Before getting into breast augmentation costs, let’s first make sure we’re all on the same page in our understanding, because while the goal of both can be similar, they are very different procedures. A traditional breast augmentation, that is, a breast augmentation with implants, adds volume to the breasts by surgically placing a silicone or saline implant into the breast pocket. A fat transfer breast augmentation is a two-part process that takes excess, unwanted fat from one part of the body through liposuction and injects it into the breast to enhance their size and shape.

A big difference between a breast augmentation and a fat transfer breast augmentation is in the recovery and scarring. In a fat transfer breast augmentation (generally speaking), your main recovery will actually be from the liposuction. You should give yourself about two weeks to recover: three days of solid downtime and relative downtime for the remainder of the two weeks. With traditional breast augmentation, you should expect a similar window of recovery: three days of solid downtime and relative downtime for the remainder of the two weeks. You can expect pain, swelling and sensitivity for a few weeks, but it should subside enough within the first few days to allow you to return to most of your activities without significant discomfort.

When compared to the scars left from breast augmentation with implants, there really is no comparison. While your plastic surgeon will do everything possible to minimise scarring, there’s really no getting around the fact that the incision needed to place a breast implant is much larger than the tiny dot needed for a fat transfer breast augmentation. Therefore, the scars from an augmentation with implants is much more significant that the minimal, if any, scars from fat transfers.

To ensure the best possible outcome, Dr. Barrett has curated a pre- and postoperative regimen to set his breast augmentation with implants and fat transfer breast augmentation patients up for surgical success with the least amount of down time and discomfort possible.

How much is a breast augmentation?

The cost of breast augmentation depends on many factors: your choice of board-certified plastic surgeon, the type of implant you have (saline implants are less expensive than silicone implants), and the placement of your implant (under vs. over the muscle).

How much is a fat transfer breast augmentation?

If all variables are equal, a fat transfer breast augmentation cost is not quite comparable to the cost of a breast augmentation. The cost of a fat transfer breast augmentation is a little more expensive. Simply put, an implant comes off the shelf, sterile and ready to go, whereas your fat is not readily available, so it takes more time to harvest. Then, there’s the fat transfer procedure itself, which also takes more time. And more time = more cost.

Ultimately, when choosing between breasts implants vs fat transfer, you should consider multiple factors, of which cost is of course significant. However, every patient is different and you should discuss your goals with your surgeon and together determine the best procedure for you.

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