Case #1497 · Santa Monica, CA
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
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This 46-year-old patient from Santa Monica, CA felt that her breasts were no longer proportionate to her body after breastfeeding three children. She wanted to improve the shape and placement of the breasts and to slightly increase the size. Dr. Cassileth performed a mastopexy us
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation.
- No pressure on the breasts for 3 weeks — graft survival depends on tissue contact preservation
- No bra with underwire for 6 weeks
- Walking encouraged; cardio at week 4
- Liposuction donor sites: compression garment for 4–6 weeks
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to support healing when recommended
- Hydrating body protocol on liposuction sites
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic on liposuction incision site scars
- Massage at donor sites starting week 3 to break down residual edema
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy when recommended — improves fat graft survival
- Indiba radiofrequency on donor sites for tissue tightening
- LED light therapy to reduce bruising
- Coordination
Recovery medications calibrated to nursing status; hormone panel rechecked if symptoms warrant.
Post-pregnancy hormonal shifts influence healing and skin behavior.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Post-pregnancy changes, tissue laxity, muscle separation, and skin behavior, were the central planning inputs. The technique was selected to address each, not just the cosmetic surface.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and high-dose fish oil two weeks before surgery; the surgical team provides a full medication list at the pre-op visit.
- No nicotine for 6 weeks before through 6 weeks after surgery. The vascular impact directly affects skin healing.
- No overhead clothing for 3 weeks. Stock front-zip tops, supportive sports bras (post-clearance), and the drain pouches we provide.
- A driver is required the day of surgery and a responsible adult should stay with you the first 24 hours.
- Hormone status confirmed stable; if nursing, scheduling waits until cessation. Sleep, nutrition, and iron levels reviewed pre-op.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
Rest, hydration, and short ambulation. Most patients are off prescription pain medication by day 4.
- Week 2
Activity ramps up cautiously: longer walks, no lifting yet. Most patients return to desk work this week.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Standard clearance milestone. Patients return to most exercise, gym work, and sleeping in any position.
- Month 3
Tissue softens, scars begin to fade, and overall shape settles toward final. Scar maturation continues for another 6 months.
