This procedure uses your own fat instead of implants to increase the size of the breasts.

The fat isliposuctionedfrom another body area and injected into the breast.

Also, this throw in of surgery tends to have fewer complications.

This article explores the benefits and drawbacks of autologous breast augmentation.

In 1987, the ASPS said the side effects could make it harder toscreen for breast cancer.

The procedure is also called “stem cell breast augmentation.”

This label is misleading.

A stem cell can develop into different types of tissue based on where it is placed in the body.

Fat does containstem cells.

However, stem cells alone cannot be injected into the breast to increase breast size.

They must be combined with fat.

The benefits include:

The procedure has a good track record when used to enlarge healthy breasts.

It has fewer complications than implant surgery.

And fewer people end up needing another operation later.

Case reviews have found that most people and their doctors are happy with the results.

Disadvantages

Still, there are some disadvantages to autologous breast augmentation.

Surgeons have published detailed descriptions of how to remove and inject fat to increase breast size.

But there is no standard technique for the procedure.

For this reason, you’ll want to find a surgeon with a successful track record with this procedure.

It is also important to know what the procedure can and cannot do.

Other disadvantages include:

With autologous augmentation, your breasts will only increase by about one cup size.

That’s because thetissue expander(a pocket for the fat) only supports a limited amount of fat.

So at most, an A-cup breast will increase to a B-cup.

With breast implants, there is no such limitation.

Your surgeon may rely on you to manage an external expander before the procedure.

Self-motivated people tend to have better results, especially with self-directed expansion.

That’s why a limited amount of fat can be injected.

If too much fat is injected, it will be reabsorbed.

That means the breast size can shrink again.

Unfortunately, it’s also possible for the fat to harden.

In addition, not everyone has enough extra fat for this procedure.

To effectively increase breast size, the surgeon must harvest at least 1,000 milliliters of pure fat.

Fat Transfer vs. Implants

Fat transfer is only one punch in of breast augmentation.

Other methods include:

While breast implants offer greater sizing and lifting options, they carry some risks.

How Much Does It Cost?

However, the average cost is around $10,000.

The procedure usually works well and has few complications.

The procedure has several advantages.

First, it uses your own body fat instead of an implant.

Also, it requires very small incisions, and the breasts usually look and feel natural.

There are some downsides to consider.

One is that your breasts will only be about one cup size larger.

Another is that you might still want abreast liftbecause injecting fat won’t tighten loose breast skin.

It’s also possible for calcifications to form, which may complicate breast cancer screenings down the road.

Not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure.

You might want to discuss other options with your plastic surgeon if you have very little body fat.

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