Fat grafting to the breasts either for enlargement and/or contour improvement has actually been around since the forties.  However, when fat is transferred from one area of the body to another, some portion of it may fail to survive and leaves behind a small amount of scar that may resemble a small fleck of calcium on x-ray.  This is not a problem with any area of the body except for the breasts.  Women with breast cancer often have small calcific flecks in and around the cancer itself which help the radiologist to detect its presence.  For that reason, fat implantation to the breasts for cosmetic reasons has been frowned upon by mainstrream medicine since its inception.

With the advent of new detection systems such as  MRI's  and CT's, this concern is not as serious a deterrent as it once was.  That's why more and more surgeons are offering this procedure for a number of patients who want a more natural feel without an implant.  It is also helpful in providing coverage for an existing implanted patient if the tissues are relatively thin and the implant is palpable.  For other patients that have had previous biopsies with resultant asymmetries and soft tissue dents, fat augmentation for contour and size issues are great treatment options.

If chosen by the patient after thorough pre-operative review, the procedure is performed in my surgical facility at the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center under general anesthesia.  Prior to induction, the patient and their outcomes are rediscussed and the areas of removal and augmentation are carefully marked, agreed to and photographed.  After induction, fat from another body part is harvested and prepared for implantation into the breast in a sterile environment.  The injection of the fat into the breast is performed via small punctures so that scars are minimal and/or  non-existant.  A surgical bra is then placed and the patient is allowed a full recovery before they can go home.

The swelling from this procedure can lasts for several weeks before the final shape and size can be realized.  However, in healthy individuals with sufficient fat for grafting purposes, results can be very accepatable.  Most patients are very pleased with their results.  Occasionally, additional fat may need to be placed if some of the correction is lost.  Another reason for additonal fat placement exists if the patient decides that they want even fuller results at some future date.  The only caveat is that those who choose this procedure must remind their doctors in the future that they have had this procedure performed so that there are no suprises on mammography. 

If you or someone you know would benefit from this information and/or procedure, please contact us at your convenience.