Fat transfer breast augmentation is reshaping modern plastic surgery (2025)

TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – For years, breast implants have been the standard for women looking to enhance their figures. But a growing number of patients are turning to a different method—fat transfer breast augmentation, a natural approach that uses a woman’s own fat to create fuller, more shapely breasts.

Unlike traditional implants, this procedure eliminates the need for foreign objects in the body, significantly reducing risks like implant rupture and long-term complications. The trend has been gaining momentum, with recent data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) showing a 117% increase in fat transfer breast augmentations in the U.S. from 2020 to 2021.

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One clinic at the forefront of this movement is Squlpt, a Los Angeles- and Miami-based aesthetic practice specializing in SoftSqulpt technology, an advanced method of awake liposuction and fat transfer designed to contour the body and enhance breast volume without the risks of general anesthesia.

Why Fat Transfer Is on the Rise

Dr. Daniel Suissa, MD, FRCS, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and founder of Squlpt, has seen a shift in what women want from their procedures.

“Women today are looking for natural-looking results and want to avoid the implant look,” Suissa said. “With fat transfer, we’re using your own fat instead of a foreign object, and we’re shaping multiple areas of the body at the same time.”

Fat transfer breast augmentation involves taking fat from areas like the abdomen, back, or thighs using a technique called awake lipo-shaping, where patients remain conscious but comfortable throughout the procedure. The fat is then purified and strategically injected into the breasts to create a proportional, teardrop shape.

Suissa said avoiding general anesthesia is a major reason many women prefer this option. “More people today want to steer clear of the risks and harder recovery associated with being put under,” he said. “This procedure allows them to achieve their ideal look with minimal downtime and scarring.”

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With growing awareness of implant-related complications—such as breast implant illness, capsular contracture, and the need for replacements every 10 to 15 years—some women are questioning whether traditional implants will remain the top choice.

While Suissa acknowledges that implants still serve a purpose for some patients, he believes the landscape is changing.

“For now, implants still have a place in cosmetic surgery,” he said. “Some women prefer the implant look or don’t have enough fat for a transfer, though that’s rare. But as technology advances, we may eventually see implants become obsolete.”

One of the key innovations experts are watching is fat cell reproduction technology, which could allow for larger volume transfers and more predictable results. “Once we can reproduce fat cells in a lab and reinject them, that will be game over for implants,” Suissa said. “But we’re still a few years away from that.”

Who Is Choosing Fat Transfer Over Implants?

The typical patient profile is shifting, too. While breast augmentation has long been associated with younger women, Suissa says the demand is coming from a broader range of patients.

“We see younger women in their early 20s who finally have the means to achieve the shape they’ve always wanted,” he said. “But we also see mothers post-breastfeeding who are looking to restore lost volume and feel confident in their bodies again.”

For many women, fat transfer isn’t just about breast enhancement—it’s about body sculpting as a whole. Since the procedure removes stubborn fat from common problem areas, it’s often seen as a two-in-one solution that creates a more contoured, balanced look.

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Cost and Considerations

Fat transfer breast augmentation does come at a higher upfront cost than implants, with pricing in the U.S. averaging $10,000 to $15,000 depending on how many areas of the body require liposuction. However, the long-term investment can be more cost-effective since there’s no need for implant replacements over time.

Financing options are available at many clinics, including Squlpt, to make the procedure more accessible.

“This is plastic surgery, so patients should do their research and go to an experienced clinic,” Suissa said. “It’s important to choose a provider who specializes in fat transfer and understands the artistry behind it.”

The Bottom Line

While breast implants are still a popular choice, the rising demand for natural, implant-free alternatives is undeniable. Fat transfer breast augmentation offers a safer, more natural-looking solution that also enhances the overall body shape.

As more women become aware of this option, the industry could see a major shift in the years to come—one that prioritizes long-term results, patient safety, and a more holistic approach to body contouring.

For those considering the procedure, Suissa recommends consulting with a board-certified provider to determine the best option for their body and goals.

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