Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in Delafield
Modest, natural fullness from your own body.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses the patient's own fat, harvested via liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to increase breast size and improve shape. The harvested fat is purified and carefully injected into the breasts in small droplets to establish blood supply and promote graft survival. This technique typically achieves a modest size increase of approximately one to one and a half cup sizes and is used for cosmetic augmentation, correction of breast asymmetry, and refinement after implant-based procedures.
At a Glance
- Fat transfer breast augmentation uses the patient's own fat cells, harvested by liposuction and purified before injection into the breasts[1]
- The procedure typically achieves a modest breast size increase of approximately one cup size with conventional techniques[4]
- A 2016 systematic review of 3,565 patients found high patient satisfaction despite variable volume retention rates across studies[5]
- Multiple fat transfer sessions may be needed to achieve the desired result, as the body may reabsorb a portion of the transferred fat over time[4]
Overview
Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, uses liposuction to harvest fat from donor sites on the patient's body, processes the fat to isolate viable fat cells, and injects the purified fat into the breasts. Because the procedure uses the patient's own tissue, it avoids the risks associated with synthetic implants such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
The procedure is typically suited for patients who desire a modest increase in breast size, want to improve breast shape or correct mild asymmetry, and have sufficient donor fat available for harvesting. Patients seeking a large increase in breast size may be better served by implant-based augmentation, as fat transfer generally achieves an increase of one to one and a half cup sizes per session.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is also used as a complementary procedure to refine results after implant-based augmentation or breast reconstruction, filling contour irregularities or soft tissue deficiencies. The dual benefit of body contouring at the liposuction donor site and breast enhancement at the injection site is a distinguishing feature of this approach.
What to expect
- Initial consultation to discuss goals, assess breast anatomy, evaluate donor site availability, and develop a surgical plan
- Pre-operative evaluation including medical history review, breast imaging if indicated, and photographs
- Assessment of donor sites to ensure sufficient fat is available for harvesting
- Administration of anesthesia (general anesthesia or intravenous sedation with local anesthesia)
- Liposuction of donor site to harvest fat tissue using gentle aspiration technique
- Processing of the harvested fat by centrifugation, filtration, or decanting to isolate viable fat cells
- Injection of the purified fat into the breasts in small amounts at multiple levels and sites using blunt-tipped cannulas
- Assessment of symmetry and volume during the procedure with adjustments as needed
- Application of dressings to both the donor and breast sites and fitting of a support garment
- Post-operative instructions regarding activity restrictions, compression garment use, and follow-up schedule
How a fat transfer breast augmentation works
- Fat is harvested from a donor site (commonly the abdomen, flanks, thighs, or back) using liposuction. The liposuction technique is typically gentle to preserve fat cell viability, often using low-pressure suction or manual syringe aspiration.
- The harvested fat is processed to separate viable fat cells from blood, oil, and damaged tissue. Processing methods may include centrifugation, filtration, or decanting, depending on surgeon preference and protocol.
- The purified fat is injected into the breasts in small droplets using blunt-tipped cannulas. Fat is placed in multiple tissue planes and at multiple injection sites to maximize contact with surrounding tissue and promote the establishment of a new blood supply to the grafted fat cells.
- The grafted fat cells that successfully establish blood supply typically remain in the breasts permanently. A portion of the transferred fat is naturally reabsorbed by the body over the first several months, which is why the initial post-procedure volume appears larger than the final result.
When it's recommended
- Desire for a modest, natural-looking increase in breast size without implants
- Correction of mild to moderate breast asymmetry
- Improvement of breast shape, contour, or cleavage
- Refinement of results after implant-based augmentation or breast reconstruction
- Correction of contour irregularities following previous breast surgery
- Volume restoration after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Patients who prefer to avoid synthetic implant materials
Is a fat transfer breast augmentation right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Lucas Boehm.
Recovery & aftercare
- The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients go home the same day
- Swelling and bruising at both the donor and breast sites are common and typically resolve within 2 to 4 weeks
- A compression garment is generally worn over the donor site for several weeks to reduce swelling and support healing
- Most patients can return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks
- Final breast volume and shape become apparent approximately 3 to 6 months after the procedure, after the reabsorption phase stabilizes
Alternatives
- Breast implant augmentation (saline or silicone) for a larger or more predictable size increase
- Combined implant and fat transfer augmentation (composite breast augmentation)
- Breast lift (mastopexy) for improved shape and position without size increase
- External breast prostheses (non-surgical option)
Related treatments
How much does a fat transfer breast augmentation cost?
A fat transfer breast augmentation at Consona with Dr. Boehm costs around $11,200. The exact amount depends on your unique goals and treatment needs. Schedule a consultation today to learn more and receive a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Fat transfer breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses your own fat to increase breast size. Fat is removed from another area of the body via liposuction, purified, and then injected into the breasts. It typically achieves a modest size increase of about one cup size.
- The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Post-operative soreness is common at both the liposuction donor site and the breasts for the first several days. Discomfort is typically managed with prescribed pain medication and diminishes within the first week.
- Fat transfer breast augmentation has a favorable safety profile compared to implant-based augmentation, as it uses the patient's own tissue and avoids implant-related complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks that are discussed in detail during the consultation process.
- Fat cells that successfully establish blood supply in the breasts can remain permanently. However, the body naturally reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat during the first few months. Final results typically stabilize within 3 to 6 months. Weight fluctuations after the procedure may affect breast volume, as the transferred fat cells respond to changes in body weight.
- Fat transfer provides a more modest size increase (typically one cup size) with a natural look and feel, while implants can achieve larger increases and more predictable results. Fat transfer avoids implant-related risks such as capsular contracture and implant rupture, but may require multiple sessions and involves some degree of fat reabsorption.
- Patients with insufficient body fat for harvesting, those seeking a large increase in breast size, or individuals with active breast disease may not be suitable candidates. A thorough consultation helps determine whether fat transfer or an alternative approach is most appropriate.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Insufficient donor fat for adequate harvesting via liposuction
- Active infection at the donor or recipient site
- Active or untreated breast cancer
- Pregnancy or currently breastfeeding
- Bleeding disorders or use of blood-thinning medications without medical clearance
- Unrealistic expectations regarding the degree of size increase achievable
Possible risks
- Fat reabsorption, where the body naturally reabsorbs a portion of the transferred fat, reducing the final volume achieved
- Fat necrosis (death of transferred fat cells), which may result in firm lumps in the breast
- Oil cysts that may form from liquefied fat and can be palpable or visible on imaging
- Calcifications in the breast that may appear on mammograms and require further evaluation
- Infection at the donor or injection site
- Bruising, swelling, and soreness at both the donor site and the breasts
- Asymmetry if fat is reabsorbed unevenly between the two breasts
- Need for additional sessions to achieve desired volume
- Contour irregularities at the liposuction donor site
Your surgeon
Care that respects what makes you, you.
Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.
- Board-certified
- Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
- Fellowship-trained
- Aesthetic surgery
- 12+ years
- In practice
Sources & references
This article draws on 6 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-06-13