Fat grafting (Lipofilling)

What is fat grafting to the breast?

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Fat grafting, also known as lipofilling or fat transfer, is a procedure used to improve breast shape, contour, and symmetry by using your own body fat. Fat is gently removed from another part of the body, processed carefully, and then injected into selected areas of the breast.

In breast surgery, fat grafting can be used in different settings. It may help correct contour irregularities after breast cancer surgery, improve symmetry between the breasts, soften implant edges, improve the result of reconstruction, or restore volume in selected areas. It is often used as a refinement procedure rather than a large-volume breast enlargement operation.

At Breast and Wellness Centre, fat grafting is performed with careful attention to safety, breast aesthetics, and long-term breast health.

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Who is a good candidate for fat grafting?

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You may be suitable for fat grafting if you:

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• Have contour deformity or asymmetry after previous breast surgery

• Would benefit from refinement after breast reconstruction

• Have visible implant edges or rippling

• Have localised volume deficiency in part of the breast

• Prefer to use your own tissue rather than a synthetic filler

• Have enough donor fat available in another area of the body

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Your suitability will depend on your breast condition, previous surgery, skin quality, overall body shape, and treatment goals. In some patients, more than one session may be required to achieve the desired result.

 

Benefits of fat grafting

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• Fat grafting offers several potential benefits, including:

• Using your own tissue

• Improving contour and symmetry

• Softening areas of firmness, hollowness, or implant visibility

• Enhancing the outcome of breast reconstruction

• Avoiding the use of synthetic filler material

• Allowing subtle and natural refinement

 

How to prepare for fat grafting

 

At your consultation:

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• Breast examination and assessment of the area requiring correction

• Review of previous surgery, imaging, and treatment history

• Assessment of donor areas such as abdomen, flanks, or thighs

• Discussion of your goals, expected improvement, and limitations of surgery

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Before surgery:

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• Stop smoking as advised, as smoking can affect fat survival and healing

• Follow instructions regarding medications and supplements

• Maintain a stable weight where possible

• Arrange appropriate support for your recovery period

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On the day of surgery:

 

Follow fasting instructions provided by your hospital
Wear comfortable clothing
Bring your relevant imaging and medical information if requested

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Fat grafting – step by step

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• Performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure

• Fat is gently removed by liposuction from a donor site such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks

• The fat is processed and purified

• Small amounts of fat are carefully injected into selected areas of the breast to improve contour, volume, and symmetry

• The procedure is planned to achieve a natural shape while protecting the underlying breast tissues

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Recovery after fat grafting

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• Most patients go home the same day

• Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort can occur both in the breast and at the donor site

• A supportive bra and, compression garments may be recommended

• Light activities can usually be resumed within a few days

• The final result takes time to settle as swelling improves and the transferred fat establishes its blood supply

• Some of the transferred fat will naturally be reabsorbed by the body. For this reason, a second procedure may sometimes be recommended if further correction is needed.

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Risks and complications of fat grafting

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As with any surgical procedure, risks may include:

• Pain, swelling, or bruising

• Infection

• Bleeding or haematoma

• Fat resorption leading to partial loss of volume

• Fat necrosis or oil cyst formation

• Irregularity at the donor or recipient site

• Asymmetry

• Need for further procedures

• Fat grafting can also lead to changes on breast imaging. These changes are usually recognised by experienced breast radiologists, but it is important that your imaging team is aware of your previous fat grafting.

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At Breast and Wellness Centre, fat grafting is performed with careful technique and thoughtful planning to optimise both safety and aesthetic outcome.

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When is fat grafting used in breast surgery?

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• Fat grafting may be used in several situations, including:

• After breast-conserving surgery to improve contour defects

• After mastectomy and reconstruction to refine breast shape

• To improve symmetry between the treated and untreated breast

• To soften implant rippling or visible implant edges

• To improve selected areas affected by scarring or tissue deficiency

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Book a consultation

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If you are considering fat grafting to improve breast contour, symmetry, or reconstruction outcome, book a consultation with Breast and Wellness Centre. We offer personalised assessment, advanced oncoplastic and reconstructive options, and a strong focus on both breast safety and aesthetic outcome.