Breast augmentation without implants at a glance
- Volume gainedAbout 1 cup size per session
- Fat retainedAbout 60%
- Session2 to 3 hours
- Time off work3 to 7 days
- Final result3 months
- Price€5,000 to €10,000
Yes, breast volume can be increased without implants, using your own fat: this is breast fat transfer (lipofilling). The fat is harvested by gentle liposuction (abdomen, hips, thighs), purified and then reinjected into the breasts. About 60% of the injected fat is retained, which means a gain of about one cup size per session. The result looks natural, is final at 3 months, and the figure is slimmed at the same time. Fat transfer requires enough fat reserves; for a larger increase, implants remain the solution.
Price: €5,000 to €10,000, on a written quote after a consultation (€100).
1. Can you really enlarge your breasts without implants?
Yes, but in only one recognised way: fat transfer, or lipofilling. There is no other technique without implants that increases breast volume for the long term:
- hyaluronic acid injections into the breasts have been banned in France for cosmetic augmentation since an August 2011 decision by the Afssaps (now the ANSM, the French medicines agency): the product is absorbed within 18 months to 2 years and can interfere with breast cancer screening imaging;
- creams, dietary supplements, exercises or pumps do not increase the volume of the breast gland; strengthening the pectoral muscle can only lift the breasts slightly;
- a breast lift without implants raises and reshapes a sagging breast, without increasing its volume.
2. How many cup sizes can you gain?
About one cup size per session. Part of the injected fat does not survive: on average, about 60% is retained. In the case shown in photos on the website, 350 cc was injected into each breast and about 200 cc was retained.
For a larger increase, a second session can be scheduled, at least 6 months after the first, to gain about one more cup size; it costs €2,500 to €5,000. Beyond that, augmentation with implants is more suitable.
3. Who is fat transfer suitable for?
It is a good option for:
- a moderate increase, of about one cup size, with a result that looks and feels natural;
- a moderate asymmetry between the two breasts;
- a patient who has fat reserves (abdomen, hips, thighs) and would like to slim her figure;
- a patient who does not want an implant to monitor or replace.
It is not advisable:
- for a very slim patient without enough fat reserves; a composite augmentation (small implant and fat) can then be discussed;
- if there is a suspicious abnormality on the mammogram or ultrasound, which must be investigated first;
- if a familial genetic form of breast cancer is suspected.
4. Fat transfer, implants or both: which should you choose?
Quelle augmentation pour vous ?
Le gain souhaité
Votre réserve de graisse (ventre, hanches, cuisses)
Ce qui compte le plus pour vous
Répondez aux trois questions.
| Breast fat transfer | Breast implants | Composite augmentation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume gained | About one cup size per session | As chosen, depending on your build | As chosen |
| Result | Looks and feels natural | More projection, fuller cleavage | Implant concealed by the fat |
| Scars | A few millimetres | Armpit, areola or breast fold | That of the implant + a few millimetres |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours | About 1 hour | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Time off work | 3 to 7 days | 7 to 10 days | 7 to 10 days |
| Over time | The volume follows changes in weight | Implant to be monitored, 12 to 15 years on average | Both |
| Price | €5,000 to €10,000 | €5,000 to €10,000 | €5,000 to €10,000 |
5. How does augmentation by fat transfer take place?
- AssessmentExamination of the breasts and of the fat donor areas, photos, mammogram, ultrasound and, if needed, MRI.
- Consultation and quote€100 at the practice, 101 rue d’Antibes in Cannes; then a cooling-off period of at least 15 days, required by law.
- SurgeryAt the Clinique Oxford in Cannes, 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthesia, as day surgery or with one night. The fat is harvested by gentle liposuction, purified, then reinjected into the breasts in small amounts. No stitches to remove.
- RecoveryThe breasts are only slightly painful or not at all, and there is no bra to wear; compression shorts are worn for 2 to 4 weeks over the liposuction areas. Driving from the next day, work after 3 to 7 days, sport after 7 to 15 days.
- ResultSwelling increases the volume at first; it subsides within 3 months, and the result is then final. Imaging is carried out at 1 year.
