Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is a minimally invasive option for enhancing breast size and symmetry. This dual-purpose procedure takes fat from another area of your body, such as the stomach or back, and injects it into the breasts for a natural look. Because fat transfer utilizes your own fat, many patients find it offers a natural and low-maintenance option.

Stephanie Stevens

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Written by:

Stephanie Stevens

Content Manager

Dr. Michael Salzhauer

MD, FACS
Miami, Florida
Specializes in:
Brazilian Butt Lift
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Mommy Makeover
Rhinoplasty

Dr. Michael “Dr. Miami” Salzhauer, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Trained at esteemed institutions such as Washington University School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, University of Miami Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, he has built an international reputation for his pioneering work in Brazilian Butt Lifts, “Genius Liposuction,” and advanced body contouring techniques. With decades of experience, he combines surgical excellence with cutting-edge technology, serving as Chief Medical Officer of Bliss Aesthetics while leveraging a global social media presence to bring transparency and innovation to modern aesthetic practice. 

Certifications and Affiliations:

  • Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons
  • Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Hospital privileges at Aventura Medical Center

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Michael Salzhauer

MD, FACS

Board-Certified Surgeon

32 years average age

300k performed annually

94.3% satisfaction rate

75-125 cc cup increase

95.7% fat retention rate

Which techniques are used in Fat Transfer Breast Augmentations?

While every fat transfer breast augmentation follows the same basic steps – removing fat, purifying it, and re-injecting it into the breasts, surgeons may use different techniques at each stage to maximize fat survival and achieve natural-looking results.

01.

Fat Harvesting:

Surgeons remove fat from a donor area using one of several methods. Traditional liposuction is common, while water-assisted liposuction uses a gentle spray to loosen fat cells for better grafts. Power-assisted liposuction adds vibration for smoother harvesting. Laser-assisted options exist but are less common and typically reserved for specific body areas.

02.

Fat Processing:

The fat is always purified before injection. The traditional method is centrifugation, which spins fat to separate pure cells from oils and fluids. Some surgeons prefer newer closed systems that filter and wash fat for higher cell viability. Others rely on sedimentation, allowing fat to separate naturally over time.

03.

Fat Injection Into the Breast:

The microdroplet technique layers tiny amounts of fat in the breasts to encourage blood supply and long-term survival. In some cases, surgeons use tunneling, creating small channels in the breast tissue to prevent clumping. Structural fat grafting is another approach, placing fat strategically for enhanced shape, projection, and control.

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What to Expect Before, During & After the Procedure:

Before the procedure

01

Arrange any necessary medical tests or blood work to confirm your eligibility.

02

Quit smoking and stop taking blood-thinning medications to minimize bruising and bleeding.

03

Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before to improve your blood’s ability to clot.

04

Prepare your post-procedure plan, including support and a well-prepped recovery space.

05

Get a mammogram, breast imaging, and a medical exam to qualify for the procedure.

The procedure day

01

Your surgeon will administer general or local anesthesia depending on the volume of fat being transferred from the donor area to the breasts.

02

Liposuction is used to harvest fat from the stomach, thighs, or lower back, and the donor area is contoured to the desired results.

03

The harvested fat cells are purified with a centrifuge device to remove any impurities or other toxic fluids to ensure safe transfer and long-term storage.

04

Syringes are used to inject the purified fat into varying tissue layers inside your breasts.

05

Compression garments may be wrapped around the chest to support healing.

After the procedure

01

You may leave the clinic or hospital a few hours after your procedure is complete.

02

Swelling and bruising will be present, but will subside gradually between 48-72 hours following the procedure.

03

Return to work after one week of rest, still wearing your compression garment to support continued healing.

04

Bruising fades, discomfort improves, and light exercise can resume about 2-3 weeks post-procedure.

05

Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Bliss turns the typical procedure process into a transformative experience. From your first consultation to your final reveal, every step — before, during, and after — is personalized around you. Your Care Advisor will guide you through surgeon-matching, procedure prep, and post-op healing, making sure you’re fully supported, perfectly prepared, and cared for at every moment.

Let’s talk about results.

Once the swelling subsides significantly, the breasts start to look more natural. After three months post-procedure, the final results are visible, with the surviving fat stabilizing and showing the true long-term volume.

Immediate post-op

Expect swelling, bruising, and soreness in both breasts and donor areas, with most patients able to return to light desk work within a few days.

Weeks 2-4

Bruising peaks and swelling subsides significantly, with the breasts starting to look more natural.

Months 1-3

Bruising fades, comfort improves, and final results take shape as surviving fat stabilizes, showing the true long-term volume.

Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation

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Our dedicated support doesn’t end just because your procedure does. Your Care Advisor stays by your side with tips, tricks, and recovery guidelines to make healing feel easy, smooth, and stress-free. Because you deserve to love your results for life.

The benefits, basics, and big picture.

Every procedure begins with a wish, but it’s not magic. It’s a choice. The perks? Powerful. The trade-offs? Just as real. When you know what’s ahead, you walk in confident in your decision, not just hopeful.

Natural look and feel

Dual benefits

No implants required

Subtle size increase

Unpredictable fat survival

Requires donor fat

Since the procedure uses your own fat, the breasts tend to look and feel more natural. The transferred fat integrates with your existing tissue, creating a softer and subtler enhancement.

Fat transfer is a two-in-one procedure: liposuction removes unwanted fat from areas like the stomach, thighs, or flanks, and that same fat is used to enhance the breasts. This allows for overall body contouring.

Without implants, you eliminate risks like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or the need for future implant replacements. For many, this makes fat transfer feel like a lower-maintenance option.

Most patients gain about a half to one cup size per session. If you’re looking for a dramatic increase, implants or multiple fat transfer sessions may be needed.

Not all of the transferred fat will survive. The body naturally reabsorbs 30–50% of it, which can make results sometimes require a touch-up.

Candidates need a sufficient amount of fat to harvest. Very lean patients may not have enough fat to achieve their desired breast size.

Cost considerations

Your procedure's price breakdown

Expertise and facility costs

This covers your surgeon’s specialized experience in your procedure, along with the costs of the surgical center, including the operating room, recovery room, and all essential equipment.

Scope of the procedure

Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may require special techniques, equipment, or medical recommendations for a unique situation.

Travel expenses

If the right surgeon for you is a plane ride away, then travel costs such as transportation and hotel accommodations will be separate fees you pay in addition to the procedure.

Anesthesia fees

The anesthesia cost includes the anesthesiologist’s time, the type of anesthesia used, and all the monitoring equipment.

Post-procedure care

This means follow-up appointments, prescribed medications, and any medical supplies or garments needed to support your recovery process.

Estimated price range

$9,000
-
$11,000

Accommodations will be included in your final estimate.

Financing is how most Bliss clients bring their dreams to life. Yet, 76% of people exploring procedures still don’t know this option is available. No wonder 85% of those who don’t book say affordability is holding them back, and two-thirds would be more likely to move forward if they knew financing was an option.

We work with trusted lenders like CareCredit to offer you a range of financing options, so you can get started on your procedure now and pay over time. Flexible, secure, and with 0% interest for up to 24 months, it’s care that fits your budget, not the other way around. With multiple providers, we’ll make sure you get the best rate possible.

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