Breast Augmentation vs Fat Transfer alone: Hybrid Breast Augmentation with Dr David Ong
For years, patients considering breast augmentation faced a choice between implants or fat transfer. Hybrid breast augmentation combines both techniques within a single procedure.
This approach uses traditional breast implants alongside autologous fat transfer, where fat is harvested from the patient's own body via liposuction and placed around the implant. The aim is to achieve the projection and volume of an implant while using living tissue to address surface contour and transition.
Dr. David Ong, who practices at Studio Aesthetica in Sydney and on the Gold Coast, performs this procedure for patients where a combined approach is clinically appropriate.
How Does Hybrid Augmentation Work?
The procedure is performed in a single surgery, divided into two stages:
1. Implant placement A breast implant (typically silicone) is placed to establish base volume, upper pole fullness, and projection.
2. Fat grafting Fat is harvested via liposuction from a donor site such as the abdomen, flanks, or inner thighs. The fat is then purified and administered around the edges of the implant to address the transition between the implant and the surrounding chest wall.
Clinical Considerations
Reducing visible rippling Rippling is a known complication of breast implants, particularly in patients with lower body fat or thinner overlying tissue. A layer of autologous fat placed over the implant may reduce the visibility and palpability of implant edges. This does not eliminate the risk of rippling but can reduce its appearance in suitable candidates.
Addressing contour Implants alone may produce an abrupt contour in some patients. Fat grafting can be used to smooth the transition from the chest wall to the breast, producing a more gradual slope.
Concurrent body contouring Fat is harvested from donor sites, which may include the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. This results in contour changes at those sites as well as the breasts. Both areas carry their own recovery considerations.
Asymmetry correction Minor breast asymmetry can be addressed using targeted fat placement. This is not a substitute for implant sizing adjustments but can supplement them in cases of shape irregularity.
Patient Suitability
Patients may be considered for hybrid breast augmentation if they:
Have adequate donor fat available for harvest
Have thin breast tissue where implant edges may be visible or palpable
Are seeking revision of a previous augmentation with rippling
Have realistic expectations of outcomes
Patients who are not suitable include those with minimal harvestable body fat, or current smokers. Nicotine impairs fat graft survival and significantly increases surgical risk.
Suitability is determined at a thorough clinical consultation.
Recovery
Recovery involves healing from both implant surgery and liposuction, and is more involved than implant surgery alone.
Breast sites: Post-operative soreness and swelling are expected. A surgical bra is required during the recovery period.
Donor sites: Bruising and tenderness at liposuction sites is expected. Compression garments are worn for several weeks post-operatively.
Fat survival: Fat transfer does not have a guaranteed retention rate. Approximately 30 to 50% of transferred fat is reabsorbed by the body within the first three months. To account for this, a degree of over-correction is applied at the time of surgery. The proportion of fat that survives long-term is considered permanent, though further changes can occur with significant weight fluctuation.
Patients should be aware that final results are not fully apparent until swelling has resolved and fat resorption has stabilised, which typically takes several months.
Availability
Dr. David Ong performs hybrid breast augmentation at Studio Aesthetica in Sydney. Patients may select the location most suitable for them.
Next Steps
If you would like to determine whether hybrid breast augmentation is appropriate for your circumstances, the next step is a private consultation.
To book a consultation with Dr. David Ong, contact Studio Aesthetica today.
