Breast fat transfer may benefit women seeking:

• modest enhancement of breast volume
• improved upper pole fullness
• correction of asymmetry
• improvement in contour irregularities
• softening of implant edges or rippling
• restoration of volume after pregnancy, weight loss or ageing
• improvement in soft tissue quality following reconstruction.

The best candidates are women who have sufficient donor fat available for transfer, are medically fit and have realistic expectations regarding achievable volume increase.

Breast fat transfer is generally best suited for subtle to moderate enhancement rather than large increases in breast size.

Factors that can affect suitability for surgery include smoking, unstable weight, poor nutritional status and poorly controlled medical conditions.

If these factors are relevant to you, the Morphē Clinic team will work with you to optimise your preparation for surgery. This may include support from our dietitians, endocrinologist, obesity physicians, physiotherapists or psychologist where appropriate.

At Morphē, you will have access to a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and therapists who work together to help optimise your preparation for surgery and support the best possible outcome.

Preparation for fat grafting surgery includes assessment of:

• breast shape and symmetry
• skin quality and elasticity
• existing breast volume
• donor fat availability
• body proportions and contour
• weight stability and overall health.

Preparation may also involve nutritional support, optimisation of medical conditions and psychological support where needed.

The goal is to optimise fat survival, minimise complications and create a durable long-term result that suits your anatomy and goals.

Fat transfer to the breasts is performed under general anaesthetic as a day procedure.

Liposuction is first performed to harvest fat from selected donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs or back.

The harvested fat is then carefully processed and purified before being injected into the breasts using specialised techniques designed to maximise fat survival and create smooth, natural contours.

Fat is placed in multiple layers throughout the breast tissue to optimise blood supply and long-term integration of the transferred fat.

Small concealed incisions are used for both liposuction and fat transfer.

Compression garments are typically worn over liposuction areas for approximately six weeks following surgery.

Dr Cameron performs fat grafting procedures at St Andrew’s Hospital, Burnside Hospital and Glenelg Day Surgery.

Fat transfer can improve breast shape, softness and contour while providing modest enhancement in volume.

The procedure can also improve contour irregularities, soften implant edges and improve cleavage or upper pole fullness in selected patients.

An additional benefit of fat grafting is contour improvement of donor areas through liposuction.

The final outcome depends on:

• donor fat availability
• tissue quality
• healing characteristics
• blood supply to the grafted fat
• long-term weight stability.

Some transferred fat does not survive long term, and a degree of volume loss is expected during healing. In some patients, additional grafting procedures may be required to achieve the desired outcome.

Recovery following fat transfer to the breasts is generally well tolerated, although swelling, bruising and discomfort are common during the early recovery period.

Most patients experience more discomfort in the liposuction donor areas than in the breasts themselves.

Swelling and bruising commonly occur in both the breasts and donor areas and gradually improve over several weeks.

Compression garments are usually worn over liposuction areas for approximately six weeks to help reduce swelling and support contour healing.

A series of follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery, however Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns or would like your progress checked.

As a general guide, most patients are able to return to regular activity as follows:

• Walking: day of surgery
• Desk-based work: usually 1 week
• Driving: usually 1 week
• Gym and resistance training: around 4–6 weeks
• Swimming: around 4–6 weeks
• Physical work or lifting: usually 4–6 weeks.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care, and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

General risks associated with surgery will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Risks specific to fat grafting to the breasts may include:

• Fat resorption. Some transferred fat does not survive long term, resulting in partial loss of volume.
• Fat necrosis. Small areas of firm scar tissue or oil cysts can develop within the breast.
• Contour irregularity. Minor unevenness may occur in either the breasts or liposuction donor sites.

Risks specific to fat grafting to the breasts may include: (cont.)

• Calcifications. Fat grafting can lead to calcifications visible on breast imaging, although these are usually distinguishable from concerning abnormalities by experienced radiologists.
• Infection. Rarely, infection may occur and require antibiotics or further treatment.
• Need for additional procedures. Some patients may require staged or repeat fat grafting procedures to achieve their desired outcome.