Breast Implants Versus Fat Transfer: What’s Right for You?
Sun 20th Jul 2025
Breast Augmentation has come a long way. Today, if you’re interested in increasing your breast size, surgical techniques and options have never been better—particularly if you’ve been shy of surgery and only want natural-looking breasts. Breast implants come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, textures and even consistencies (firmness), making the process of finding the right implants for you far more customised. And, if implants aren’t your thing, another option is available: Autologous Fat Grafting, or Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation.
In recent years, breast fat grafting has gained increasing popularity, and there are several reasons for this. Some people simply don’t want a foreign body in their breasts — or they’re concerned about potential complications. For example, a small percentage of people with implants can experience capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, causing the breast to feel hard or even uncomfortable. If capsular contracture occurs, further surgery is usually required. (Fortunately, though, surgical techniques and implant materials have advanced to help significantly reduce the incidence of this complication.)
For some individuals, fat grafting is appealing because the results can appear more natural. As there’s no implant, there’s a more natural feel and contour to the breasts. There are other advantages, too. The cost may be reduced because there are no implants to purchase, healing time is significantly quicker, there’s virtually no scarring, and the procedure is far less painful.
Last but not least, fat grafting offers another attractive benefit — it provides a one-two punch, removing fat from areas where it’s genuinely not wanted, such as the tummy or thighs, then adding it to areas where it’s wanted the most — the breasts. And for many women, this sounds more than just a little appealing.
So, does this sound too good to be true? In a way, yes. Fat grafting isn’t for everyone, and it does have some significant downsides. Potential patients must have adequate body fat stores that can be harvested during the procedure, so it is not suitable for exceptionally lean individuals. (Usually, the fat is taken from the stomach or thighs.)
Additionally, there are limitations to fat grafting. Fat grafting can only increase breast size by perhaps a cup size after one round of surgery. A significant and unpredictable amount of the grafted fat will not survive the procedure, so additional procedures are usually necessary to achieve the desired breast size. Therefore, this must be taken into account when weighing the costs. In the end, it typically will cost much more than a breast implant enhancement.
Further, there’s no guarantee that an equal amount of fat will be successfully grafted on each side, so the breasts may end up irregularly sized. Depending on the extent of irregularity, you may require additional grafting to correct this. Additionally, since we are dealing with fat, its size will not remain constant. It will change in size with any changes in your body weight.
Finally, sometimes the fat that doesn’t survive develops hard lumps, which can even be painful. This can be a potential problem with future breast self-examinations and breast cancer screening.
Despite these limitations, however, if an individual wants a very subtle enhancement and is keen to avoid having a foreign body implanted, a fat transfer is a good option. Here’s what’s involved.
The Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer Procedure
A Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer involves two surgeries: Liposuction (to harvest the fat) and grafting (to transfer the fat to the breasts).
Liposuction
Liposuction is a successful method for removing superficial fat deposits from areas such as the thighs, hips, and abdomen. During the procedure, the surgeon injects a saline solution containing local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor into the targeted area to help loosen the fat cells, making removal easier. Then, they insert a cannula, attached to a suction machine, into the area to remove the fat.
This harvested fat is collected in a specially sealed sterile container, purified and then prepared for transfer to the breasts.
Fat Transfer
There are several different techniques for fat transfer. (During your Initial Consultation, Dr Dona will discuss these with you in detail, as well as advise you on the most suitable procedure for you.)
Essentially, your fat is injected into the areas of the breast requiring additional volume using special syringes and canulas. This is performed in a manner best designed to maximise the fat survival. However, the maximum volume that Dr Dona would ever inject per breast would rarely exceed 150ml. This is because the more fat that is injected, the lower the percentage of that fat is likely to survive.
Considering Breast Implants?
Are Breast Implants Safe?
Before we discuss the pros and cons of implants, we’ll address the legitimate safety concerns that have bothered some individuals in the community. Over the years, various media reports related to breast implants have left many feeling confused and frightened. So let’s examine the facts.
