Key Takeaways
- Fat transfer to breasts with external expanders is a two-step procedure. This method results in a more natural look and feel than implants and eliminates the risk of implant rejection or complication.
- External expanders progressively expand the breast tissue, providing ideal space for fat grafting while enhancing long-term fat retention.
- An overall improvement in breast shape, symmetry, and skin quality may be observed alongside the ability to create adjustable, incremental increases in volume.
- A detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon helps ensure you have realistic expectations. Good communication is the key to getting what you want.
- It’s all about proper preparation, attentive aftercare and your regular follow-ups to make for a smooth recovery and longer-lasting results.
- This technique has a profound impact on women in the United States. It provides natural-feeling breast reconstruction after mastectomy, radiation, or for correcting asymmetry.
Fat transfer to breasts with external expanders is a creative approach. It combines your natural body fat with an advanced, FDA-approved device to increase breast fullness and contour.
The process starts with an external expander, like the Brava system, shown above. You wear it on your chest for a few weeks prior to the fat transfer. The expander gradually expands enough space for developing breast tissue.
This process allows the fat to “bed in” and take root after moving from another area of your body. More than 50,000 women in the U.S. Choose this option each year to achieve a natural look and feel without implants.
Physicians frequently rely on this approach for modest to moderate size enhancements. The following sections will describe each step in the process, how they work and what you should look to see.
We’ll talk too about who’s best suited for the procedure.
What Is Breast Fat Transfer?
Breast fat transfer, or autologous fat grafting, is a surgical procedure. It naturally uses your own body fat to enhance, reshape, or resize your breasts. Your doctors then transfer that fat from areas such as your stomach, hips, or rear using liposuction.
Next, they inject that fat into the breast tissue. This technique is a good option for women who want breast reconstruction after surgeries such as mastectomy or lumpectomy. It attracts women who want a more natural alternative to implants.
Fat injections are even used to smooth the contour or fill pock marks from previous surgeries. Generally, five or six rounds are required to get the complete effect. With each attempt, only about 27 to 52% of the injected fat eventually stays put.
Your Body, Your Filler
With breast fat transfer, the filler is you. Since your doctors are using your own fat, the chance of your body rejecting it is minimal. The entire process can be adjusted according to your body type and the desired appearance of your breasts.
As an added benefit, taking fat from areas such as the belly or thighs can contour those areas.
The Basic Science Explained
The fat is initially removed with liposuction, processed, and then injected into the breast. In order for the fat to survive, it must establish a new connection with small blood vessels in your surrounding tissue.
If the area receives enough blood, the fat cells will survive and become a permanent part of your breast. Issues such as fat necrosis or oil cysts are actively monitored by the doctors. Fortunately, these issues are uncommon and simple to identify with the help of ultrasound or a mammogram.
Beyond Implants: A Natural Choice
It’s More Natural Using your own fat to augment your breasts can produce results that look and feel more natural than implants. There’s not as much chance of firm scar tissue or infection forming.
In fact, many women experience improved breast sensation following the procedure.
Understanding External Expanders
External expanders are devices that doctors can use to prepare the breast for fat transfer. These devices are non-invasive and work by stretching/expanding the skin and tissue. In Los Angeles and many other U.S. Urban centers, expanders are regularly deployed. They are a crucial step in the process of getting breast reconstruction or undergoing changes post-surgery.
Using expanders also allows the new fat to settle in and last longer if expanders are used first.
What Are External Expanders?
External expanders, such as the Brava device, are soft domes that create negative pressure to gently stretch the breast skin. The Brava system is worn like a shell over the chest and works with suction. In the literature, study authors have used pressure settings of -15 to -80 mm Hg.
Often, individuals use these expanders a few hours a day, over several weeks, prior to their fat transfer. Doctors can have patients wear them post-op to help maintain pliability of the tissue. It looks simple, but it’s very clever and it gives a continual, uniform expansion in the space created beneath the skin.
Why Use Expanders with Fat?
As the breast tissue has been expanded, it allows for greater opportunity for the new fat to establish itself. This produces an organic feel and soft, natural look that fits in with the environment. Larger surface area and improved blood supply increase the likelihood of the transferred fat surviving.
In fact, studies indicate that fat survival after the use of expanders can be as high as 53% to 82%. This is because the final shape is much more stable over time. Expanders are particularly useful for correcting breast asymmetry, trauma, or reconstruction after cancer surgery.
Creating the Ideal Canvas
Providing sufficient space within the tissue allows the fat grafting process to be much more effective. Perfect expansion results in curvier lines and a rounder, more complete, balanced-looking shape. It’s no wonder that so many feel that this positively impacts self-esteem and body image.
Though expanders may produce skin irritation or discomfort, the majority of side effects are mild and temporary.
