Breast fat transfer is getting popular due to its efficacy and long-term safety. But what happens to the breasts after 5 years post-breast fat transfer?
May 2, 2024
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Breast enhancement surgery has long been one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries for women all around the world. While breast implants have always been top of mind when it comes to breast augmentation, breast fat transfer has been gaining traction over the years due to its efficacy, minimal-invasive nature and long-term safety.
What happens after 5 years of breast fat transfer surgery?
Natural and long-lasting results
Breast fat transfer is a 2-in-1 body sculpting procedure that results in soft, natural, and filler breasts. Since no foreign substances are used, there will be fewer postoperative complications, no allergic reaction or rejection risk, and a better long-term outcome.
This treatment also volumises the breasts and improves skin texture and breast shape. Breast fat transfer can also achieve subtle breast lifting.
Minimal scarring and speedy recovery
Breast fat transfer surgery involves incisions no longer than 2mm. Patients can resume daily activities within days after surgery.
Breast symmetry
Researchers at UCLA and Cal State Los Angeles report that almost 70% of older women are not happy with their breasts [1], whether due to size or asymmetry. On average, one breast is usually about a fifth of a cup size than the other. Factors such as weight loss, ageing, traumatic injuries, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause breasts to look 'emptier' (flatter) or lose their shape.
After breast fat transfer, breast asymmetry will be successfully addressed.
Long-term safety
On top of the risks associated with breast implants, which include infection, rupture, and capsular contracture (when the body forms scar tissue around the implant), patients have also complained of fatigue, memory loss, rash, brain fog, and joint pain years after their breast implant surgery. Doctors have diagnosed these symptoms as "Breast Implant Illness" (BII) [2].
One of the key advantages of breast fat transfer over synthetic fillers or implants is its long-term safety. Unlike these alternatives, breast fat transfer does not carry risks of allergic reaction or rejection because it uses the patient's own body fat as a source, ensuring a safe and reliable outcome.
Embracing the future with confidence
A new global study has found that the majority of women are unhappy with the size of their breasts.
The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey [3], led by Professor Viren Swami of Anglia Ruskin University, brought together over 100 international experts to conduct surveys with 18,541 women in 40 countries to examine body image. The mean age of the women taking part in the study was 34.
The research discovered from the participants that:
- 48% wanted larger breasts
- 23% of women wanted smaller breasts
- 29% of women were satisfied with their breast size
The study also found that breast size dissatisfaction is associated with poorer psychological wellbeing – including lower levels of self-esteem and happiness – and that women with breast size dissatisfaction were more likely to be dissatisfied with their weight and overall appearance.
Do fat transfer results last forever?
Depending on the patient's clinical presentation, about 60% to 70% of the fat transferred to the breasts will be retained in the body, while the rest will be absorbed naturally. This means the results can last for years, giving you the confidence and satisfaction you are looking for.
If desired, the patient can always repeat the breast fat transfer procedure to maintain or restore the results.
How To Ensure Your Fat Transfer Results Last
After 5 years, the remaining volume remains stable, although natural ageing and body change may gradually impact the results.
Here are some essential tips to make your fat transfer last, ensuring you are well-prepared for recovery and can maintain your results effectively.
Wear The Right Clothes
As breast fat transfer surgery involves liposuction, you must wear different types of clothes for different treated sites.
For the areas that underwent liposuction, wearing a compression garment significantly aids recovery, especially during the first 8 weeks post-surgery. Compression is a vital factor in the recovery process from liposuction. Understandably, this can be inconvenient, but it is essential nonetheless that a patient adheres to the doctor's advice. A compression garment can help compress the swelling and assist with skin retraction.
Do not wear push-ups or tight bras. For a few weeks, wear padded bra tops and loose-fitting clothes.
Ideal sleeping posture
If you want your breast fat transfer to still look amazing after 5 years, sleep on your back the first few weeks after the surgery. Avoid sleeping on your front or sides as you may be putting pressure on your breasts, thus impacting the viability of grafted fat and, eventually, the ultimate result.
Stop Smoking
The chemicals from cigarettes would impair the healthy blood supply and tissue repair capabilities that the newly transferred fat requires to survive. Stop smoking 7 days before your breast fat transfer procedure and during your recovery period.
Consume Lots Of Healthy Fat
Include avocados, nuts, oily fish, olive oil, olives, eggs, walnuts, chia seeds, and dark chocolate, as they contain high levels of healthy fat to ensure the survival of the transferred fat.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Do not attempt to do heavy lifting at the gym or at home. Avoid high-impact exercises and activities for at least 2 months after your breast fat transfer surgery. Light exercises such as walking or light housework are recommended as they promote blood circulation.
Drink Lots of Fluids
Hydrate with water and high-fibre vegetables. Do not quench your thirst with soft drinks or fruit juice. Beware of so-called "healthy drinks" like sports drinks, vitamin-infused water or smoothies; they are loaded with sugar!
Maintain A Stable Weight
Excessive weight loss or weight gain will impact your results. Maintain a stable weight to retain your svelte figure even after 5 years!
If you have any questions regarding breast fat transfer, contact us at customer@amaris-b.com or WhatsApp us by clicking the green icon below!
