Breast Fat Transfer in Montclair, NJ
Across the country, the focus in plastic surgery has changed. Patients want results that look authentic—refined shape, balanced proportions. In breast surgery, fat transfer has become the clearest expression of that change. Breast fat transfer uses a patient’s own fat to enhance breast volume and contour, creating a natural look without implants. At New Jersey Plastic Surgery in Montclair, Dr. Barry DiBernardo and Dr. Matthew Trovato perform this procedure with precision, combining advanced liposuction techniques and meticulous fat grafting to achieve naturally beautiful results.
Breast fat transfer, also known as fat grafting for breast augmentation, is a two-step procedure. First, fat is removed from one area of the body through a liposuction procedure, then purified and injected into the breasts to add volume or enhance shape.
The process begins with identifying donor sites—areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs where excess fat can be safely harvested. Once removed, the fat is processed to isolate healthy, viable fat cells. The purified fat is then carefully reintroduced into the breast tissue through tiny incisions, layering it to create smooth, natural contours. Unlike silicone implants, which rely on an artificial structure to add size, fat transfer uses your own living tissue. This makes it an ideal option for women who prefer a natural alternative to implants or who wish to correct lost volume after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Breast fat transfer isn’t just about size. It’s about proportion, texture, and subtle refinement. The results are soft, stable, and in harmony with your body. Benefits include:
Because fat transfer enhances both the donor and recipient areas, most patients enjoy a more sculpted figure overall.
Ideal candidates are women in good health who want modest, natural enhancement or correction of uneven or asymmetric breasts. You should have a stable weight, enough excess fat in areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and realistic expectations about the level of volume increase possible.
This technique is not meant to replace large-volume implant augmentation. Instead, it’s best suited for patients who want to subtly add volume or refine their results after prior surgeries or breast reconstruction. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss any prior surgeries, and examine your skin tone and breast tissue quality to determine if this approach is right for you.
For patients who want to increase breast size without implants, fat transfer creates a fuller appearance using your own natural tissue. The improvement is modest yet noticeable—ideal for women seeking balance rather than dramatic change.
Fat grafting can soften the look of existing breast implants or correct contour irregularities after augmentation. By blending the edges or filling areas of rippling, fat transfer creates a smoother transition and more natural slope.
After breast cancer surgery or reconstructive procedures, fat grafting can refine shape, correct unevenness, and improve skin texture or tightness. It’s also used for immediate reconstruction to restore breast volume in conjunction with implant or flap techniques.
Aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss can cause breasts to lose fullness. Fat transfer restores subtle curves, especially in the upper breast, giving a youthful, lifted look without major surgery.
Every breast fat transfer begins with a private consultation at New Jersey Plastic Surgery. During this appointment, your surgeon will assess your goals, donor areas, and breast tissue to determine the best approach. They’ll also discuss anesthesia options—local anesthesia for small-volume transfers or general anesthesia for more extensive procedures. Patients may be advised to stop smoking or avoid certain medications. You should maintain a stable body weight before surgery. A comprehensive pre-operative plan is designed to optimize fat survival and recovery.
Because fat transfer results depend on proportion and projection, visualization is essential. NJPS uses Vectra 3D Imaging, an advanced tool that helps patients preview potential outcomes before surgery. The system uses six cameras to create a detailed digital model of the chest. With this, your surgeon can simulate how different volumes of purified fat might change shape and balance, allowing you to preview your results from multiple angles. It’s an invaluable way to ensure your expectations align with what’s surgically possible.
Your procedure typically takes two to three hours and involves two coordinated steps: harvesting and grafting.
First, your surgeon performs liposuction on selected donor sites—most often the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. Using small incisions, the fat is gently removed to preserve its structure. The harvested fat is then purified to isolate healthy fat cells and stem cells, ensuring only viable tissue is used for transfer. Once prepared, the breast fat transfer procedure begins. The purified fat is injected into the breasts using fine cannulas, layered throughout the breast tissue to build shape, projection, and smooth contours. This technique requires precision: each injection is carefully placed to ensure even distribution and promote fat survival. Because the fat comes from your own body, there’s no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. Most patients describe only mild discomfort after surgery, similar to post-liposuction soreness.
Recovery after fat transfer breast augmentation is straightforward. Most patients return to light activities after about one week. Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising in both the donor and breast areas is normal and fades within a few weeks.
A supportive surgical bra may be worn to help shape the breasts and reduce swelling, while compression garments are used for the donor area. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for the first few weeks to protect newly transferred fat cells. Because this is a living tissue graft, some of the transferred fat naturally reabsorbs in the first few months. Your surgeon will evaluate results during follow-up visits and may suggest a second session if you want additional fullness.
Results develop gradually as swelling subsides and the transferred fat settles. The breasts feel soft, warm, and natural to the touch—unlike the structured feel of implants.
You’ll notice visible improvement within several weeks, but it can take a few months for final results as the fat stabilizes and integrates with surrounding tissue. Once established, the results are long-lasting. The retained fat behaves like the rest of your body’s fat cells—it expands or contracts slightly with weight changes. Maintaining a stable weight and following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions will help preserve your results for years to come.
Aftercare focuses on supporting fat cell survival and maintaining skin integrity. Avoid direct pressure on the breasts for several weeks, and sleep on your back to prevent compression of the grafted area.
A gentle massage may be recommended once healing is underway to keep tissues soft and flexible. Hydration, nutrition, and avoiding smoking all contribute to long-term results. For the donor site, maintaining healthy circulation helps minimize swelling and smooth contour. Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups to monitor your progress and ensure your body is healing as expected.
The cost of breast fat transfer in New Jersey varies based on the number of donor areas, surgical technique, and desired results. Fees typically include anesthesia, facility use, and the surgeon’s expertise. Because this procedure involves two procedures in one—liposuction and fat grafting—pricing reflects the complexity and time required. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized estimate. While most health insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic procedures, financing options are available for qualified patients.
With over three decades of experience, Dr. Barry DiBernardo and Dr. Matthew Trovato are leaders in New Jersey plastic surgery. Dr. DiBernardo’s reputation as an innovator in aesthetic technology and body contouring techniques has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, The New York Times, and on CNN and The Doctors. Dr. Trovato brings expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, combining artistry with precision in every procedure.
Their approach to breast fat transfer is rooted in both science and art to achieve the authentic results possible with this procedure. NJPS offers over 40 advanced devices and technologies, ensuring every treatment is tailored, precise, and grounded in proven technique.
If you’re considering natural breast augmentation, breast reconstruction enhancement, or a refined approach to breast shaping, breast fat transfer may be your ideal option. Schedule your consultation with New Jersey Plastic Surgery in Montclair to meet with Dr. DiBernardo or Dr. Trovato and design a plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.
Yes. The procedure uses your own fat, minimizing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. Risks are low when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
Most of the transferred fat that survives the first few months becomes permanent. Some natural reabsorption is expected, but the results are long-lasting.
Only tiny incisions are made for liposuction and injection, and these typically fade quickly.
Yes. A surgical bra and compression garment for the donor area help minimize swelling and improve contour.
In most cases, yes. The procedure doesn’t affect milk ducts or glandular tissue.
Pregnancy can alter breast size and shape, but fat transfer results typically adjust naturally with your body.
New Jersey Plastic Surgery 29 Park St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Our New Jersey Plastic Surgery cosmetic specialists are ready to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with the most advanced treatments the cosmetic industry has to offer. Contact us today to take your first step toward a more beautiful you.