The Combined Procedure: Step-by-Step
Fat transfer to breasts with external expanders is a multi-step procedure. It’s a combination of meticulous choreography, creative skin grafting, fat lipo-sculpting, and lifelong maintenance. Each step gradually advances the last, culminating in natural-looking results with fewer risks than conventional implants.
Following each step is crucial not only for safety, but to achieve the best result.
1. Initial Consultation: Your Goals
The first step is a thorough talk with the plastic surgeon. Patients share their goals—whether it’s added volume, fixing an old implant, or smoothing out shape issues.
The surgeon will review medical history, check current health, and examine the chest and possible donor sites. Open, honest talk here helps build trust and set clear, reachable goals.
2. Pre-Expansion Phase: Gentle Stretching
External expanders are worn at home to gradually stretch breast skin and tissue. These fail-safe devices allow the delicate chest area to safely expand to accommodate the new fat.
This part of the process usually takes from two to four weeks. Gentle stretching allows the tissue to better absorb the grafted fat and reduces the chance of tightening or a bad contour.
3. The Liposuction Process
Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen or thighs with cannulas and suction. The surgeon chooses areas for removal with sufficient fat to give.
Today’s liposuction techniques require only tiny incisions, which is less invasive and leads to faster healing.
4. Fat Processing: Pure Gold
Next, the fat is purified—usually through spinning or filtering—to eliminate oil, blood, or lysed cells. This step eliminates any unhealthy, non-living fat cells, increasing the overall survival of the graft.
To prevent infection, all of this is done in a sterile field.
5. Precise Fat Injection
The purified fat is then injected into the breasts through small incisions with narrow tubes known as cannulas. Your surgeon then places the pieces in layers, sculpting the chest to create a smooth, rounded appearance.
6. Post-Procedure Expansion Adjustments
After grafting, patients often continue to wear expanders for some time. This assists in maintaining the new shape and allows the fat to settle in.
Three follow-up appointments monitor healing and adjust the course as necessary.
Key Benefits: Why Consider This?
Fat transfer to breasts with inflatable expanders combines science with practical benefit. This is an innovative treatment approach that utilises your own fat. It redistributes fat from regions with surplus deposits—such as the abdomen or legs—into the bust, where it’s required for contour or volume.
Doctors then insert external expanders prior to the transfer. This process increases the space and blood supply, turning it into a more welcoming environment for incoming fat to take up residence and thrive.
Enhanced Fat Survival Rates
Increasing fat survival rates is crucial. OncoSec used expanders to increase the percentage of fat that survived in the breast after surgery. By gradually stretching the breast with expanders, it encourages the formation of superior blood vessels in the tissue.
This advancement increases the probability that the newly transplanted fat will survive and thrive. Research indicates that this pre-expansion stage results in improved long-lasting outcomes. Blood flow is critical—if it’s not there, fat can’t survive.
Fat necrosis can occur in 5% to 10% of cases, but physicians are on the lookout for this and take precautions.
Gradual, Natural Volume Increase
Unlike implants, fat transfer allows physicians to contour the breast gradually. That ensures changes can be aligned with the patient’s desired outcome, and adjustments may be made long term.
The additional round of injections makes the breasts feel and look more natural. You’ll get the soft, natural look and feel that flows with your body.
Improved Skin Quality Potential
Fat is more than just filler—it nourishes the skin, as well. Long-term, additional fat can increase skin elasticity and evenness.
Patients are often pleasantly surprised to experience improvements in the quality of their skin and an overall increase in volume.
Ideal for Specific Reconstructions
This technique benefits women that have undergone mastectomy, radiation, or asymmetrical breasts. It is ideal for all types of reconstructions, from repairing scars of the past to reconstructing after battle.
My Take: A Game Changer
What patients in Los Angeles report the most is how this helps them feel more confident. Most patients enjoy rapid recovery, typically resuming normal activities in less than a week.
Do be careful and take a break from the heavy training for a period of time. Expanders combined with fat transfer is the fastest growing aesthetic procedure, and for good reason.
Is This Combination Right For You?
Ultimately, deciding to undergo fat transfer to breasts with external expanders is an individual decision, influenced by your desires, well-being, and past. Most patients nowadays are looking for a more natural aesthetic look and feel that this technique can provide—particularly when combined with implants.
Prior to jumping ahead, pause briefly to reflect on the changes you hope to see. Be honest about your goals and what amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to the recovery process. Some patients will require more than one session for their desired outcome, so similar to tattoo removal patience is a virtue.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidates have sufficient body fat available for harvesting, good quality skin, and realistic expectations of what the procedure can accomplish. In general, people who do not have significant comorbidities or prior breast operations do amazing.
