Home » Breast Aesthetics » Fat Transfer to the Breast
Fat transfer to the breast is breast augmentation without implants that gives the breasts natural fullness using your own body fat. For patients who want a mild to moderate increase, want to correct asymmetry or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, Dr. Hakki Izmirli transfers fat harvested with VASER liposuction to the breasts for proportionate, natural results.
“His attentiveness, the way he treats patients and how he kept following up after surgery really give you great confidence.”
— Ş.A. · Google Review (translated from Turkish)
To protect patient privacy, we do not publish before and after photos on our website. To see fat transfer to the breast results of patients with a body type similar to yours, simply message us on WhatsApp.
1.5–2 Hours
General Anaesthesia
1 Night
5–7 Days
After 6 Weeks
Fat transfer to the breast (lipofilling) is a natural alternative to breast implants. First, fat is harvested with VASER liposuction from areas with excess fat such as the abdomen, waist, hips or thighs. The fat is purified with special processing and placed into the breasts in small amounts, layer by layer, through fine cannulas.
This method usually gives an increase of about 1–1.5 cup sizes, and one session is enough for most patients. Because your own tissue is used, the breasts feel soft and natural, and implant-related issues such as capsular contracture or future implant replacement do not arise.
Fat transfer also slims the areas where fat is taken, shaping your body contours at the same time. At the consultation your breast structure, skin quality and possible donor areas are assessed, and the method that best matches your expectations is chosen together.
Because your own fat cells are used, the breasts look and feel natural. The fat is placed in thin layers in and around the breast tissue, so there is no noticeable edge or firmness. The result is a soft fullness that suits your body, rather than the rounded fullness of an implant.
Part of the transferred fat is reabsorbed in the first months; the fat cells that attach to the blood supply become permanent. The final shape usually appears within 3–6 months. The settled fat behaves like the rest of your body fat, so as long as you maintain your weight, your results last for many years.
Google Reviews
4.5 ★★★★★ · 44 reviews on Google · translated from Turkish
I had rhinoplasty with Dr. Hakki about 6 months ago. Although it was an operation I had put off for years, Dr. Hakki’s approach and reassuring manner overcame all my fears. I had almost no pain after surgery and hardly any bruising. His attentiveness, the way he treats patients and how he kept following up after surgery really give you great confidence. I recommend him wholeheartedly.
— Ş.A. ★★★★★ Google
If you want everything to be just right and to suit you, there are no better hands to trust than those of my dear doctor, Dr. Hakki. I am very grateful to him for giving me a new life, confidence and health.
— A.F. ★★★★★ Google
My endless thanks to Dr. Hakki Izmirli, who successfully performed the facelift I had because of a deformity in my face. Care, attention, kindness and success all come together in this wonderful team – I recommend you don’t hesitate to contact them.
— S.T. ★★★★★ Google
A good doctor who takes time for his patients and responds to their wishes while remaining professional. I felt I was in very safe hands and I am very happy with the results so far.
— M.A. ★★★★★ Google
Before the operation he understood my questions and concerns. After a successful operation I could reach him whenever I wanted and was always met with attention and warmth. I thank Dr. Hakki for the care, sincerity and kindness he showed both before and after surgery.
— Y.B.A. ★★★★★ Google
Fat transfer to the breast is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia and takes about 1.5–2 hours. Necessary blood tests and examinations are done at the hospital on the morning of surgery.
First, fat is harvested with VASER liposuction from the areas agreed at the consultation, usually the abdomen, waist, hips or thighs. Because VASER’s ultrasonic energy separates fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissue, the harvested fat has high viability.
The fat is purified with special processing and then injected into the breasts through millimetre-sized entry points with fine cannulas, in small amounts and in different layers. This increases fat survival and gives the breasts a symmetrical, natural shape. At the end of the operation, a compression garment is fitted over the donor areas.
You stay one night in hospital after surgery. Mild swelling, bruising and tenderness in the breasts and donor areas are normal in the first days; they are easily controlled with the prescribed painkillers and subside within a few weeks.
You need to wear a compression garment over the donor areas. To help the transferred fat survive, avoid tight bras that press on the breasts and sleeping on your front in the first weeks. Personal care instructions are explained in detail before discharge, and your check-ups are carried out personally by Dr. Hakki Izmirli.
We recommend that international patients stay in Istanbul for about 5–6 days for the surgery and first check-ups. You can find the whole process on our International Patients page.
Part of the transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body in the first few months; the fat cells that survive are permanent. The final result usually becomes clear within 3–6 months. Because the settled fat behaves like the rest of your body fat, maintaining your weight is the most important factor in keeping the result for many years.
For most patients one session is enough, usually giving an increase of about 1–1.5 cup sizes. If more fullness is desired, or if more fat is reabsorbed than expected, a second session can be planned a few months later.
Fullness is noticeable straight after surgery, but because of swelling in the first weeks the breasts look slightly larger than the final result. As swelling subsides and the fat settles, the breasts reach their final shape within 3–6 months.
As with any surgery there are risks such as infection, bruising, swelling and asymmetry. Specific to fat transfer, part of the fat may be reabsorbed and, rarely, small oil cysts or firm areas (fat necrosis) can occur. Placing the fat in small amounts and in different layers minimises these risks.
Yes. Fat transfer is very well suited to correcting a difference in volume between the two breasts. Each breast receives the amount of fat it needs for a more balanced, symmetrical look.
Only entry points a few millimetres long are used in the donor areas and the breasts. These marks fade over time and often become almost invisible.
Fat transfer requires enough fat that can be harvested from your body. Very slim patients may not have enough fat for the desired increase; in that case options such as a breast implant or a combination of both methods are discussed at the consultation.
You can start light activities such as walking from the first days. For strenuous exercise and sports that strain the chest muscles, waiting about 6 weeks is usually recommended; you will receive personal guidance at your check-ups.
If you want a mild to moderate, natural increase and have enough body fat, fat transfer is a good option. If you want a more noticeable increase or a fuller cleavage, a breast implant may be more suitable. Which method suits you is decided together at the consultation.
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