Women who have had a lumpectomy, a mastectomy, or radiation therapy may desire to have a cosmetic procedure done to restore the appearance of their breasts. They often experience contour differences, asymmetry, dents, scarring, rippling, and other deformities or abnormalities that can have a significant effect on their self-esteem.
There are different procedures that can be used for the restoration of the breast but most of them include a technique called fat transfer during breast reconstruction surgery.
Using Fat Transfer For Breast Reconstruction Can Correct Many Issues
Fat grafting or fat transfer can correct many of the cosmetic issues that are left behind as a result of breast surgery. It is also often used to create a nice even slope that will hide the edges of an implant.
Depending on the extent of correction needed, the procedure may be done in stages when performing a breast reconstruction using fat transfer. It can add volume, fill in ridges, eliminate divots, create contour, minimize the look of scarring, etc.
Over the past several years the techniques used for fat transfer for breast reconstruction have been refined and have allowed surgeons to not only correct small imperfections, as historically done, but more extensive reconstruction. Performing breast reconstruction with fat transfer can produce a supple breast that looks and feels natural.
How Is Fat Transfer For Breast Reconstruction Done?
Performing a fat transfer breast reconstruction has a low-risk profile and is only minimally invasive. It is normally done as an outpatient procedure which means the patient can return home the day of the procedure.
- Fat is extracted from another area on the patient’s body (the donor site), normally from a location that has a bit extra to spare like the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen.
- Then, the fat is purified during a special process using a centrifuge.
- Next, the purified fat is injected into the targeted location.
Not all of the newly injected fat will survive and permanently graft to the target area so the surgeon allows for this by adding more than is desired. After several months, some fat is absorbed back into the body and the rest becomes permanently grafted tissue.
What Are Some Benefits Of Using A Fat Transfer For Breast Reconstruction?
One of the benefits of using a fat transfer during breast reconstruction is that patients get the opportunity to slim down some areas of unwanted fat. Sort of like a 2-for-1 deal!
Some of the other benefits that fat transfer offers include:
- Since the fat is your own tissue, it will not be rejected as a foreign body would.
- A healthy breast contains fatty tissue so the fat that is injected will feel like natural breast tissue.
- The procedure is short and normally only takes one hour or less to perform.
- The associated recovery is short and only minimally uncomfortable.
- Fat transfer is a very safe low-risk procedure.
If you have had breast surgery or have breast imperfections that bother you, then fat transfer breast reconstruction may be right for you.
To learn what options are available to you to restore your breasts, contact Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics to set up a consultation. Dr. Angelina Posteov, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon will take the time to discuss the options that are available to you, and your desired results, helping you to make an informed decision.
