Beauty Doc Blog

How does the idea of taking your own fat and repositioning it for breast augmentation strike you? It has captured the attention of the media and of consumers recently. The idea is, of course appealing because there should be no safety or rejection problems by using your own fat. There is, however, research underway right now by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and both organizations are urging consumers to use caution since the short term gains could be complicated in the future. Both organizations strongly urge consumers to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon about fat grafting for breast enhancement before proceeding.

What is Fat Grafting?

Fat grafting is also known as lipoinjection, or as fat transfer. In the procedure fat cells will be harvested from one section of the body and relocated to another. The procedure is often permanent and is commonly used to give the face and hands a more youthful appearance.

Fat Grafting for Breast Enhancement

The process of breast augmentation through lipoinjection, or fat grafting, first became popular in the 1980’s. There was at the time a possibility of complications and side effects including cysts, calcification and tissue scarring. The new generation of mammography equipment, more sophisticated than that used in the past, is sensitive enough however to differentiate between the side effects and scarring associated with cancer, a previous concern. This is especially true of digital mammography when examining dense breast tissue.

Harvesting Methods

The methods of both harvesting and injecting fat have also improved greatly I the last few years. Fat cells today are removed carefully using syringes and are transferred to the breasts using small injections. More of the fat cells survive the transfer through this method, creating a safer alternative to saline or silicone implants, in the views of many professionals. This is very little clinical evidence either pro or con at this time however to make an argument either way.

After Breast Reconstruction Most Often Recommended

Breast augmentation through the use of fat grafting is most often recommended after breast reconstruction surgery. It can soften the appearance of existing implants, especially in very slender women, and it can hide visible rippling.

If you are considering fat grafting for breast augmentation this is definitely an area that requires consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. It also would be good to communicate with patients who have had the procedure if you now any, to be sure that they were happy with the results. Breast augmentation through fat grafting may be the perfect solution for you, but you should do your homework first.