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Breast6 November 20256 min read

Breast augmentation: implants vs. your own fat – the complete comparison

Today, a breast augmentation can be achieved in two ways: with silicone implants or by transferring your own fat (lipofilling). Both procedures are established and serve different goals.

The key points in brief

  • Plannable sizes and shapesImplants allow a targeted choice of volume and projection – from subtle to pronounced.

  • Soft transitionsYour own fat feels like the body's own tissue and forms soft transitions; the gain in volume is usually moderate.

  • Skin quality mattersElasticity, tissue thickness and nipple position determine whether a breast lift is also needed (e.g. Breast lift 2.0 – Biological Inner Bra).

  • Follow-up and long termImplants need regular follow-up checks; your own fat behaves like the body's own tissue and responds to fluctuations in weight.

Today, breast augmentation can be achieved in two ways: with silicone implants or by transfer of your own fat (lipofilling). Both procedures are established and serve different goals. This guide shows the differences concisely and clearly – from suitability and the surgical procedure to durability, risks, scars, recovery time and cost factors. The aim is a decision that makes sense anatomically, medically and aesthetically.

The methods in brief

Breast implants (silicone)

  • Principle

    Building up volume and shape with a cohesive silicone gel implant.

  • Volume

    From a small correction to a marked enlargement.

  • Choice of shape

    Round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped), different projections.

  • Location

    Subglandular, submuscular or dual plane – depending on tissue, sporting activity and desired contour.

  • Predictability

    Size and projection can be determined very precisely in advance.

Transfer of your own fat (lipofilling)

  • Principle

    Gentle removal of fat (e.g. abdomen, flanks, thighs), processing and fan-shaped micro-injection into the breast.

  • Volume

    Usually a moderate gain; suitable if a subtle change is desired.

  • Feel

    Soft, as it is the body's own tissue.

  • Requirement

    Sufficient fat deposits; 1–2 sessions are often advisable.

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Methods of breast augmentation at Westfalenklinik Dortmund

At Westfalenklinik Dortmund, various methods of breast augmentation are available – from classic implants to the method using your own fat. Which method is chosen depends on the patient's individual physical requirements, aesthetic goals and personal wishes.

Dr. Uwe Herrboldt explains the respective advantages and disadvantages of the procedures in a detailed consultation and recommends the method that suits your starting situation, your wish for a natural-looking shape and your need for safety.

Suitability and indications

Suitable for implants

  • Very slim build with few fat deposits.
  • Wish for significantly more volume or strong projection.
  • Pronounced asymmetries requiring precise shaping.
  • Reconstructive situations (e.g. after reduction) or marked loss of volume.

Suitable for your own fat

  • Sufficient fat reserves that can be harvested.
  • Wish for a very natural appearance and soft contour.
  • Fine correction of slight asymmetries, indentations, implant edges.
  • Body contouring desired at the same time through the fat removal.

Keeping skin quality in view: Elasticity, tissue thickness and the position of the nipple determine the technique. With more pronounced ptosis, an additional breast lift is advisable – with or without an implant (e.g. Breast lift 2.0 – Biological Inner Bra).

Woman in a black bra with raised arm

Surgical procedure compared

Implants – a structured, readily calculable procedure

  1. Planning: Selection of volume, shape (round/anatomical) and projection; determining the position (subglandular, submuscular, dual plane) and the access (inframammary, periareolar, less often axillary).
  2. Procedure: Creating the pocket, inserting the implant, exact positioning, layered wound closure.
  3. Duration: Usually 60–120 minutes, under general anaesthesia.
  4. Aftercare: Support bra, if necessary tape/compression, sparing the arms and chest muscle.

Your own fat – liposuction, processing, injection

  1. Fat harvesting: Gentle suction with fine cannulas (e.g. abdomen, flanks, thighs).
  2. Processing: Filtration/centrifugation, separating viable fat cells.
  3. Transfer: Fan-shaped micro-injection in several layers to promote healing in.
  4. Duration: Depends on the donor areas and the desired volume; general anaesthesia or twilight sedation.
  5. Aftercare: Compression garments at the donor sites, support bra; the usual swelling subsides gradually.

Smiling woman in a black bra

Results, naturalness and shape

Implants

  • Shaping

    A broad spectrum – from subtle to pronounced. A visible cleavage effect can be achieved even with flat underlying tissue.

  • Symmetry

    Easy to control; different implant sizes possible on each side.

  • Feel

    Modern gel implants can feel natural; tissue thickness and position influence the tactile result.

Your own fat

  • Look & feel

    Soft, with flowing transitions.

  • Volume development

    Part of the injected fat is resorbed; the final result becomes apparent after a few weeks. For a larger target volume, repeat sessions are advisable.

  • Fine correction

    Irregularities, indentations or slight asymmetries can be carefully evened out.

Durability and follow-⁠up checks

Implants

  • Lifespan

    Long-lasting; there is no general requirement to exchange them after X years. Exchanges may become advisable for aesthetic or medical reasons.

  • Check-⁠ups

    Regular clinical checks and imaging (ultrasound/MRI) to assess the implant shell.

  • Possible revisions

    Change of size/shape, correction for capsular fibrosis or displacement/rotation.

Your own fat

  • Longevity

    Fat cells that have healed in behave like the surrounding tissue. Fluctuations in weight can affect shape and volume.

  • Check-⁠ups

    Clinical aftercare; imaging if required. Calcifications/oil cysts can occur and can be classified radiologically.

