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Breast Fat Grafting

Breast fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that uses your body’s own fat to augment breast volume and shape. This technique offers a natural alternative to implants, providing subtle enhancements with minimal scarring.

This procedure involves harvesting fat from stubborn areas of the body where it naturally accumulates, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, and transferring it to enhance breast volume and shape. The technique is particularly suitable for individuals seeking a modest increase of one to two cup sizes without the use of synthetic implants.

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Dr Terence Goh

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Indications and Benefits

Breast fat grafting provides both aesthetic enhancement and body contouring advantages through its dual-action approach.

  • Natural Enhancement with Body Contouring

    The procedure removes excess fat from donor areas such as the abdomen or thighs through liposuction, then uses this fat to enhance breast volume. This creates harmonious body proportions while achieving the desired breast enhancement.

  • Breast Volume Restoration

    Fat transfer effectively restores breast volume lost through ageing, weight fluctuations, or post-pregnancy changes. The technique allows precise injection of fat cells to achieve symmetry and restore natural breast contours.

  • Alternative to Synthetic Materials

    Fat grafting presents an option for patients who prefer to avoid synthetic implants or cannot have them due to medical considerations. The procedure uses only the patient’s own tissue, reducing concerns about foreign material reactions.

  • Reconstructive Support

    The technique serves as an effective tool for breast reconstruction, whether used alone or in combination with other procedures. Fat grafting can refine breast shape after mastectomy and correct minor asymmetries following breast reduction or augmentation procedures.

What is Breast Fat Grafting?

Breast fat grafting involves liposuction to harvest fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. The fat is prepared using a proprietary system known as Puregraft™. The purified fat is then injected into the breasts to achieve the desired volume and contour. This method is ideal for women seeking a modest increase in breast size and a natural look.

Curious about the process? Contact us for more details.

Techniques for Breast Fat Grafting

Fat Harvesting (Liposuction)

Fat harvesting involves the gentle removal of fat from areas with excess deposits.. A widely used method is tumescent liposuction, which employs a saline solution to ease fat removal while reducing trauma to surrounding tissues.

Fat Processing Using the Puregraft™ system

The harvested fat undergoes purification using the Puregraft system, a proprietary technology designed for efficient and thorough processing. Puregraft enables quick and effective preparation of large volumes of fat. The Puregraft system offers several advantages:

  • High Fat Cell Viability and Purity: The Puregraft system removes contaminants like blood, oil, and excess fluid, leaving behind highly concentrated, purified fat that is more likely to integrate into the recipient site, leading to longer-lasting and more predictable results.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: By eliminating impurities, the Puregraft system reduces risks of infection, inflammation, or adverse reactions in the breast tissue, while the sterile, closed system minimises exposure to contaminants.
  • Natural and Consistent Results: The purified fat is more uniform, enabling smooth and even distribution in the breasts and achieving a natural look and feel.
Fat Injection (Transfer) using the Tulip™ cannulas

After purification, the processed fat is meticulously injected into the breasts in small amounts using Tulip cannulas to sculpt and enhance their shape and volume. This approach allows for customised results tailored to the patient’s desired aesthetic or reconstructive goals.

A key tool in fat grafting is the Tulip cannula. These cannulas offer several benefits:

  • Enhanced Fat Cell Viability: The blunt tip and smooth edges ensure minimal trauma during fat handling, preserving fat cell integrity and improving survival rates for long-lasting results.
  • Reduced Risk of Complications: The blunt tip reduces the risk of puncturing blood vessels or other vital structures, lowering the chance of complications like vascular damage. Additionally, the design allows for meticulous, uniform fat placement.
  • Minimised Tissue Trauma: The design of Tulip cannulas ensures smoother navigation through tissue planes, causing less trauma, swelling, and bruising, promoting quicker recovery with less discomfort.
Combination Techniques

In some cases, fat grafting is combined with other breast procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve the desired results. This integrated approach can address both volume enhancement and breast positioning for a more comprehensive outcome.

Advantages of Breast Fat Grafting

  • Natural Results

    Utilises your own fat for a soft, natural feel and appearance.

  • Dual Benefit

    Simultaneously contours donor areas through liposuction.

  • Minimal Scarring

    Tiny incisions reduce visible scarring.

  • Low Risk of Rejection

    Using autologous tissue minimises the risk of complications.​

Ideal Candidates for Fat Grafting

This procedure is suitable for individuals who:​

  • Desire a modest increase in breast volume.​
  • Have sufficient fat deposits in areas like the abdomen or thighs.
  • Seek natural-looking results without implants.
  • Are in good overall health.

Fat Resorption and Long-Term Results

Following fat grafting, not all transferred fat cells will survive. On average, 60–80% of the injected fat remains long-term, while the rest is naturally resorbed by the body. The final outcome depends on factors such as grafting technique, blood supply to the transferred fat, and post-procedure care.

To promote long-lasting results, maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle is necessary. Significant weight fluctuations may affect the volume and shape of the grafted area over time. With proper care and technique, the enhancement achieved through fat grafting can be permanent.

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Is Fat Grafting Right for You?

Fat grafting is best suited for individuals seeking a modest, natural-looking breast enhancement using their own fat. Ideal candidates should have sufficient fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks for harvesting.

This technique may be a suitable option for those who:

  • Prefer a more subtle increase in breast volume compared to implants.
  • Desire a natural feel and appearance without synthetic materials.
  • Have realistic expectations about the results, as not all transferred fat will survive.

