The effects of time, gravity, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can cause your breasts to sag and look deflated. These issues can affect your self-confidence and limit your clothing choices. A breast lift combined with fat transfer or implants will add volume and restore your youthful silhouette.
Renowned board-certified and double fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Marie Noland will thoroughly explain these options and help you decide which approach makes more sense for your aesthetic goals.
What Is Mastopexy?
Mastopexy, more commonly known as a breast lift, is a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. When performing this surgery, Dr. Noland removes excess skin, tightens what remains, and repositions the nipple-areola complex for a more lifted and natural position.
Unlike breast augmentation, which specifically adds volume, the primary goals of a breast lift are to correct contour and positioning. Combining your breast lift with a fat transfer or implants will create the desired volume and elevation.
What Is Fat Transfer to the Breasts?
Fat transfer to the breasts is a technique that uses fat taken from elsewhere on your body to enhance shape and volume. Often referred to as natural breast augmentation, this procedure involves harvesting fat cells from areas like your abdomen, thighs, or flanks via liposuction, then purifying and strategically injecting them into your breasts.
This method is ideal for patients seeking subtle volume enhancement with a soft, natural feel. It’s also excellent if you don’t feel comfortable placing synthetic implants into your breasts or want to contour multiple areas in one comprehensive procedure.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are medical devices used to enhance breast size, shape, and symmetry. Augmentation with silicone or saline implants is consistently one of the most sought-after forms of cosmetic surgery, offering dramatic and customizable results for women seeking fuller, more proportionate breasts.
- Silicone implants come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Women who choose silicone implants should get regular screenings and imaging to detect a silent rupture.
- Saline implants are empty shells, which Dr. Noland fills with sterile saltwater after placing them in the breast pockets, allowing for smaller incisions and adjustable volume. They tend to feel slightly firmer and may visibly ripple if you have less natural breast tissue.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer vs. Implants?
Choosing whether to pair your breast lift with fat transfer or implants involves comparing several factors. During your consultation, Dr. Noland will assess your anatomy, lifestyle, and goals to determine which option suits you better.
Fat transfer is ideal if you want a natural‑looking augmentation with subtle volume. Many patients prefer this approach because it uses their natural tissue instead of synthetic implants and offers the added benefit of body contouring. However, not all the transplanted fat cells will survive in their new location, so you may need touch‑up procedures to achieve the best long‑term results.
Dr. Noland may recommend implants if you seek a more dramatic size or projection increase. They provide consistent, long‑lasting volume and are especially effective for correcting significant asymmetry or restoring fullness lost after pregnancy or weight changes. Implants are also a viable option if you don’t have sufficient body fat for harvesting.
Recovery After Fat Transfer vs. Breast Implants
Understanding the recovery process lets you set realistic expectations when choosing between fat transfer and breast implants. Each option has a different healing timeline and postoperative experience.
Most women who choose a breast lift with fat transfer feel well enough to return to light activities within three to five days. You may feel mild soreness in your breasts and the donor areas. Compression garments promote healing in the liposuction sites, while a specialized bra helps your breasts settle into their new position and gives the transferred fat the best chance to thrive.
Recovery after a lift with implants usually takes a little bit longer. Most patients feel ready for light activities after five to seven days. Moderate chest tightness and soreness are typical, especially if you choose to have Dr. Noland place your implants under your pectoral muscles. A surgical bra provides support and reduces swelling, and you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting or upper‑body workouts for four to six weeks to protect your results.
How Long Do Results Last?
Transferring fat to your breasts is an all-natural alternative to silicone or saline implants. The fat cells that establish a blood supply in their new location will be there permanently. However, your body will absorb some of the injected fat within the first few months, after which you may consider getting a touch-up procedure to achieve your ideal volume. Your results will age naturally with you, influenced by factors like weight fluctuation and gravity.
Breast implants provide consistent volume and shape for years. Though modern implants can last a decade or more, they are not lifetime devices and come with long-term maintenance considerations. You may require revision surgery to align with your changing aesthetic preferences or to correct medical complications like implant rupture or capsular contracture.
Why Choose Dr. Noland in Surrey, BC?
Multiple factors determine whether fat transfer or implants will be a better fit for you, including your body type and aesthetic preferences. Partner with a qualified surgeon for personalized guidance and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Dr. Noland is a trusted name in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery in Surrey, BC, known for her meticulous technique, artistic eye, and patient-centered approach. With years of specialized experience in breast lift surgery, fat transfer breast enhancements, and implant augmentations, Dr. Noland’s commitment to natural-looking results, patient safety, and compassionate care has earned her a reputation as one of the region’s leading plastic surgeons.
If you’re ready to explore your options for a breast lift with fat transfer or implants, Dr. Noland is here to guide you with expertise you trust and results you’ll love. Reach out to our office by calling (778) 244-7555 or complete our online consultation request form. We look forward to meeting you soon!
