fashionable woman wearing one-piece swimsuit with full natural-looking breasts

Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS

Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care

Natural Breast Augmentation
with Fat Transfer

There is an increasing number of patients who desire natural breast augmentation and breast lifts without the use of breast implants. Natural breast augmentation stands out as a sought-after procedure for those desiring a modest increase in breast size while maintaining a natural look and feel. Dr. Bucky, based in Philadelphia, PA, is a distinguished plastic surgeon and a pioneer in the field of breast augmentation using autologous fat transfer. For over two decades, Dr. Bucky has been at the forefront of this innovative method, performing live surgeries and educating fellow physicians. His expertise extends internationally, where he has delivered lectures on utilizing fat for breast augmentation and lifts, minimizing pain post-mastectomy, and combining implant removal with fat replacement. Recognized globally as an authority in this area, Dr. Bucky was the first to publish a paper on the safety and effectiveness of this technique and has subsequently authored numerous influential publications on the topic.

beautiful woman posing in lace bra

What is Natural Breast Augmentation?

Natural breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that involves transferring fat from other areas of your body to enlarge the breasts. This technique uses the patient’s own fat, making it a natural and biocompatible option. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a modest enhancement in breast size and a more natural contour.

Benefits of Natural Breast Enhancement With Fat Grafting

Natural breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all operation; this procedure allows for the customization of shaping the breast tissue. Dr. Bucky can add more fat to the upper pole or lower pole of the breast, and even create cleavage in a natural and long-lasting way.

In addition, breast augmentation with fat transfer also has the following benefits:

  • Natural Results: As it uses your own fat, the results feel and look natural.
  • Dual Benefits: This procedure not only enhances the breast size but also contours the area where fat is removed.
  • No Implant Maintenance Required: One of the significant benefits of natural breast augmentation is the absence of implant maintenance. Unlike traditional breast implants, which may eventually require removal or replacement, this fat grafting method eliminates the need for any future surgeries related to implant upkeep.
  • Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional breast implants, this method is less invasive, with minimal scarring because there are no significant incisions.
  • Correction of Asymmetry: This procedure offers the benefit of improving cosmetic issues like asymmetry in breast size or shape, allowing for a more balanced and harmonious appearance.
  • Avoidance of Implant-Related Risks: Natural breast augmentation with fat grafting significantly reduces the risk of complications associated with breast implant surgery, such as capsular contracture.

Candidates For Implant-Free Breast Surgery

Good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation are women who want to be no more than one cup size larger and want a very natural appearance.2 In addition, many women also desire to have the removal of extra fat from a “problem area“ on their body, such as the abdomen, flanks, back, or thighs.

young woman posing in underwear showing full body

Preparing for Natural Breast Augmentation

Preparation is key to a successful procedure. It includes a thorough consultation with Dr. Bucky to discuss your goals and expectations. Patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations. Smoking cessation and avoiding certain medications are recommended to ensure optimal healing.

The Natural Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation and breast lifts without the use of implants can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is typically performed under intravenous sedation without the use of general anesthesia. The fat transfer procedure involves two main steps, beginning with liposuction to harvest the fat cells from areas where it is abundant on the patient’s own body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or hips. This is followed by the careful injection of the fat into the breasts to enhance breast shape and volume.

The discomfort associated with this procedure is no more than routine liposuction. Patients can typically drive 48 hours after surgery and return to the gym with a supportive bra in two weeks.

young cheerful woman with full breasts in sports bra

Natural Breast Augmentation Recovery and Results

While recovery time varies, the discomfort associated with this procedure is no more than routine liposuction. Most patients can typically drive 48 hours after surgery, resume normal activities within a week, and return to the gym with a supportive bra in two weeks. Some swelling and bruising are expected, which gradually subsides. This procedure results in fuller breasts, which are visible immediately following surgery, with final outcomes apparent once the swelling has fully resolved. The results are long-lasting, though they may change if you experience significant weight fluctuations.

Dr. Bucky’s comprehensive recovery program includes lymphatic massage and Endosphere treatments to help reduce the swelling and tighten skin on the liposuction donor site. The key to successful natural fat breast augmentation is expectation management. It’s important that patients understand that the long-term result of autologous fat transfer to the breasts does not achieve the same appearance as saline or silicone breast implants. The ultimate result takes about three months in order to determine volume shape and size. If patients desire to be bigger, typically they can have a second fat grafting session after six months.

FAQs About Natural Breast Augmentation

The results are generally long-lasting, but significant weight changes can affect the outcomes.

Discomfort is typically minimal and well-managed with prescribed medication.

Yes, it’s often combined with other cosmetic procedures for more comprehensive body contouring.

Individual results can vary, but the procedure is best suited for those seeking a modest increase in breast volume. The key to successful natural fat grafting is having the experience to know how much fat a recipient’s breast can tolerate in order to avoid the complications of fat, necrosis, and cyst formation.3 It is Dr. Bucky‘s primary objective to provide a beautiful breast without compromising mammograms, or breast health.

Natural Breast Augmentation Reviews

I just had my second breast augmentation surgery with Br. Bucky and very happy with the results! They look so natural and really fit my frame perfectly. He is very attentive with a great bedside manner. He has an amazing team as well - very responsive to any questions or concerns throughout the process. I would highly recommend Dr. Bucky!
gold stars T G
One of the best decisions - can't express how much I love the result Dr. Bucky and his staff were absolutely wonderful! They answered all of my questions and helped me feel confident in my decision to have breast augmentation. I can't express how much I love the result.
gold stars rmhyzenski
Look no further for your cosmetic needs! I am beyond words to explain how happy and comfortable I am after getting a breast augmentation from Dr. Bucky! I did some research, and from the beginning was leaning towards him. I set my consultation. And from there on out I was not alone on my journey towards self improvement. His whole staff are so comforting, helpful and knowledgeable. Never in my years of going to any business have I ever came across a group that made you feel like you were where you needed to be! To before, during and after the procedure, if I had a question or concern, all I had to do was pick up my phone. Not once was I disappointed in this office! I will continue to use his expertise. I would like to thank Dr. Bucky and all the ladies at the Ardmore office for everything they do! I am truly happy and will forever be grateful to them all!!! With love,
gold stars Jessica C.
close up of woman's full cleavage in bra

Schedule A Consultation For Natural Breast Augmentation

Ready to explore the possibilities of natural breast augmentation? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Louis P. Bucky in Philadelphia, PA, today, and take the first step towards achieving your desired breast aesthetics with a personalized, expert approach. Contact us to begin your journey to a naturally enhanced you.

1 Cleveland Clinic. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24033-fat-transfer-breast-augmentation. Accessed November 21, 2023.
2 ASPS. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation. Accessed November 21, 2023.
3 Archives of Plastic Surgery. The use of autologous fat grafts in breast surgery: A literature review. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6882697/. Accessed November 21, 2023.

Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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Bucky Plastic Surgery