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 saline or silicone implants: 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, or fat grafting, breast augmentation is a surgical cosmetic procedure that increases the size of the breasts by removing fat from other areas of the body through liposuction and inserting it into the breast tissue.²

Where is the fat removed from?

Fat used for fat transfer breast augmentation can be gathered from various areas of the body. An individual's overall body composition, as well as desired areas for fat removal, can be taken into consideration.²

Some of the most common areas include:²

• Abdomen
• Arms
• Back
• Buttocks
• Flank
• Inner or outer thighs

How Much Does a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Cost?

The national average cost* of fat transfer breast augmentation is $9,137, but it can range from $7,263 to $17,500.³

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.³

The total overall cost of a fat transfer breast augmentation can be impacted by geographic location, type of anesthesia used, surgeon’s fee and surgical center costs.³

Calculate the cost of a fat transfer breast augmentation near you*

Average fat transfer breast augmentation cost by state/district

Below is the average cost* for a fat transfer breast augmentation across all 50 states and the District of Columbia:³

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.⁴

Candidates for a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation should generally be in good health, nonsmokers and at a stable weight.² Good candidates should be at least 18 years old and not currently be pregnant or breastfeeding.⁴

A fat transfer breast augmentation may be a good option for those looking to increase their breast volume by one or two cup sizes. Those looking for a larger increase may need to consider a saline or silicone implant instead.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.² Individuals with low body fat who are looking to increase breast size may need to opt instead for a saline or silicone breast implant for augmentation.

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision about which breast augmentation procedure is right for you.

How a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Works

A fat transfer breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home that same day.² However, the procedure does require general anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home afterward.² On average, a fat transfer breast augmentation takes three to five hours to complete.⁵

Procedure

There are three parts to a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure:⁴

1. Liposuction. Liposuction is used to remove fat cells from various areas in the body. A surgeon may need to remove more fat cells than are needed for the fat transfer breast augmentation since some cells die during the process.
2. Fat processing. The fat cells are purified to remove fluids, blood and other impurities and to ensure the highest concentration of fat cells.
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 one to two weeks is normal in the breasts as well as the areas where fat was removed.² Swelling can last for a few months.⁵

There are steps patients can do to ease discomfort during the recovery process:⁵

• Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
• Do not sleep on your stomach.
• Take pain medication and antibiotics as directed by the surgeon.²
• Wear loose-fitting clothing and the surgical bra as directed.

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.⁵

However, fat cells can die, be reabsorbed or migrate, which can alter the results of the procedure over time.⁵ Weight fluctuations could also impact the look and size of a breast augmentation with fat transfer.⁴ Some patients may opt for multiple fat transfer procedures to achieve their desired results.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, there may be potential side effects and complications that come with a fat transfer breast augmentation. These include:⁵

• Bleeding and bruising
• Breast cysts or microcalcification⁶
• Fat cells that migrate or die
• Infection at liposuction or injection sites

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 which 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 one to two cup sizes.² Implants are available from 125 cubic centimeters (cc) up to 1,200 cc.⁷

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.⁷

Material

A fat transfer breast augmentation uses a patient's own fat cells and does not rely on inserting a foreign object, which can rupture or be rejected by the body.⁴

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.⁴

Results

The final result from a breast augmentation with an implant can be more predictable than with fat transfer.⁷

Eligibility

A patient must have adequate fat to remove for a fat transfer breast augmentation.² Meanwhile, a breast augmentation with an implant is open to most patients.⁷

Recovery

Recovery from a fat transfer breast augmentation will typically 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.⁷

Fat Transfer for Breast Enhancement

Fat transfer breast augmentation can augment breast size and may be a good option for those seeking enhancement without implants. By using your body’s own tissue, you can create a soft, subtle and natural look and feel. If you’re looking for a personalized approach to breast enhancement, consult with a plastic surgeon to see if a fat transfer could be the right choice for you.

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.