A hybrid breast augmentation at our Harley Street London clinic combines breast fat transfer with breast implants. The hybrid approach is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to breast enlargement with implants alone. 

Hybrid Breast Augmentation Surgery: Quick Overview

What is Hybrid Breast Augmentation?

As aesthetic trends evolve and grow, there’s been a shift to a more natural-looking breast enhancement. From this, a hybrid approach to breast augmentation has emerged which utilises both fat transfer to breasts and breast implants. 

When a patient lacks natural breast tissue, combining fat grafting for breasts and implants can help to create a more natural result. Using breast fat injections is great for adding subtle volume and correcting breast asymmetry. But, if you want to add more significant volume, then breast implants are needed. 

Hybrid breast augmentation is suitable for patients who lack natural breast tissue or have lost breast tissue due to complications with previous breast implants. For example, if a patient had plenty of natural breast tissue with no visible deformities, a breast enlargement with implants alone would be ideal for a natural-looking feel and result. 

Suppose you lack some natural breast tissue, have some breast asymmetry, or have a wide gap between the breasts. In that case, you may be a suitable candidate for the hybrid breast augmentation approach as long as you have enough fat to harvest (usually from your stomach or thighs). 

How Does Hybrid Breast Enlargement Work?

When using a hybrid approach to breast augmentation, you start with the implant augmentation first. As with any type of breast augmentation, you have a few considerations, including the type, size, and position of the breast implants. Anatomical or teardrop breast implants have more volume at the bottom of the implant. In contrast, round breast implants are round on all sides. Breast implant positions include: 

  • Over the muscle 
  • Under the muscle 
  • Dual-plane muscle placement 

These are all things you will talk through with your plastic surgeon, as well as the implant material such as saline implants or silicone implants.  

The next stage of the procedure is the fat harvesting process. After the breast implants are inserted and closed, your surgeon will harvest fat from the donor site. The fat is then processed and purified to prepare the fat cells. The fat is then injected into the breasts to achieve the desired look. 

What are the Benefits of Hybrid Breast Augmentation?

A huge benefit of hybrid breast augmentation is that it gives your surgeon the ability to shape the breasts that you can’t necessarily do with implants alone. You can fine-tune the shape of the breasts, soften the overall look, and fix any concerns with breast symmetrisation

Another benefit of this hybrid technique is that it can be kinder on the skin. Large breast implants can stretch the skin. A smaller breast implant with fat breast injections impacts the body less while achieving a great natural-looking result. Other benefits include: 

  • Suitable for breast replacement procedures
  • Can use smaller breast implants 

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Hybrid Breast Enlargement Surgery?

Hybrid breast augmentation recovery may be slightly longer than traditional breast augmentation recovery as the harvested fat donor site is also healing. You will be recovering from both breast augmentation and fat transfer. 

In general, your recovery for breast augmentation will take about 6-8 weeks. Your plastic surgeon will talk you through your breast augmentation recovery, from when you can shower after breast augmentation surgery to what to eat and how to sleep comfortably. 

After the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 48 hours. You can shower after 1 week but will need to wear a compression bra for up to 12 weeks. Although you continue wearing your compression bra, the biggest part of the recovery is in the first 2-3 weeks. You should be able to return to work after 2 weeks and resume exercise in 6 weeks. 

Most breast augmentation scars will start red and raised before turning pink then white over time. Your scarring will depend on the incision and implant placement. Your surgeon will take steps to conceal scarring using the natural curves of the body, but any incision will cause visible scarring. 

Can You Combine Hybrid Breast Augmentation With Other Cosmetic Procedures?

When it comes to breast surgeries, you have a few options. The first stage of your breast surgery journey is determining the right procedure for you. You have several options to consider, including:

Like most breast surgery, you can combine hybrid breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures like liposuction and a tummy tuck. If you have multiple areas of concern, speak to your plastic surgeon about your options. They will recommend the best plastic surgery plan for you to make a well-informed decision. 

What Happens at Your Consultation Before Surgery?

At your consultation before surgery, you will speak to your plastic surgeon about the procedure, any risks, and questions you have. For more information about what to expect, we’ve prepared a quick guide to help you prepare for your plastic surgery consultation at The Harley Clinic. 

Hybrid Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

Before and after hybrid breast augmentation, breast implant removal, breast fat transfer, and uplift at The Harley Clinic, London
Tuberous breasts treated with hybrid breast augmentation, doughnut uplift, VASER lipo, tummy tuck
Breast re-augmentation and doughnut lift at The Harley Clinic

What Do Our Patients Say at our Harley Street Clinic London - The Harley Clinic

What are the Potential Hybrid Breast Augmentation Side Effects and Risks?

As with any surgery, hybrid breast augmentation has potential risks and side effects, including:

Some potential risks include:

  • Infection 
  • Bleeding 
  • Hematoma
  • Anaesthesia risks 
  • Skin and or fat/necrosis 
  • Fluid accumulation 
  • Pain 
  • Swelling 
  • Poor wound healing
  • Poor scarring 
  • Nerve injury 
  • Contour irregularity
  • Seroma
  • Over/under correction
  • Asymmetry
  • Damage to other structures
  • DVT
  • PE
  • Chest infection
  • Need for further surgery
  • Unhappiness with size 
  • Extrusion 
  • Weight of the implant and gravity could mean that there’s a need for a breast lift in the future
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation 
  • Scars
  • Loss of nipple or areola 
  • Infection 
  • Uneven breast shape or size 
  •  
  • Risks of breast implants include but are not limited to: 
  •  
  • Bottoming out – this refers to a form of breast implant displacement. The implant sinks down to the lower part of the breast area. 
  • Double bubble – this is a type of implant deformity where the breast tissue descends instead of the implant. 
  • Animation – excessive movement or distortion when you do activities that involve your chest muscles. 
  • Wrinkling – this is when you see wrinkling or rippling over the implant. 
  • Implant rupture (1% per yer) – if a breast implant ruptures, it will start to leak and deflate. Swelling, soreness, and burning sensation are all signs of a breast implant rupture. 
  • Malposition – when the implant is sitting in the wrong place. 
  • Asymmetry – this is when your breast implants are uneven. 
  • Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – a type of lymphoma that can develop around the breast implants. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. ALCL 1 in 20,000 textured implants sold (MHRA) 
  • Change in feeling of breasts – the majority of patients experience some change in the feeling of their breasts.
  • Capsular contracture
  • Extrusion

Why Choose The Harley Clinic for Your Harley Street Cosmetic Surgery

To find out more about our treatments, recovery tips, and more, read our Cosmetic Surgery Blog

If you’re considering a hybrid breast augmentation, book a consultation today at our Harley Street Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, The Harley Clinic. You can find us at 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF.