By Dr. Killeen, published on November 25, 2025
It really doesn't take a lot of fat grafting to hide edges of the implant — you can often do this with as little as 10 to 20 cc's per side.
One of the most common concerns for thin patients considering breast augmentation is that the edges of the implant will be too visible. When there's very little tissue covering the implant, you can sometimes see or feel a "step-off" where the implant ends — especially along the sides and upper pole.
Here's what you can do about it.
Using your own fat to cover the edges of the implant is one of the most effective solutions — and it doesn't take much. As little as 10–20 cc's of fat per side can successfully hide the implant edges and create a smoother transition.
Fat grafting can be done at the same time as your augmentation, making it a convenient add-on for thin patients.
Products like AlloClad or Renuva can be used in small amounts to camouflage the edge of the implant. These are fat substitutes that add a layer of soft tissue coverage where you need it most.
One thing to know: these products are often more expensive than fat grafting, despite serving a similar purpose.
There are also decisions you can make about your implant selection to minimize visibility without adding fat grafting:
A smaller implant with a lower profile creates less of a step-off at the edges. There's simply less implant to hide, which makes a big difference in thin patients.
Talk to your surgeon about implants that don't have as much roundness in the upper pole — ones that drop into a more natural, teardrop-like shape. This can help reduce visible edges at the top of the breast.
The trade-off: implants designed to drop more naturally tend to be softer, which can introduce rippling. In plastic surgery, there's often a give-and-take — no single implant is perfect for every situation.
If you truly have very little tissue, placing the implant under the muscle adds an extra layer of coverage that can reduce visibility. However, this comes with its own trade-off: if you have very thin tissue over the muscle, muscle movement (animation) can be more noticeable.
There's no single perfect solution for every thin patient — but there are multiple tools your surgeon can use to minimize implant visibility. The right approach depends on your anatomy, your goals, and which trade-offs you're most comfortable with. A thorough conversation with your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of each option will help you find the best plan for your body.