What the breast augmentation procedure with fat involves

Fat transfer to breast area was formally approved by The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in April 2006, in Orlando, Florida. This technique is used in patients with smaller busts or women whose breast have reduced in size or drooped, after having children. The average increase in bust size volume is one-cup size. Since it is the patient’s own fat, there is no risk of rejection and no possibility of allergic reaction.

The procedure takes approximately 2 hours and it is a one-day procedure done under sedation, which is not to be mistaken with general anaesthesia.  Sedation is a mid-point between local and general anaesthesia, and the patient will return home a few hours after the procedure.

During the consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient to see if they have sufficient fat for the procedure, and to assess which area of the body the fat should be harvested from.  Usually the surgeon may take it from the abdomen, inner or outer thighs.  Most patients are delighted that fat is removed from one part of their body and literally added to another, contouring their body shape.  The surgeon will always remove more fat than required for future top-ups as the body will reabsorb some of the fat, and the patient may return for another injection to the breast area performed under local anaesthesia.

Once the area of fat harvest has been agreed, the fat is removed during the surgery with the patient under sedation, and the fat is prepared, and reinjected into the breast area.  The same procedure can also be done to augment the buttocks, the face area, and to reduce the appearance of unsightly veins on the hands.

 The healing time

The patient can expect some slight swelling and bruising for the first 48 hours but most normal activities within reason can be performed except for driving due to the sedation and upper body exercises or heavy lifting will not be allowed during the first two weeks.  The bruising and swelling will then subside over the next few weeks.

What are the results?

The patient will see an increase in volume in the breast area.  Many mums choose this procedure that have lost volume on the upper half of their breast and who just to top-up what has been lost from breast-feeding.

Who would be an ideal candidate

An ideal candidate would be those with sufficient fat on the lower halves of their bodies (abdomen, thighs), and who only wish to be organic and natural, but this procedure is limited to increase only about 1 cup size.  Patients who wish to have larger breast would still need to consider breast implants instead.

Please also give a tip on what to look for when choosing a cosmetic surgeon?

When looking for a good cosmetic surgeon especially in Dubai, it is based on word of mouth.  The UAE is a very small place and usually most people have had some experience with a surgeon.  Try to see 2 – 3 surgeons.  Even if the surgeon has a good reputation, you need to personally have a good doctor/patient relationship because as the patient you need to feel very comfortable with the doctor and his bedside manner.  Also, it is important to do research on the surgeon, and do not be afraid to ask the surgeon questions about his professional experience.  Most importantly, never feel pressured to do any cosmetic surgery.

What 2 questions should a perspective patient ask the surgeon during the consultation?

Besides questions on the actual procedure, patients should always ask about the risks and benefits of any surgery, and good surgeons will always provide information regarding both.  At the end of the day, it is the patient’s prerogative to decide whether to go ahead with their cosmetic surgery.  In addition, patients can ask about talking to another patient who has already had the surgery.

The patient should also ask about the anaesthetist, and where the surgery will take place to see if they are comfortable.