  • Repeatability

    Possible, depending on the location of the deposits and the target volume.

Woman in a white bra, hands on her breasts

Risks and complications – a realistic assessment

Implants

  • Capsular fibrosis

    Increased formation of connective tissue around the implant with possible hardening/change in shape.

  • Seroma/infection/haematoma

    Early complications that are monitored and treated.

  • Rupture/leakage

    Assessment by imaging; replacement if necessary.

  • Displacement/rotation

    Rare; corrective surgery if necessary.

  • Rare entity

    Very rare BIA-ALCL in connection with certain surfaces; individual information during the consultation.

Your own fat

  • Partial resorption

    The result may be built up in stages.

  • Irregularities/asymmetries

    Can be evened out by a follow-up correction.

  • Oil cysts, microcalcifications, lumps

    Radiological classification required; usually benign.

  • Infection/haematoma/swelling

    General surgical risks that are treated in a controlled manner.

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Scars, recovery time and everyday life

Implants

  • Scars

    Usually in the fold beneath the breast (inframammary) or at the edge of the areola. Consistent scar care and UV protection are recommended.

  • Downtime

    Office work is often possible after a few days; sport/strain later (particularly with submuscular placement).

  • Aids

    Support bra, special tape if necessary; sleeping on your back at first.

Your own fat

  • Scars

    Millimetre-sized punctures on the breast and at the donor sites.

  • Downtime

    Swelling/haematomas subside within days to a few weeks. Compression garments at the donor sites help with this.

  • Everyday life

    Earlier mobilisation possible; intensive sport only once you have been given the go-ahead.

Imaging, breastfeeding and sensation

  • Imaging

    Implants and your own fat are visible on radiological imaging. It is important to inform the radiology team so that findings are interpreted correctly.

  • Ability to breastfeed

    With the correct technique, it is preserved in many cases. Individual factors are discussed during the briefing.

  • Nipple sensitivity

    Temporary changes are possible; how often they occur and how long they last depends on factors including the incision and the technique.

Cost factors – why prices vary

The total costs are made up of:

  • Method and extent

    implant size/manufacturer, one or both sides, additional lift if required.

  • Duration of surgery and anaesthesia

    depending on the technique and combinations.

  • Outpatient/inpatient

    clinic setting, overnight stay, aftercare packages.

  • Individual anatomy

    additional corrections (e.g. for asymmetries).

Transparent cost estimates are drawn up after examination and diagnosis. Financing is possible through our financing partner.

Which method suits which goal? Practical scenarios

  • Significantly more volume/projection → usually implants (predictable size/shape, stable contour).
  • Natural-looking result with soft transitions → your own fat (gentle build-up, in stages if required).
  • Correction of rippling/implant edge/asymmetry → your own fat as a supplement (hybrid concept).
  • Augmentation and lift → often a combination of a lift (e.g. Biological Inner Bra) and an implant; your own fat can complement this.

The methods compared at a glance

Criterion Implants Your own fat
Volume From subtle to strong Rather moderate, can be increased in stages
Predictability Very high (size/projection) Variable, partial resorption must be factored in
Feel Natural with modern gel, depending on placement Very soft, the body’s own tissue
Scars Inframammary fold/areola edge Small punctures
Downtime Days to weeks; sport later Short to moderate; break from sport usually shorter
Risks Capsular contracture, rupture, change in position Oil cysts, microcalcifications, partial resorption
Longevity Long-lasting; later exchange may be needed Fat cells that have taken remain, depending on weight
Suitability Also with a very slim build Sufficient fat reserves required

Consultation at Westfalenklinik Dortmund

Consultation room of the Westfalenklinik
Consultation room

The choice of method depends on the initial findings, goal, lifestyle and tissue quality. At the Westfalenklinik Dortmund (Rosemeyerstr. 2–4, 44139 Dortmund), the options are discussed in a structured way – including a photo-documented analysis, selection of the implant parameters or an assessment of suitability for your own fat.

Would you like to find out more about the various methods and techniques of breast augmentation or which incision and implant placement suit you? Our doctors will advise you individually and in detail on your options in a personal consultation appointment at the Westfalenklinik Dortmund.

Frequently asked questions

How many cup sizes are realistic?

With implants, the change can be planned very precisely – from a subtle adjustment to several sizes. Your own fat is particularly suitable for gentle increases; for a larger target volume, repeat treatments make sense.

Are the results permanent?

Implants are long-lasting; a later exchange may be advisable for medical or aesthetic reasons. Fat cells that have taken generally remain, but – like normal fat – respond to changes in weight.

How quickly can I return to work?

After implants, office work is often possible after a few days, physically demanding work later. After a fat transfer, recovery is usually quicker; the donor areas nevertheless require compression and rest.

Are there visible scars?

With implants, they usually lie in the inframammary fold or at the edge of the areola. With your own fat, small punctures remain.

Is breastfeeding possible after an augmentation?

In many cases, yes. Technique, incision and individual anatomy are decisive. Your personal situation is discussed during the consultation.

How are implants monitored?

Regular clinical check-ups, supplemented by ultrasound or MRI, are recommended.

Can your own fat be combined with implants?

Yes. The hybrid concept can improve softness and conceal edges.

What role does body weight play?

Your own fat responds to weight gain or loss. A stable weight helps to maintain the result.

When is an additional lift advisable?

In cases of significant tissue sagging, a low nipple position or after major weight loss.

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