6. Is the result permanent?
Yes. The fat that has taken is permanent and ages like the rest of the breast. The volume then follows changes in weight: it decreases if you lose weight and increases if you gain weight. Unlike implants, there is nothing to monitor or replace over the years.
7. Does fat transfer interfere with breast cancer screening?
No, provided the follow-up is respected. Imaging is carried out before the procedure, then at 1 year. As after any breast surgery, calcifications related to healing or small oil cysts (fat necrosis) may appear; the radiologist can tell them apart from those of a cancer. Always tell the radiologist about your fat transfer.
8. What are the risks?
- absorption of part of the fat, which may justify a second session;
- small lumps or oil cysts, which are harmless;
- calcifications related to healing;
- slight asymmetry in volume;
- irregularities at the donor areas;
- the risks of any surgery: haematoma, infection, anaesthesia.
Choosing a qualified, experienced and reputable surgeon reduces these risks.
9. Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience in breast fat transfer
Dr Médard de Chardon has performed more than 4,000 breast fat transfers and placed more than 3,000 breast implants; his MD thesis was on breast augmentation (Nice Faculty of Medicine, 2008). He offers fat transfer on its own, combined with implants, or to correct a breast augmentation with implants (rippling, visible implant).
Before and after photos
Breast fat transfer
Unsuitable breast implants
Decision to remove the breast implants and transfer fat to the breasts (lipofilling). Result at 1 year
Fat transfer for breast asymmetry
Fat injected into the right breast only, to correct breast asymmetry with implants and two mild double-bubble folds.
Breast fat transfer
Breast augmentation by fat injection, without implants. Result at 6 months. Breast fat transfer is a technique with millimetre-sized scars that gives a moderate increase in breast volume in a single session, of one cup size at most. For larger volumes, a second session is possible, or breast implants can be used.
Breast fat transfer: fat injection into the breasts
Breast augmentation by fat transfer. The result is moderate in one stage; for more volume, a second injection session can be scheduled.
Breast augmentation by transfer of 340 cc of fat into each breast
Breast fat transfer is an excellent method of natural breast augmentation. The millimetre-sized scars are almost invisible and the results are natural. The increase in volume is, however, moderate: one cup size at most in a single session. A second session is always possible at a later stage.
See all breast fat transfer before and after photos
10. How much does breast augmentation without implants cost in Cannes?
€5,000 to €10,000, on a written quote after the consultation (€100), depending on the number of donor areas and the volume you want. The price includes the surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees and the clinic costs. Cosmetic augmentation is not reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie (French national health insurance). A second session costs €2,500 to €5,000. See also the cost of breast augmentation in Cannes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you enlarge your breasts without implants?
Yes, with fat transfer: your own fat is harvested by liposuction and then reinjected into the breasts. It is the only technique without implants that increases volume for the long term.
How many cup sizes do you gain with fat transfer?
About one cup size per session, because about 60% of the injected fat is retained. A second session can add about one more cup size.
Is the result of breast fat transfer permanent?
Yes, the fat that has taken is permanent and the result is stable at 3 months. The volume then follows changes in weight.
Can you have hyaluronic acid injected into your breasts?
No, not in France: injecting fillers to enlarge the breasts has been banned there since 2011. The product is absorbed within 18 months to 2 years and can interfere with screening imaging.
Do you need to be curvy to have breast fat transfer?
You need enough fat reserves, most often on the abdomen, hips or thighs. For a very slim patient, implants or a composite augmentation are more suitable.
Is breast fat transfer dangerous for the breasts?
No. It requires imaging before the procedure and at 1 year. Any calcifications related to healing can be told apart from those of a cancer.
Fat transfer or implants: which is more natural?
Fat transfer gives the most natural result in look and feel, but for a moderate gain. Implants allow a larger gain and a fuller cleavage.
What is the price of breast augmentation without implants in Cannes?
€5,000 to €10,000, on a written quote after the consultation (€100). A second session costs €2,500 to €5,000. Cosmetic augmentation is not reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie.
Sources
- Afssaps (now ANSM), August 2011 decision excluding cosmetic breast augmentation from the indications of dermal fillers: Futura Santé
- French Public Health Code (Code de la santé publique), article L.6322-2 (cooling-off period): Doctrine