Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

What is fat grafting used for in breast surgery?

Fat grafting moves your own fat, harvested by liposuction, to where volume is needed — refining breast reconstruction, softening the edges of an implant, restoring shape after implant removal, or enhancing the breast with no implant at all. Dr. Wai-Yee Li performs it in Los Angeles.

Fat grafting — also called fat transfer — uses your own fat, harvested by liposuction, to add natural volume where it's needed. In breast surgery it is one of the most versatile tools there is: no implant, no foreign material, just your own tissue moved to where it does more good.

Where fat grafting shines

Refining breast reconstruction — after breast reconstruction, small grafts smooth contour irregularities and fill hollows, polishing the result.
Softening implant edges — a layer of your own fat over an implant's border makes the transition to natural tissue smoother, especially in slimmer patients.
Enhancing shape without an implant — for modest, natural-feeling volume, fat alone can enhance the breast with nothing artificial added.
After implant removal — restoring softness and volume when implants come out; see breast implant removal.

How it works

Fat is harvested gently by liposuction — most often from the abdomen, flanks or thighs — purified, and placed in fine layers where it's needed. Because grafted fat is living tissue, a portion integrates permanently while some is naturally absorbed; Dr. Li plans for this in how much she places and discusses whether a touch-up round makes sense for your goal.

Two benefits in one

The area the fat comes from is contoured by the harvest itself — so the donor site slims as the breast gains. Which areas make sense to use is part of the consultation conversation.

To learn whether your goal is better served by fat, an implant, or a combination, book a consultation with Dr. Li or call 626.888.9728.

Frequently asked questions

Is fat grafting permanent?

The portion of grafted fat that takes a blood supply is permanent living tissue; some is naturally absorbed in the first months. Dr. Li plans the amount placed around that, and discusses whether a second round makes sense for your goal.

Where does the fat come from?

Gentle liposuction of areas with fat to spare — commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — which slims the donor area as a side benefit.

Can fat replace an implant entirely?

For modest, natural-feeling volume, yes. For larger changes, an implant or a combination may serve the goal better — the consultation sorts out which is honest for your anatomy.

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›