Whether there is congenital breast asymmetry, uneven breast height, developmental deformity of the sternum, underdevelopment of one breast, or any other differences between the two breasts that implants cannot fix, autologous fat transfer can be used to improve one or both the breasts, making the two breasts nearly identical in size and shape. The advantage of this procedure is that it does not require implants and provides a better and safer choice for those who desire symmetry but not size increase. It can also make more detailed adjustments that implants cannot achieve. However, patients would need to have sufficient body fat for liposuction. In addition, because the affected (smaller) breast also usually has poor circulation and tight skin, which may result in a low survival rate of the transferred fat, the detailed evaluation of patients’ fat condition and breast deformity before the surgery and careful selection of surgical method are needed to obtain better correction results.

Surgical conditions

Duration

0hr

Type of anesthesia: General anesthesia or IV sedation
Type of incision: 0.3-cm pinhole incision in the medial or lateral lower breast
1-cm liposuction incision (belly button or groin)
Recovery: 1–2 days
Removal of Stitches: 5–7 days

General instructions

No food and water on the day of surgery

0hr

Stimulation with cold compress or excessive heat should be avoided for 2 weeks postoperatively.
Compression or aggressive massage of the breasts should be avoided for 1 month postoperatively.
Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided for 3 months postoperatively.
Dieting should be avoided for 6 months postoperatively.
Periodic follow-ups and check-ups are necessary if breast lumps are observed even after 6 months.

Ideal candidates

Those with congenital breast asymmetry.
Those with one underdeveloped breast (e.g., Poland syndrome).
Those with uneven thoracic deformity or sternum height (breasts uneven in height).
Those with small difference between the two breasts who would like to make an adjustment.
Those with special breast shapes that cannot be corrected with breast implants.

Possible complications

Breast calcification
Unknown lumps
Autologous absorption
Mammary gland inflammation
Asymmetric breasts
Unsatisfactory results

Surgical advantages

Adjusts breast symmetry without breast implants.
Symmetry adjustment and size increase can be simultaneously performed.
Avoids texture problems and complications associated with implants.
Postoperative texture is similar to that of the contralateral breast.
Unilateral adjustment is possible.

Surgical drawbacks

The skin condition of the affected breast may influence the stability of the surgical result.
Possibly higher rate of fat self-absorption in skinny patients.
Possible fat calcification or lumping.
Contraindicated for those with a family history of breast cancer or multiple cysts.