Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting

Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting

Breast augmentation with fat grafting–also referred to as a fat transfer or fat injection–involves transferring fat from another area of the body to the breast. Fat grafting involves removing adipose fat by liposuction, processing the fat, and then reinjecting the purified fat into areas requiring improvement. Breast fat grafting can correct asymmetry, add volume, improve scar deformities, and help repair damaged tissue after radiation therapy. Fat grafting for breast augmentation is often used for cosmetic enhancement and breast reconstruction after cancer treatment.

Candidates

Good surgical candidates for fat grafting must have a donor site or sites with enough fat to safely harvest and reinject into the desired areas. Good donor sites include the stomach, hips, flanks, thighs, arms, bra roll, or back. Patients with a low body mass index may not be good candidates for this procedure. In addition, patients with loose skin over the donor sites may not be good candidates for breast augmentation with fat grafting.

Procedure

Fat grafting is performed as an outpatient procedure while the patient is under IV sedation or general anesthesia. First, liposuction is conducted to harvest fat from the patient’s donor sites. Small incisions, about ¼ inch long, are made near the zones being suctioned. A diluted solution of local anesthetic is infused into the fatty tissues in order to numb the area and reduce bleeding. A thin, hollow tube or cannula is used to separate and suction out the desired fat into a special container, where it is minimally processed for reinjection. The processed fat is then reinjected to the donor areas through tissue beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous tissue. This is done to maintain a healthy blood supply and to create an optimal survival rate for the fat. The small incisions are then closed with a suture, and absorbent pads and a compression garment are placed over the treated areas.

Recovery

A patient’s recovery time will vary depending on the amount of fat that is transferred. Generally, the areas that receive liposuction can drain fluid for one to two days. Patients may require pain medication for the first two or three days following the procedure. Recovering patients can resume driving within four to seven days, and can often return to work within three to five days. Patients can generally resume normal activity and exercise within two to three weeks. Patients will be required to massage the breasts for a significant period of time following the procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

for a Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting.

To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.

2777 Summer Street, Suit 210, Stamford CT, 06905


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