Breast augmentation surgery has continually improved over many years. Today, women have more option in technique, more options in the size and shape of their implants, and extended options in the type of saline or silicone implant they may need to achieve their desired outcome. As exciting as these changes have been, it is the development of natural breast augmentation that is getting a lot of attention today.

Natural breast augmentation is a two-pronged method of enlarging the breasts without implants. The procedure involves liposuction to obtain fat tissue and stem cells from an area of the body such as the thighs or the abdomen. The harvested fat cells are then injected into the breast in such a way to add fullness where it is needed most. Many women find the ease of natural breast augmentation appealing and desire more information about recovery. This is what we’ll cover here.

Surgery Day and the Day After

Breast augmentation with fat transfer is an outpatient procedure that may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia and a mild sedative. After the transfer is complete, the patient can go home to rest the remainder of the day. The harvest and recipient areas will be sore for one to two days. However, patients are not restricted in their activity other than their own comfort level. Many patients feel well enough to return to work after a day or two of rest.

The First Weeks After Surgery

Prescription medication may be traded for over-the-counter pain relief within a few days of surgery. The incisions required for fat transfer breast augmentation are very small, which translates into much greater comfort during recovery. Over the course of a few weeks, swelling and bruising will significantly decrease and the final outcome of surgery will become more evident. A follow up may be scheduled about one week after surgery to evaluate early healing.

Tips for recovering from fat transfer surgery include:

• Avoid stomach sleeping for approximately 4 weeks
• Refrain from sexual intercourse for one to two weeks
• Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects
• Cardiovascular exercise may resume approximately 3 weeks after surgery
• Yoga or weight training may resume after 6 weeks of healing
• Wear a sports bra that is supportive but not constrictive

Months After Surgery

It is important to remember that some of the fat that is transferred during surgery will atrophy. Some put this at about 30%. By about six months, most of the swelling should be gone. At this time, the tissue that has survived is more settled into place. This will give an accurate depiction of breast shape and size going forward. Full results are typically confirmed at the one-year mark after fat transfer.

Dr. Rosenthal is an esteemed plastic surgeon who has served San Jose and surrounding areas for several years. She is proud to now offer natural breast augmentation to women from our immediate area and across the country. To learn more, schedule your consultation at (408) 559-4700.