For many years, breast augmentation has been among the three most popular plastic surgeries in the world, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). At the same time, surgeons note growing interest in breast augmentation with your own fat and in a hybrid technique that combines implant placement with lipofilling.
The plastic surgeons at the GENEVITY longevity and quality of life center in Dnipro explain how to increase breast volume, how the different techniques differ, what results can be expected from each, and how to choose the right one.
What Ways Are There to Enlarge the Breasts?
Among the methods of breast augmentation in plastic surgery, two remain the main ones: implant placement and lipofilling, that is, transplanting your own fat tissue. They can be used separately or together. Each method solves its own task, so the surgeon considers the question of how to enlarge the breast in light of the patient’s anatomy, the desired volume, and the characteristics of her tissues.
Breast Augmentation with Implants
Mammoplasty with implants makes it possible to increase breast volume and correct its shape in a single operation. Implants are placed under the glandular tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle. They come in round and anatomical types: the former create more pronounced fullness in the upper pole, while the latter have a teardrop shape.
You can complete preoperative diagnostics right at the GENEVITY longevity and quality of life center. The examination includes laboratory tests, an ECG, and additional studies as indicated.
Breast Augmentation with Your Own Fat
Lipofilling is performed in two stages. First, the surgeon harvests fat tissue from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The material is then processed and injected into the mammary glands in small portions through punctures, distributing it evenly within the tissues.
In the first months, part of the transplanted fat is resorbed, so the final result is assessed after about six months. An additional advantage of lipofilling is the ability to reduce fat deposits on the abdomen, flanks, or thighs at the same time and to correct the body’s contours.
Comment from a GENEVITY plastic surgeon: “When performing lipofilling, it is important that the patient has enough of her own fat. We inject it in small portions to ensure good blood supply to the transplanted cells and improve their survival.”
How Does Lipofilling Differ from Breast Augmentation with Implants?
The main difference lies in how the volume is increased. Implants make it possible to determine the future size and shape of the breast fairly precisely. With lipofilling, the result depends on the amount of fat tissue that takes. After fat transfer, the breast retains its natural softness, and only small puncture marks remain on the skin.
What Breast Volume Can Be Achieved with Different Methods?
Lipofilling can usually enlarge the breast by 1 size. For a more pronounced correction, the surgeon considers implant placement. The decision takes into account not only the woman’s wishes but also her body proportions, the original size of the mammary glands, and skin elasticity.
After rehabilitation is complete, the aesthetic result can be complemented with the Ultraformer MPT procedure, which helps improve skin firmness in the décolleté area. The timing is agreed upon with the surgeon.
When Are Implants Chosen, and When Your Own Fat?
Implants are more often recommended for women who want a significant increase in breast size, a rounder shape, or pronounced fullness in the upper pole.
Lipofilling is preferable for moderate augmentation, correction of minor asymmetry, and a desire to preserve the breast’s natural softness. The operation requires a sufficient amount of fat in the donor areas.
A combined approach is also possible: implants provide the main volume, while your own fat helps make the contours smoother.
Comment from a GENEVITY plastic surgeon:“Patients often ask which method is better. There is no universal answer: with thin tissues, an implant supplemented with lipofilling gives a more natural contour, while for a modest increase in volume, your own fat is sometimes enough.”
What Does the Choice of Augmentation Method Depend On?
During a consultation, the plastic surgeon determines which technique suits the patient: implant placement, lipofilling, or a combination of the two. This depends on the original shape and volume of the breast, tissue thickness, the supply of your own fat, and the desired result.
Planning breast augmentation? Book a consultation at the GENEVITY longevity and quality of life center in Dnipro to choose the best technique based on your wishes and the characteristics of your figure.
This information is for general awareness and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
