel moderate pain in the suctioned areas in the evening of the day of the operation. We will put your compression garments on immediately after the operation. The water retention in the suctioned areas causes them to swell considerably after the operation. Patients often describe a noticeable feeling of tightness in the first 2-3 days. As a rule, there will be no pain in the breasts.
When can the final result be expected?
The check-up after 3 months will show how much fat your body has “healed” and how much has been reduced. From this point onwards, the volume of the breast will no longer change significantly. If you are satisfied with the volume, the treatment is complete. If not, you are welcome to make a second appointment for surgery.
What should patients plan to do?
A surgical procedure requires a certain amount of planning and organization not only for the surgical team, but also for the patient, both before and after the operation. It is important that you are well prepared and know what to expect. This allows you to concentrate fully on enjoying the results.
One of the most important questions before any surgical procedure is the “why”. You should be clear about why you want to have surgery at all. Once you have answered this question and made a decision, the following questions should definitely be clarified: How? By whom? When?
I will be delighted if you find your way to my surgery and would like to be operated on by me. However, I also recommend all my patients to get a second opinion. You should be absolutely sure about the date and surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan the time before your surgery
Before any breast surgery, we recommend a gynecological check-up to ensure that there is no underlying breast disease. As soon as you have decided to have the operation after a detailed consultation and medical history, you should plan the time after the operation with your work or family accordingly. Although you should not expect to be off work for a long time, you will often be slightly restricted in your movements.
Plan the time after your surgery
Although you will not have to expect long periods of downtime after breast augmentation, the time afterwards should be well planned. It may be temporarily more difficult to pursue social or private commitments. You should also plan your “time off” with your employer and family in the run-up to surgery. It is not uncommon for patients to experience an emotional change after an operation due to the physical change. If you are expecting a stressful period at work, we recommend that you postpone the operation if possible.
What does breast augmentation with autologous fat cost?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat starts at €4900. If additional liposuction is required for several regions, this will affect the operation time and therefore the price. In combination with other procedures, such as autologous fat grafting or body contouring, combination prices can be offered.
Financing, down payment, installments
We also offer the option of financing. We will be happy to inform you about this during a personal consultation. If you decide on an operation date after our consultation, we will agree a deposit of €500 to fix an appointment accordingly. You can pay the remaining amount on the day of the operation or in advance.