How Much Does a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?

Looking for a more natural and subtle way to enhance your breasts? While breast augmentation remains one of the top cosmetic procedures for women year after year, there is growing popularity for an augmentation that doesn't rely on a saline or silicone implant: a fat transfer breast augmentation.¹

A fat transfer breast augmentation allows excess fat from other parts of the body to be removed and used to increase the size of the breast, creating more natural results by using your body's own tissue.²

Read on to find out if a fat transfer breast augmentation may be a good option for you.

What Is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

A fat transfer breast augmentation is a surgical cosmetic procedure that increases the size of the breasts by removing fat from other areas of the body and inserting it into the breast tissue.²

Where is the fat removed from?

Fat used for a fat transfer breast augmentation can be gathered from multiple areas on the body. An individual's overall body composition as well as desired areas for fat removal can be taken into consideration.³ Some of the most common areas include:³

• Thighs
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Flank
• Knees
• Buttocks

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Candidates for fat transfer breast implants should generally be in good health, and over the age of 18.⁵ They should be nonsmokers.² Good candidates should also not be pregnant or breastfeeding.⁵ They should not experience dramatic weight fluctuations.²

Since fat transfer breast augmentation relies on taking fat from other parts of the body, the procedure may not be the right choice for those with limited body fat. Individuals with low body fat who are looking to increase breast size may need to opt for a saline or silicone breast implant instead for augmentation.² A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

How Much Does a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?

The average cost for a fat transfer breast augmentation is $9,932, with the procedure ranging from $4,378 to $17,500.⁴

A fat transfer breast augmentation requires liposuction as well, so the total cost can be more expensive than a breast augmentation with a saline or silicone implant.⁴

The total cost of a fat transfer breast augmentation can vary based on geographic location, surgeon or anesthesiologist fees, surgical center and procedure complexity.⁴

Average Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost in the U.S.

Does Insurance Cover Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Fat transfer breast augmentation is often considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by most insurance plans. However, if the procedure is part of breast reconstruction surgery and deemed medically necessary, it may be covered. Check with your insurance provider to see what your policy includes.⁵

What to Expect During a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

A fat transfer breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home that same day.² However, a general anesthesia will be used,² so you will need someone to drive you home afterward. On average, a fat transfer breast augmentation takes three to five hours to complete.³

Procedure

There are three parts to a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure:³

1. Liposuction. Liposuction is used to remove fat cells from various areas in the body. A surgeon will need to remove more fat cells than are needed for the fat transfer breast augmentation since some cells die during the process.²
2. Fat processing. The fat cells are put in a centrifuge² to remove fluids, blood and other impurities.
3. Injection of fat cells. Once the fat cells have been refined, they will be injected into the layers of the breast tissue to create the desired size.

Recovery

After injecting the fat cells, the surgeon will close the liposuction incisions with sutures, wrap the breasts and fit you with a surgical bra for added support while you heal from the procedure. Most patients will need to take a week off from work and normal physical activities.²

Swelling, bruising and discomfort for three weeks is normal in the breasts as well as the areas where fat was removed. Swelling can last up to six months.²

There are steps patients can do to ease discomfort during the recovery process:²

• Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.
• Take pain medication and antibiotics as directed by the surgeon.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and the surgical bra as directed.
• Limit physical activity until cleared by your surgeon.

How Long Do Results Last?

Although the final results from a fat transfer breast augmentation can take up to six months to be revealed, the procedure is considered permanent.²

However, fat cells can die,² be reabsorbed or migrate, which can alter the results of the procedure over time.³ Weight loss could also impact the look and size of a breast augmentation with fat transfer.⁵ Some patients may opt for multiple fat transfer procedures to achieve their desired results.²

Possible Risks and Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, there may be potential risks and complications that come with a fat transfer breast augmentation. These may include:⁶

• Bleeding and bruising²
• Infection at liposuction or injection sites
• Breast cysts or microcalcification
• Fat cells that migrate or die

Fat Transfer vs. Implant Breast Augmentation

There are many factors to consider when determining if fat transfer or an implant is best for your breast augmentation needs. Before deciding what procedure is right for you, it is recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Size

Fat transfer breast augmentations are limited to increasing breast size only by a half to one full cup size. Implants are available from 125 cubic centimeters (cc) up to 1,200 cc.³

Shape

While fat transfer breast augmentation can increase the size of the breast, it can't dramatically change the shape of the breast as an implant can.³

Material

A fat transfer breast augmentation uses a patient's own fat cells and does not rely on inserting a foreign object into the body, which can rupture or be rejected by the body.⁵

Fat reduction

Since a fat transfer breast augmentation uses fat from other parts of the body, the procedure can allow patients to both increase their breast size and decrease fat in certain areas during the same procedure.⁵

Results

The final result from a breast augmentation with an implant can be more predictable than with fat transfer.³

Eligibility

A patient must have adequate fat to remove for a fat transfer breast augmentation, while a breast augmentation with an implant is open to most patients.³

Recovery

Recovery from a fat transfer breast augmentation will include recovery from the liposuction in addition to the augmentation.

Cost

Because a fat transfer breast augmentation requires liposuction as well, the procedure can be more expensive than an implant breast augmentation.³

Longevity

Breast implants may come with a potential risk of hardening or ruptures and will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.²

Financing a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for fat transfer breast augmentation and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.