Breast augmentation is a surgery where different methods exist. Implants and fat grafting differ in the preparation, recovery, and post-operative care required. Therefore, rather than "where is done well" Which method fits my conditions, and where is the place that does it properly? You must review them in order. I have compiled criteria that are helpful to organize before a consultation.
Step 1 — Start by organizing the method
| 보형물 | autologous fat grafting | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | As much as you want, all at once | There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be harvested. |
| touch | Depends on the product and film condition | It feels natural since it's my organization. |
| recovery | Chest pain-focused | Additional pain and bruising at the extraction site |
| later | Management of capsular contracture, rupture, and replacement cycles | Absorption, Calcification, and Notification during Examination |
| additional surgery | Replace if necessary | If insufficient, a second transplant |
There are also cases where the two are combined. The important thing is in the counseling. Not the method the hospital pushes, but the method that fits my conditions.It is about how the conversation begins. If only fat grafting is recommended when there is insufficient fat, or if large implants are recommended when naturalness was emphasized as the top priority, then the direction is off. (Related post: Difference between implants and fat grafting)
Step 2 — 5 Ways to Skip the Doctor
① Does the consulting doctor perform the surgery?
There are cases where the consultation is conducted by the head director, but the surgery is performed by a different doctor. In breast augmentation, the design and the execution must be seamless.
Things to ask — “Could you please write the surgeon’s name on the consent form on the day of the surgery?”
② Is there an anesthesia and emergency response system?
Breast augmentation is usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Who is in charge of anesthesiaWhether there is a specialist in anesthesiology and pain medicine, as well as the availability of emergency equipment and transport systems, are conditions that take precedence over the outcome.
Things to ask — “Who is in charge of anesthesia? What is the emergency response system?”
③ Are the conditions for reoperation or correction documented?
For implants, the key factors are the conditions regarding capsular contracture or rupture, and for fat grafting, the corrective graft conditions. The duration, number of procedures, and cost are writtenPlease check if it comes out as such. Verbal promises are difficult to remember later.
Things to ask — “Can I receive the criteria, duration, and costs for revision surgery and correction in writing?”
④ Are you referring to your own data?
There is a difference between saying "we perform a lot" and saying "we tracked a certain number of cases based on specific criteria." If it is fat grafting, ask about the timing and method of measuring the engraftment rate; if it is implants, ask about the reoperation rate and the follow-up period. (Related article: Let's start by checking the survival rate)
Things to ask — “How were that figure measured, and over how many cases over how many months?”
⑤ Are costs broken down by item?
If you compare only the total amount, you are comparing it to a quote that excludes anesthesia, post-operative care, and adjustments. For implants, please check the product name and warranty conditions, and for fat grafting, verify the cost for harvesting, purification, and transplantation separately. (Related post: Layers contained within the cost)
Things to ask — “Could you please list the items included and excluded from this amount?”
Step 3 — Words to Filter Out in Counseling
- Decide today and get a discount — The condition that disappears after a one-day delay is not the original condition.
- There are almost no side effects. — Every surgery carries a risk, and the place that explains the management plan is the place to trust.
- It is definitely possible to make it big. — An explanation that does not mention the limits of my organization and fat volume is not a plan.
- Repeating only review photos — Photos are only part of the result; what matters is whether the questions regarding standards and procedures are answered.
Step 4 — Things to check after surgery
- Regular progress schedule By date Are you being held captive (1 week · 1 month · 6 months)
- Is there a designated point of contact in case of abnormal findings?
- If it is an implant, did you receive product information (manufacturer, model, serial number) in writing?
- If it is fat grafting Notification during breast examination Have you been guided on the method?
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast augmentation: Which is better, implants or fat grafting?
It depends on the target size, body type, and recovery conditions. Implants are often suitable if size is the priority, while fat grafting is more appropriate if feel and the patient's own tissue are prioritized. If there is insufficient fat, fat grafting alone may not be enough to meet the target.
How many breast augmentation clinics should I consult with?
I recommend three places with different characteristics. If you ask the same question and compare the specificity of the answers, the rankings will become clear.
Do I have to have the revision surgery at the same hospital where the initial surgery was performed?
That is not necessarily the case. However, since previous surgical records, product information, and progress photos allow for a more accurate assessment, please secure these materials and consult with us.
When can I resume my daily life after surgery?
It varies depending on the method and individual differences, and the pressure and activity restrictions during the first few weeks affect the results. It is recommended to receive a daily management schedule in advance.
What should I do if side effects occur?
It is important to ensure that the hospital has established response procedures. Please obtain a written document before surgery specifying when to contact them for what symptoms.Are breast augmentation side effects really unavoidable?)
The place where this text was written — SC301 Clinic is a clinic located in Gangnam, Seoul, specializing in breast augmentation using autologous fat and SVF (stromal vascular fraction). It is an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and holds a license for a cell processing facility. We focus on creating volume using the patient's own tissue without implants, and the evidence regarding engraftment is The Science of Fat Graft SurvivalIt has been made public along with the literature. You can use the same questions when looking at other hospitals. Breast Augmentation Clinic Guide · Information on Non-Covered Medical Expenses
※ This article summarizes general criteria for selecting a hospital and does not constitute a medical diagnosis or recommendation for treatment regarding your individual condition. As the effectiveness and side effects of the procedure may vary depending on the individual, please be sure to consult with medical professionals.
