One of the major attractions of fat grafting breast augmentation is its natural and subtle enhancement. However, it is important to approach the procedure with a realistic and medical perspective.

■ Average Volume Increase Per Session

The average size increase from a single fat grafting procedure is approximately 1 to 1.5 cup sizes.

While results vary depending on body type, skin elasticity, injected volume, and postoperative care, claims such as “2–3 cup sizes in one session” or “almost 100% fat survival” should be interpreted cautiously.

■ Is an 80% Fat Survival Rate Realistic?

Recently, various terms have emerged, such as:

• Condensed fat grafting
• Exosome-enhanced fat grafting
• Stem cell-assisted fat grafting (long-term evidence still limited)
• “Regenerative” breast augmentation

However, regardless of branding, the biological mechanism of fat survival does not fundamentally change.

Only fat cells that successfully establish blood supply will survive. Excessive injection in one area increases the risk of central necrosis.

Therefore, consistently guaranteeing an 80% survival rate is not medically realistic.

Medicine follows physiology — not marketing terminology.

■ Risk Comparison with Silicone Implants

Fat grafting offers the advantage of a more natural look and feel.
However, its risk profile differs from silicone implant augmentation.

Silicone implant risks include:

• Capsular contracture
• Infection
• Implant rupture

Fat grafting risks include:

• Fat necrosis
• Lump formation
• Calcification
• Infection

The incidence of palpable lumps is generally higher with fat grafting.

Natural does not mean risk-free.

■ Balanced Understanding is Essential

Fat grafting offers:

✔ Natural texture
✔ No foreign body
✔ Simultaneous body contouring

However, it also comes with:

✔ Limited size increase
✔ Survival rate limitations
✔ Risk of lump formation

The key in aesthetic medicine is not chasing ideals, but understanding both advantages and limitations before making a decision.

Beauty surgery is not magic.
But when chosen wisely, it can significantly enhance quality of life.