Augmentation Without Implants Denver
in Denver, CO
in Denver, CO
At BEAUTY by BUFORD in Denver, CO, we specialize in advanced breast augmentation with fat transfer, providing patients with a natural way to enhance their breast volume using their own tissue. This technique creates a softer, more organic look and feel, making it an appealing choice for patients seeking moderate, beautifully contoured results without implants. Dr. Gregory Buford and his skilled team are known for their precise approach, delivering elegant, natural-looking outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique goals.
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Breast augmentation consistently tops the charts as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in Denver and nationwide. While the overwhelming majority of patients love what breast implants can achieve, not every patient who desires fuller, shapelier breasts wants or is a good candidate for implants. With fat grafting, a beautiful breast augmentation without implants is possible.
You don't necessarily have to choose between reaching your aesthetic goals and making the best choice for your personal needs. Board-certified plastic surgeon Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS, PCEO, is experienced in autologous fat transfer breast augmentation; a specialized technique that uses excess fat from the belly, hips, or thighs and relocates it to the breast to add natural fullness without implants. With this highly advanced procedure, Dr. Buford can help you improve the contours of your breasts and your body, enhancing your overall proportions with the peace of mind that comes from using your own natural tissue.
An autologous fat transfer to the breasts involves three basic steps. First, Dr. Buford performs liposuction to remove excess, unwanted fat from specified locations and sculpt a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing shape in the donor area.
Next, he purifies the harvested fat, optimizing it for injection into the breasts. Finally, Dr. Buford injects the fat in precise amounts and locations to achieve a fuller, rounder, and more beautiful breast contour. Because some fat is expected not to "take," Dr. Buford may initially inject a greater amount with the expectation that your body will naturally metabolize some of the fat. Over time, results will settle to achieve the improvements you and Dr. Buford intended.
Improving Results of Previous Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting — Dr. Buford can often use fat grafting to help patients perfect their look following a breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants. This can be a great option for those who want just a little more fullness—especially in the upper pole of the breast—to achieve their goals without having to undergo implant replacement surgery.
The procedure steps are virtually the same; Dr. Buford will adjust his technique to safely and methodically inject fat around the existing breast capsule to achieve your desired enhancement. He can also perform fat grafting during breast implant surgery to achieve just the right result the first time around; this can be a great option for those with more complex asymmetry that cannot be corrected with implants alone.
While Dr. Buford has the skill, training, and experience to achieve beautiful, successful outcomes with even more substantial fat grafting procedures, it is a highly specialized procedure that is better suited to patients who:
Recovery from breast augmentation with fat transfer is generally smoother and quicker than traditional implant surgery, but it requires careful adherence to post-op instructions for optimal results. Patients can expect mild to moderate swelling and bruising at both the liposuction and transfer sites, which typically subsides within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Buford may recommend wearing a compression garment over the areas where liposuction was performed to reduce swelling and encourage skin retraction. A surgical bra may also be worn during early recovery to promote good healing and an optimal result.
In the first few days post-surgery, rest is essential. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, including exercise and heavy lifting until cleared by Dr. Buford. However, light walking is encouraged to promote healthy circulation. To protect the transferred fat cells, it’s important to avoid direct pressure on the breasts, so sleeping on the back is recommended. With diligent care and adherence to Dr. Buford’s guidance, patients can support optimal healing and enjoy beautiful results.
Patients will notice an immediate increase in volume and shape after breast augmentation with fat transfer. However, it’s normal to see some initial fullness decrease slightly as the body absorbs a portion of the transferred fat. After 2-3 months, patients can see more stable, lasting results as the surviving fat cells integrate and provide soft, natural-looking enhancement.
These results can be long-lasting, with most patients enjoying the benefits of their fat transfer for many years. Maintaining a stable weight is essential for best results, as significant weight fluctuations may affect the fat grafts. Dr. Buford’s expert approach ensures patients experience satisfying, lasting enhancements, giving them confidence in their naturally contoured silhouette.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Buford will go over all of the details of a fat transfer breast augmentation at your initial consultation. He will be happy to answer your questions and come up with the best plan to meet your personal goals. Please contact BEAUTY by BUFORD at our Lone Tree plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation.
Before you meet with Dr. Buford for your consultation, consider filling out our breast self-assessment. By sharing how you see yourself, we can best evaluate your aesthetic goals and determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Results from fat transfer breast augmentation are typically long-lasting. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in the new area, they remain there permanently. However, maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the results, as weight fluctuations can affect fat cells throughout the body.
In-office Breast Fat Grafting With ProNox®
If you choose to have your breast fat grafting done in-office, we use ProNox® to ensure your ultimate comfort during your procedure. ProNox is an innovative pain management system that uses a 50/50 combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen to minimize discomfort.
Nitrous oxide is one of the oldest and safest forms of sedation; it calms the central nervous system to help make your procedure even more comfortable.
ProNox is patient-controlled, meaning that you simply breathe through the mouthpiece whenever you feel that you need it. The pain-reducing effects are immediate, and the gas will be completely out of your system within a few minutes, which allows you to return to your normal activities without lingering side effects.
Read more about how ProNox® can make your in-office procedures more comfortable.
The amount of fat needed varies depending on the patient’s desired outcome. About 300-1000cc of fat per breast is standard, but individual requirements depend on the patient’s body type, available donor fat, and the size increase they want to achieve. Dr. Buford will assess your goals during your consultation to customize your treatment plan.
Fat transfer breast augmentation can be combined with other body contouring or rejuvenation procedures. Popular choices include liposuction for shaping additional areas or even a tummy tuck. Dr. Buford will discuss your goals and advise on the best combination approach to achieve cohesive, natural-looking results.
Yes, when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, fat transfer breast augmentation is a safe, effective option. Since the procedure uses your fat rather than foreign materials, there’s little risk of rejection. Dr. Buford has performed thousands of successful breast enhancement procedures. His advanced technique ensures safety, minimizes complications, and maximizes the natural beauty of your results.
Most patients can return to light activities and work within a week of surgery, depending on the nature of their job. Bruising and swelling may take longer to subside, but the recovery is generally easier than with traditional implants, as no large incisions are required. Dr. Buford provides detailed aftercare instructions for a smooth return to daily activities.
Some initial volume decrease is expected as the body absorbs a small portion of the transferred fat cells. After about three months, the remaining fat cells should be stable, providing lasting volume. By carefully purifying the harvested fat, Dr. Buford ensures the highest possible fat cell survival rate. He will also slightly overfill the treatment area to compensate for this expected fat loss.
With decades of experience, Dr. Buford has honed his skills to deliver exceptional results. Whether you're seeking to refine or rejuvenate your naturally beautiful appearance, Dr. Buford's personalized approach ensures that your needs are met with world-class skill and precision. Schedule a consultation today to put Dr. Buford’s expertise to work for you.