A consultation is necessary to assess individual suitability, discuss expectations, and determine whether fat grafting aligns with aesthetic goals.

Preparing for the Procedure

Consultation and Assessment

During your initial consultation, we review your aesthetic goals while evaluating potential donor areas for fat harvesting. A thorough examination of your breast anatomy guides the planning of fat transfer locations. Your medical history, including previous breast procedures or conditions, will determine your personalised surgical plan.

Medication Adjustments

Prior to surgery, you will need to pause certain medications. These include aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and supplements. Panadol remains the only permitted pain relief medication during this period. Specific timing for medication adjustments will be provided as needed.

Pre-Surgical Instructions

Smoking cessation is necessary at least two weeks before surgery to support proper healing and fat cell survival. A detailed list of pre-operative guidelines will help you prepare for the procedure.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Anaesthesia Administration

The procedure may take place under local, regional, or general anaesthesia based on the treatment extent. For general anaesthesia cases, an anaesthesiologist monitors your condition throughout. Specific fasting guidelines must be followed as advised.

2. Pre-Operative Preparation

The planned treatment areas are marked before the procedure. Pre-operative medications may be provided to enhance comfort and ensure safety during the procedure.

3. Surgical Process

  • Liposuction: Small, discreet incisions are made in the selected donor areas. A specialised cannula is inserted to carefully suction out the fat cells for immediate processing.
  • Making Incisions: Incisions are made in the breast area, strategically placed to minimise visible scarring by positioning them in natural folds or less noticeable areas.
  • Fat Injection: The purified fat cells undergo careful injection into the breast tissue, ensuring even distribution for natural-looking volume enhancement and contours.

4. Closure and Dressing

Incisions are closed with suture, followed by sterile dressing application to protect the treated areas during initial recovery.

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Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Recovery is generally swift, with most patients returning to daily activities within a week. Some swelling and bruising may occur, subsiding over time. The transferred fat integrates with the breast tissue, providing natural-looking and feeling results. It’s important to note that some fat may be reabsorbed by the body, potentially affecting the final outcome.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

Minor swelling and bruising typically appear in both donor areas and breasts. Compression garments applied to liposuction sites help manage swelling and support optimal outcomes.

Swelling Management

Swelling reaches its peak 48 to 72 hours after surgery and gradually diminishes. Taking prescribed medications as directed and reducing salt intake assists with swelling reduction.

Recovery Timeline

Light activities can resume within several days post-procedure. Most patients return to work in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their specific treatment plan. Final results become apparent after 3 to 6 months as transferred fat cells establish their blood supply.

Aftercare Recommendations

Maintaining stable weight supports long-term results. Regular follow-up appointments allow proper monitoring of your recovery. Physical activities will be restricted for two weeks, including strenuous exercise. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided for two weeks post-surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications

Breast fat grafting may involve potential risks at both the donor and recipient sites, with infection, partial fat absorption, and asymmetry being among the most common complications. Patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in sensation, bleeding issues, and scarring, while fluid accumulation and skin irregularities can also occur post-procedure. More serious but rare complications include anaesthesia-related risks and pulmonary fat embolism. Some patients may ultimately be dissatisfied with their results and require additional procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I don’t have enough fat for the procedure?

Breast fat grafting requires adequate donor fat to achieve the desired enhancement. During your consultation, we assess your donor sites to determine if you have sufficient fat. If fat stores prove insufficient, alternative enhancement options or strategies can be discussed to optimise your candidacy for the procedure.

Can fat grafting be repeated for more volume?

Multiple fat grafting sessions remain possible and sometimes planned, particularly when seeking larger volume increases. Each session must allow adequate healing time, typically 3 to 6 months between procedures, to ensure optimal results and tissue recovery.

Does the procedure address breast firmness or sagging?

Fat grafting primarily addresses volume and shape. While it can improve mild sagging through volume addition, moderate to significant sagging may require additional procedures. The transferred fat can enhance overall breast texture and softness.

Can fat grafting be combined with a breast lift?

Fat grafting works well alongside breast lift procedures. The combination can address both volume loss and sagging tissue, creating comprehensive breast enhancement. Your surgeon will determine the most suitable surgical plan based on your specific needs.

What happens if I gain weight after the procedure?

Transferred fat cells behave like other fat cells in your body. Weight fluctuations may affect their size, potentially changing your results. Maintaining stable weight after the procedure helps preserve your outcome. Your surgeon will discuss weight management strategies during your consultation.

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Dr Terence Goh

Choosing to combine the intricate skills of microsurgery with aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh specialises in gynaecomastia, surgery of the Asian face, particularly Asian eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.

Blending the precision of microsurgery with the artistry of aesthetic surgery, Dr Goh has a special interest in gynaecomastia, facial procedures, including ptosis and eyelid surgery, as well as rhinoplasty.

He also offers a full range of body contouring procedures such as mummy makeovers, breast augmentation, liposuction, and body sculpting—designed to help patients feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Beyond aesthetics, Dr Goh remains active in reconstructive microsurgery, with expertise in breast reconstruction, head and neck reconstruction, and lower limb salvage—restoring both form and function where it’s needed most.

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, National University of Singapore
  • Master of Medicine, National University of Singapore
  • Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
  • Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (Plastic Surgery)
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Breast fat grafting offers a natural, effective way to enhance your appearance. Dr. Terence Goh and his team are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.​

Ready to begin? Schedule a Consultation today!

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