First up: breast cancer. Studies have found no difference in breast cancer severity, aggression or survival rates between women with and without implants. Further, implants don’t affect the ability to detect changes in your breasts, and breast cancer can still be detected early in women with breast implants. (However, if you have implants, you must tell your radiology clinic when you book in for screening. Along with performing a standard mammogram, they may also suggest performing other tests such as an ultrasound or MRI.)
Secondly, let’s address cancer in all its forms. Although implants do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer, there may be a possible association between women with a particular type of breast implant and a rare form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). ACLC is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and in BIA-ALCL, it is a cancer associated with the implant scar tissue capsule. It has only been associated with textured, not smooth implants. And, it is rare, with the textured implants presently available in the Australian market, the risk of this cancer is approximately one in 86,000 women (based on a published study from May 2019).
If detected early, ACLC can be treated effectively. This is another reason why we advise women to continue with their monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms, just as they did before receiving implants. You can read more about the rarity of breast implants and ALCL on the Australian government’s TGA website here.
Are Natural-looking Breast Implants Possible?
Natural-looking breast implants are extremely possible. If you like the idea of having breast implant surgery, but are concerned that you’ll look ‘fake’, simply discuss these concerns with Dr Dona. Arguably, the noticeable implants you see are due to individuals opting for large implants, and/or their surgeon choosing a surgical technique that allows the implants to appear more prominently. Keep in mind: of all the detectable implants you see, there are thousands of individuals with implants that you’d never notice.
To increase the chances of natural-looking breast implants, there are several factors involved, such as:
- Implant placement: Submuscular placement (under the muscle) generally provides a more natural slope and helps hide implant edges.
- Implant size: Selecting an implant size that suits your proportions is crucial.
- Implant shape: Anatomical (teardrop) implants mimic the natural breast shape, sloping from the upper chest down to a fuller lower portion. However, this doesn’t mean that anatomical implants must be chosen if you want a natural look. Depending on the individual, round implants can also look exceedingly natural.
- Implant profile: Low and Moderate profile implants don’t project as far forward as high and extra high profile implants, which can consequently appear more artificial.
- Your surgeon: Choosing a plastic surgeon who is thoroughly experienced in breast augmentation—and who listens to your requests—can dramatically increase your chances of achieving the natural-looking results you want.
For most individuals wanting a natural-looking breast augmentation, breast implant surgery, with the appropriate implants, is still the preferred option. However, occasionally, patients may choose a Hybrid Breast Augmentation.
Hybrid Breast Augmentation (Implants + Fat Transfer)
This type of Breast Augmentation is a valid option for a tiny group of patients. The procedure involves using a breast implant, then performing a Fat Transfer to further refine and customise the results. Once again, though, most individuals wanting a natural-looking breast augmentation can achieve this result through implants alone, performed by an experienced surgeon.
Pros and Cons of Breast Implants
Breast implant surgery is the most common cosmetic surgery in Sydney, Australia and across the globe. And there are many benefits. Implants can either significantly or subtly increase breast size. They provide long-lasting results, providing the patient with a known volume that remains consistent even with body weight fluctuations. And, there are numerous sizes, shapes and profiles to help you achieve your objectives.
On the downside, implant surgery is a more invasive surgical procedure and takes more time to recover than a fat transfer. The surgery leaves a scar (albeit very small) that sits horizontally, under the breast in the breast crease. Finally, there is always the small potential for implant-associated complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.
Book an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona
Choosing the right type of Breast Augmentation to suit your objectives is a big decision, and should be thought through carefully. To find out more, the first step is an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona.
This consultation is your chance to discuss all your concerns about your breasts and ask any questions. During this time, Dr Dona will also ask you questions, including details of your medical history, previous surgeries and current medications. He’ll conduct a physical examination and determine which types of surgeries may be suitable for you.
As an experienced plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of Breast Augmentation surgeries, Dr Dona always aims to create a surgical plan tailored to your personal preferences, while aligning with your physical proportions. If you’re concerned about implants or are keen to have extremely natural-looking results, he’ll be happy to discuss these issues with you.
Dr Dona will then clearly communicate the details of the potential surgery (or surgeries), your recovery process and outline all possible risks and complications related to these procedures.
By the end of your consultation, you’ll be thoroughly informed about your options, giving you more confidence to consider your choices carefully.
