How Much Is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Breast Procedures
how much is a fat transfer breast augmentation
TL;DR:

The average cost of fat transfer breast augmentation in the US is around $5,700, but total expenses can reach $19,000 after adding anesthesia, facility, and post-op fees. Prices are far lower in Mexico ($2,000–$5,000), where qualified surgeons offer excellent care at 50–80% less. Fat transfer provides natural, subtle results using your own fat instead of implants.

In the Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) done in 2020, researchers found that 70.7% of women sampled were dissatisfied with their breast size. In fact, 47.5% of women wanted larger breasts than they currently had, and some are concerned enough that they want to seek plastic surgery.

While you can get breast augmentation with silicone or saline implants, there’s another option available: fast transfer. This is a fantastic alternative if you think implants are too “fake” and would prefer a more natural route.

How much is a fat transfer breast augmentation, and what else should you know? Read on to find out more information on this topic.

How Much Is a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average fat transfer breast augmentation cost in the US is $5,719. This is for the surgery alone, as well as the liposuction to harvest the fat that’s implanted.

Do note that this number doesn’t include things like:

  • Anesthesia
  • Operating room facilities
  • Other related expenses

So when you factor those things in, you may be paying up to even $19,000 in some cases, depending on several factors.

Factors That Affect Breast Fat Transfer Cost

First things first: who you choose for your surgery will impact the cost significantly. A board-certified, highly experienced surgeon will charge a lot more than someone who’s just started out and doesn’t have the same credentials. So of course, experts with many fat-grafting cases and natural-looking results will have premium fees.

Here are the other factors that’ll drive your final price up or down.

Geographical Location

In general, when you seek any type of services in urban/high-cost areas (such as Los Angeles or New York City), the prices will be much higher. This is because the surgeons have to make up for the higher cost of living.

You can always look outside of the US to get the same quality surgery, but at much lower prices. For example, many people travel to Mexico to have procedures done (more on this later).

Extent of Liposuction Needed

Every patient will have their own goals; some may require more fat transfer than others. The more donor sites or larger-volume liposuction is needed, the more time you’ll have to spend in surgery. And this means a higher cost.

Number of Sessions

Unfortunately, fat grafts aren’t always successful. Studies show that anywhere between 20% to 90% of transferred fat can be reabsorbed, so the results aren’t as noticeable as the patients would like.

Therefore, when you get a quote for a fat transfer breast augmentation, this is usually for one session. So if your surgeon expects staged grafting, then ask about per-session pricing.

Facility and Anesthesia Fees

The following can add to your total:

  • Hospital fees
  • Accredited-surgery-center fees
  • Board-certified anesthesiologist fees

Most quotes exclude these factors, so make sure you add these in when comparing your quotes.

Pre-Op Tests, Garments, Meds, Follow-Up

Of course, you don’t just go into the surgery and walk out. There are pre- and post-op steps to go through, and these will add to your costs.

Do note that some clinics will bundle these things, but others bill separately. Make sure you’re clear on this before proceeding.

Revisions and Complications

There’s a small but real chance of needing revision surgery or even treatment for complications. So you should have a bigger budget to accommodate these possibilities, just to be safe.

In addition, you should check whether complication insurance or revision policies are available.

Cost Comparison: Fat Transfer vs Implants

To start, the average cost of breast augmentation with implants is $4,875 (remember that the average for fat transfer breast augmentation is $5,719).

Fat transfer tends to be more expensive since it includes liposuction and grafting. Also, it’s ideal for people who want a more subtle look, as you tend to only go up 1-2 cup sizes.

Implants are more ideal if you want larger and more predictable increases. However, they have their own lifecycle costs, such as future replacements and possible capsular contracture management.

The best way to figure out the best type of breast augmentation is to discuss it with your surgeon.

Get a Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation in Mexico

You can drastically reduce your costs if you opt for a breast augmentation with fat transfer in Mexico. The cost of plastic surgery in this country can be 50% to 80% cheaper than in the US, with average costs for breast augmentation ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

What’s great is that these numbers aren’t just for the surgery itself. Mexican plastic surgeons often bundle other services in these quotes, such as:

  • Pre-op evaluations
  • Overnight stays in clinics/hospitals
  • Medications
  • Limited aftercare
  • Transport

You can save a huge amount of money even after adding in costs for your plane ticket, hotel stay, and even sightseeing.

Of course, you might be wondering if it’s safe to get plastic surgery in Mexico. The answer is yes, if you do your due diligence and pick a reputable and experienced surgeon. For example, check that they’re board-certified and have certifications, as well as recent positive reviews.

Just because prices are cheaper in this country doesn’t necessarily mean that the work is subpar. Costs are much lower here since there’s less overhead, different billing structures, and favorable exchange rates.

Get Fuller Breasts That Have a More Natural Appearance

So how much is a fat transfer breast augmentation? The average price in the US is $5,719 for the procedure alone.

With that said, there are many other factors that can affect how much you pay, so make sure you discuss these things with your surgeon before going forward with the procedure. This can give you peace of mind and help you avoid financial surprises once you’ve committed.

If you’d like to get a fat transfer breast augmentation, then schedule a consultation with us now. Dr. Valdez has over 17 years of experience and is a member of several esteemed organizations, including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does fat transfer breast augmentation cost?

In the US, the average cost is about $5,719 for surgery alone. Including anesthesia, operating room, and follow-up fees, the total can reach up to $19,000. In Mexico, the same procedure averages $2,000–$5,000.

Why is fat transfer breast augmentation more expensive than implants?

It involves two procedures in one—liposuction to harvest fat and grafting to inject it into the breasts. The added time and skill required make it costlier than traditional implants.

Does insurance cover fat transfer breast augmentation?

No, it’s considered a cosmetic procedure and isn’t covered by health insurance. Some clinics offer payment plans or medical tourism packages to help manage costs.

Is it safe to get fat transfer breast augmentation in Mexico?

Yes—if you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with a solid reputation. Mexico’s lower costs are due to reduced overhead and favorable exchange rates, not lower quality of care.

Tags: breast augmentation, breast augmentation vs implants, fat transfer
Dr. Arturo Valdez

Dr. Arturo Valdez

Dr. Arturo Valdez is a top-rated plastic surgeon in Cancun, Mexico, dedicated to helping local and international patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.

Contact Dr. Valdez