Hybrid Breast Augmentation
Hybrid (composite) augmentation combines an implant with your own fat to refine shape and correct the natural asymmetry between both breasts — Dr Thomas Colson's most frequent breast procedure. A fat-only option exists for native breasts, with body contouring from the donor areas.
Made-to-measure, not off-the-shelf
Composite — or hybrid — augmentation combines an implant with the patient's own fat. It is Dr Colson's usual approach rather than the exception, because almost every woman has a small natural asymmetry between her two breasts, and an implant's fixed size cannot correct it.
The implant supplies the underlying volume; the fat, transferred by lipofilling, refines the shape side by side — upper pole, cleavage and base — for a result tailored to each breast rather than fitted to a single implant size.
Fat-only option for native breasts
For a native breast — typically a younger patient, with no sagging, who has not breastfed — wanting up to about one cup more, Dr Colson offers augmentation by fat transfer alone, with no implant. The donor areas (abdomen, saddlebags, back roll, arms) are contoured at the same time.
Reshape the breast and the silhouette
Because the fat is harvested by liposuction from chosen donor areas, composite surgery contours the body — abdomen, flanks, back, arms — while enhancing the breast. The plan, including implant choice and the volume of fat per side, is agreed using a Crisalix 3D simulation at consultation.
A note on privacy and results
In strict compliance with UAE MOHAP regulations regarding patient privacy and modesty, before and after photos are not displayed on this website. A comprehensive medical portfolio is available for viewing during your private consultation.
A Crisalix 3D simulation of the planned breast shape is part of the consultation.
Risks and what they mean
A composite augmentation combines an implant with the patient's own fat, so it carries the risks of both. Dr Colson reviews them with every patient before consent.
| Risk | What it means | How it is managed |
|---|---|---|
| All implant-related risks apply | Capsular contracture, implant rupture, sensation change, malposition, the likelihood of further surgery, and rarely BIA-ALCL. | Set out in full on the breast augmentation page and discussed again at consultation. |
| Partial resorption of the grafted fat | Not all transferred fat survives. A proportion is reabsorbed over the first months, and the final volume is only settled at around six months. | Volumes are planned with expected resorption in mind; a second, smaller grafting session is sometimes proposed. |
| Fat necrosis, oil cysts and calcification | Grafted fat can form firm lumps, small oil cysts or calcifications that are palpable or visible on mammography. | Assessed by examination and imaging; benign graft changes have a recognisable radiological appearance. |
| Effect on breast imaging | Both the implant and the grafted fat change how the breast looks on a mammogram. | The radiologist is told that an implant is present and that lipofilling was performed, so that benign changes are not confused with other findings. Routine screening continues as normal. |
| Donor-site effects | Bruising, swelling, contour irregularity or temporary numbness where the fat was harvested. | Harvest spread across several areas rather than concentrated in one; compression garment for several weeks. |
| Bleeding, infection and anaesthetic risk | Uncommon, and applicable at both the breast and the donor site. | Sterile technique, perioperative antibiotics, pre-operative assessment and early mobilisation. |
Fat grafting and breast screening
Fat grafting to the breast does not prevent breast screening and does not cause breast cancer. It can, however, produce benign changes — oil cysts and calcifications — that a radiologist needs to interpret. For that reason the fact that lipofilling was performed is recorded and should be mentioned at every future mammogram. Routine screening should continue exactly as recommended for your age group.
Why these risks are published here
Under UAE Department of Health rules on health media and advertising, patient information must be balanced. None of the above is a reason to avoid surgery — it is the material on which an informed decision is made, and each point is discussed again, applied to your own anatomy, before you consent.
Frequently asked questions
What is hybrid (composite) breast augmentation?
Why combine fat with an implant rather than using an implant alone?
Can I have a breast augmentation without an implant, using only fat?
Where does the fat come from, and is there a body-contouring benefit?
Does the transferred fat last?
What are the risks of hybrid (composite) breast augmentation?
Plan Your Breast Surgery Consultation
Consultations and surgery with Dr Thomas Colson are performed exclusively at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, within the SEHA network. A pre-operative Crisalix 3D simulation lets patients preview the planned breast shape before deciding.
Educational disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified surgeon or health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.