Dr. Sam Jejurikar’s Take on Breast Augmentation Options: Fat Graft Versus Vs. Implants

Dr. Sam Jejurikar’s Take on Breast Augmentation Options: Fat Graft Versus Vs. Implants

During pregnancy, women experience a wide range of body changes. Unfortunately, some of the most desirable traits, such as more youthful, fuller-looking breasts, often disappear shortly after giving birth. Breastfeeding may prolong increased breast size for a time, but inevitably a woman’s breast will decrease in size and shape within a few months postpartum according to Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sam Jejurikar.

While breast implants remain a popular option, fat grafting or fat transfer is another alternative with rapidly growing popularity. Both procedures enhance the appearance and size of the breast, so how are they different, and how does someone choose which procedure may be best for their appearance goals? A conversation with Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sam Jejurikar answers most of your important questions about the topic and what you should know about both procedures.

What Is a Fat Graft?

According to Dr. Jejurikar, a fat graft or fat transfer is a process where your surgeon will harvest fat from other areas of your body to transfer it to the breast. The procedure is done via standard liposuction techniques. The best part is you can (generally) take fat from areas where you would prefer to get rid of it anyway.

Common examples include:

• Love handles
• Hips
• Abdomen

Once the fat is harvested, it is processed in the operating room to ensure it is sterile and safe to inject back into the body, inevitably enhancing the size and shape of the breast itself. A fat graft is an excellent option for moms to regain fullness and appearance that is often lost after breastfeeding, pregnancy, or even significant weight loss.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Fat Graft?

Fat grafts are an excellent option for patients who have excess fat in undesirable areas around their midsection. It is important to note that a fat graft primarily restores fullness to the breast. While this creates the appearance of a larger size, fat grafts do not necessarily increase bra size. If you are someone who experiences gaping at the top of your bra or droopy breast tissue, a fat graft may be beneficial for providing moderate enlargement and shape improvement.

What Is a Breast Implant?

A breast implant is a silicone or saline-filled “bag” that is placed under the chest muscle or breast tissue. There are several reasons one may want to increase their breast size, including cancer surgery, post-pregnancy body changes, and weight loss, to name a few. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2019. Of those, approximately 85% used silicone implants, and the remaining used saline (salt-water) implants.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Breast Implant?

There are age suggestions provided by the Food and Drug Administration for breast implants. According to the FDA, candidates for silicone implants should be at least 22 years of age and 18 years of age for saline implants. Additionally, the ideal candidate for implants is someone who has small breasts and wants to achieve a larger size. Common examples include sagging or deflated breasts after pregnancy or extreme weight loss. Additionally, implants may be an option for someone who wishes to have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy procedure.

Pros and Cons of Fat Grafts

Like any cosmetic procedure, implants and fat grafts each have unique pros and cons. The ideal procedure for you will depend on your goals and your current breast tissue. Your goals should be discussed with an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Jejurikar.

Fat grafts or fat transfer procedures lead to minimal (or even no) scarring because incisions are not required to insert a foreign object into the body. Fat grafting has a shorter recovery time than a traditional implant procedure. In most cases, the recovery related to the liposuction portion of the procedure is more noticeable than the fat graft. Another benefit to fat grafting is that sensation to the breast and nipples remains intact. These areas are sometimes prone to sensation loss with other augmentation procedures. As an added benefit, you get to have fat removed from places where you would like to be slimmer and more toned!

Although there are many benefits to fat grafting, there are a few disadvantages as well, which each patient should be aware of. The fat used to enhance the appearance of the breast is a naturally occurring substance in the body. While this reduces the risk of rejection, it also means the body may absorb some of the injected fat tissue after your procedure. Because of this, the appearance of the breasts you see immediately after the procedure may not last indefinitely. Fat grafting is also less effective in situations where patients have undergone prior radiation treatments.Lastly, if you are looking to achieve a significant change in the size of your breasts, fat grafting may not be able to achieve your goals.

Pros & Cons of Breast Implants

Breast implants have been used for decades to safely help women alter the size and appearance of their breasts. Their safety and efficacy have been well-researched and supported by the FDA, and implants typically last longer than fat grafting. In most cases, the results of implants last for between ten and fifteen years. Choosing implants provides many patients with greater choice when it comes to desired breast size. Also, implants feel and sometimes look more natural than fat grafting.

A primary downside to breast implants is that they require maintenance. Inevitably, they will need to be replaced. The type and placement of the incision used to insert the implant may also have an effect on sensation to the breast or nipple area. Because incisions are necessary to place the implant, scarring often occurs, and recovery times are longer than those of fat grafting.

Fat Graft Vs. Breast Implant Conclusion

When comparing the two procedures, it is clear that no single approach is better than the other. The primary deciding factor for most women is their desired outcomes after their procedure. If you are looking to add a small amount of volume to breast tissue instead of increasing your breast size, then a fat graft with Dr. Sam Jejurikar may be the best choice. However, if you are looking to increase the size of your breast by size or more, implants may be a more beneficial choice. Both procedures are safe for the majority of women and backed by years of research and successful procedures. If you have done your research and believe one of these procedures may help you meet your appearance goals, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sam Jejurikar at the Plastic Surgery Institute in Dallas, TX.

Finding the Right Breast Augmentation Procedure With Dr. Jejurikar

Dr. Sameer (Sam) Jejurikar is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute in Dallas, Texas. His practice focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, eyes, nose, body, and breast. Better known as Dr.J., Dr. Jejurikar has many years of plastic surgery experience and training. He is committed to ensuring each person who seeks his help to achieve their body image goals is cared for in the most innovative and compassionate way possible. Dr. Jejurikar practices the full spectrum of plastic surgery, emphasizing cosmetic procedures, including mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, rhinoplasty, breast lift, and breast augmentation procedures. To learn more about Dr. Jejurikar and his Dallas area practice, get in touch with our office at 214-827-2814. Dr. Jejurikar will be happy to schedule a consultation where you can learn more about tummy tuck procedures.

Not ready to schedule an appointment yet but still want to learn more about how a tummy tuck, liposuction, or breast augmentation with Dr. Jejurikar can help you achieve your postpartum appearance goals? Visit his podcast to learn more about mommy makeovers and how the procedures involved can help.