Previous radiation or certain medical conditions can render this option too risky. The patient who realizes fat grafting is beneficial for creating shape and symmetry understands it will not create a flawless result. This shift in perspective will make you much more happy with the result.
When Expanders Make Sense
External expanders are especially useful for women with thin skin or minimal breast tissue. They assist in creating additional room for bigger fat transfers.
Expanders done correctly can produce a much safer and successful process for individuals desiring a more complete appearance. They’re especially useful for people who require major reconstruction following surgery. Patients who had implants placed previously or lost tissue following a mastectomy might respond more favorably with expanders.
Discussing Risks and Realities
Fat grafting and expanders have their own risks, such as fat necrosis or implant rupture. Others will require additional surgeries.
It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgical team and provide proper informed consent. All long-term results are under evaluation.
My Perspective: Patient Selection is Key
Wonderful outcomes depend on meticulous patient selection. Surgeons and patients need an honest dialogue.
Along with medical records, together they should create a care plan that outlines their needs as well as their wants and concerns.
Your Journey: Preparation to Recovery
Fat transfer to the breasts with outside expanders requires advanced preparation, consistent afterward care, and transparent expectations. Every stage—from preparing for surgery to enjoying life with your new body—affects the final outcome. Here’s what you can look forward to on the journey.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Before surgery, a few simple steps matter.
- Follow all food and drink instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Stop certain meds or supplements if asked.
- Schedule waxing at least a week in advance to minimize post-wax irritation.
- Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your breast skin to promote healing.
- Arrange for a ride home and someone to assist you for the first day or two post-op.
- Create a home environment that promotes safe mobility and recovery.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible—during your surgery and after.
What to Expect During Recovery
You can expect to have some discoloration on your gauze for 1 to 2 days. Wearing a surgical bra and a compression garment, advised by your doctor, can help the area heal.
Avoid strenuous pushing/pulling/lifting (nothing over 5 pounds with the treated arm) for 6 weeks. Mild physical activity is usually acceptable within a few days of your first follow-up, but you should refrain from vigorous exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Managing External Expanders at Home
Keeping your expander clean and dry is important. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for monitoring and swapping expanders.
Check for swelling, redness, or infection. Keeping external expanders clean is essential for preventing complications.
Long-Term Results and Care
Look for slow, organic evolution and progress. Continue with follow-up appointments and awareness of breast health.
Fortunately, everyday choices—such as a healthy diet and abstaining from smoking—can significantly help you protect your results.
My Advice: Patience is Virtue
Healing takes time so be patient. My advice: Be patient with yourself, rely on your support system, and forgive yourself often.
Conclusion
Fat transfer to breasts with external expanders provides an exciting new option for people in LA. This procedure is ideal for patients who desire a natural appearance and texture. This powerful combination allows you to restore volume and enhance shape using your own body fat—without the need for implants. The journey is not as jarring as traditional surgery and allows you to gradually work your way into the results. Patients appreciate the more natural feel and lower complication risk. Many describe experiences of wearing their expanders home in a hoodie. After a couple of weeks, they notice a very noticeable increase in the reflection! Finding the right fit will be based on your goals, health, and lifestyle. Consult with an experienced, board-certified physician in Los Angeles to determine if this course of action is right for you. Want to learn more or have other inquiries? Contact a local smart growth professional to schedule an introductory conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does fat transfer to breasts with external expanders work?
Fat is removed from a different area on your body and then injected into your breasts. External expanders, typically worn prior to or following the procedure, gradually stretch out breast tissue. This not only helps the transferred fat survive, but allows for a fuller, natural shape.
Are external expanders safe to use for breast fat transfer?
Are external expanders safe to use for breast fat transfer? This is why, in Los Angeles, board-certified plastic surgeons recommend FDA-cleared expanders. Just like any surgery, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-op care guidelines to ensure optimal results and safety.
How long do I need to wear the external expanders?
Most of our patients do wear them for a few weeks on average both before and after fat transfer. Your surgeon will provide you with a tailored plan that takes into account your desired end result and body shape.
What are the benefits of combining fat transfer with external expanders?
As a result, you’ll enjoy more natural-looking, fuller breasts with a lower risk of complications. This one-two punch allows more of the fat to survive, giving you better, more natural and longer-lasting results.
Is there any downtime after the procedure?
Is there any downtime after the procedure. As compared with traditional breast augmentation, most women in Los Angeles get back to light activity within a week. Make sure to strictly adhere to all of your doctor’s aftercare instructions.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
Healthy women desiring natural looking improvement with no implants are the best candidates. In short, you should have sufficient body fat to transfer and be able to commit to wearing expanders as directed.
Are the results permanent?
The fat that does survive the transfer is permanent. Some fat will inevitably be reabsorbed by your body. Final results take several months to become apparent.