Breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (from the same
individual) is an option for breast restoration after lumpectomy,
partial mastectomy and/or mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Fat
transfer to the breast is commonly used with implant based and flap
based techniques to improve the shape and contour of a previously
reconstructed breast. Total breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a
newer, exciting option for women who do not want implants or an
invasive flap procedure.
Minimal downtime
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is an outpatient procedure which means you will not need to spend the night in the hospital after surgery. The discomfort associated with these procedures is less when compared to other breast reconstructive techniques (implants or flaps) and several women report that taking Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) alone is enough. Most women choose to return to work after a few days of rest. You can resume all activities of daily living within two to three weeks after surgery.
It's versatile
Unlike breast implants which have a pre-determined shape, fat grafts are versatile and can be sculpted into a natural looking breast shape based on your body type. Plastic surgeons frequently use fat grafts to round out and fill in areas of the breast around previously placed implants and flaps to give these reconstructions a softer and more natural appearance. Now, with newer techniques and instruments, you can have your whole breast reconstructed with fat. Studies suggest that fat transfer can improve the quality of previously radiated skin and in select patients; it may restore some sensation to the skin of the breast after a mastectomy.
It's natural
It's your fat and it's yours to keep. Because the fat transferred is living tissue with a blood supply, the risk of infection, wound breakdown and/or skin loss is less when compared to breast implants. Complications of implant exposure, implant infection, rupture and capsular contracture are virtually non-existent. Although some of the fat and fluid injected will be resorbed in the first three months after surgery, once healing is complete the results are permanent. Additional fat grafting sessions can be added over time if more volume is desired.
Flap surgery is also a natural option for breast reconstruction. However, these procedures are more invasive, complex, lengthy and require a hospital stay of at least three to five days. Complex and long surgical procedures often carry a greater risk of complications and a longer recovery period measured in months.
Less hassle
The recovery from a fat transfer procedure is simplified. There are no elaborate wound care rituals and no drains to take care of. Also, unlike other procedures where antibiotics are required for weeks after surgery, with fat transfer, in most cases, they are not needed unless there is an unforeseen problem. The need for narcotic pain medications is also minimized. Since there are no implants involved, there is no need for multiple doctor's office visits for breast expansion prior to an implant exchange. All breast reconstruction is staged which means that more than one procedure will be required to achieve the final desired result. Breast reconstruction with fat transfer allows a woman to return to her daily life with less interruption and it allows her to plan her breast reconstruction around her other priorities in life.
It has fringe benefits
Because the fat grafts are typically harvested from the abdomen, thighs and flanks by a technique similar to liposuction, women choosing breast reconstruction with fat graft injections will see the benefits of liposuction at the sites from which the grafts are harvested. This usually means an improvement in contour and shape in the tummy, thighs and/or back.
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer technique among plastic surgeons and not everyone is comfortable offering this procedure. All surgical procedures have potential risks and complications. Make sure you understand all of the potential benefits, risks and complications of a procedure before deciding to have surgery. Ask to speak with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has experience in breast reconstruction with fat transfer.
Minimal downtime
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is an outpatient procedure which means you will not need to spend the night in the hospital after surgery. The discomfort associated with these procedures is less when compared to other breast reconstructive techniques (implants or flaps) and several women report that taking Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) alone is enough. Most women choose to return to work after a few days of rest. You can resume all activities of daily living within two to three weeks after surgery.
It's versatile
Unlike breast implants which have a pre-determined shape, fat grafts are versatile and can be sculpted into a natural looking breast shape based on your body type. Plastic surgeons frequently use fat grafts to round out and fill in areas of the breast around previously placed implants and flaps to give these reconstructions a softer and more natural appearance. Now, with newer techniques and instruments, you can have your whole breast reconstructed with fat. Studies suggest that fat transfer can improve the quality of previously radiated skin and in select patients; it may restore some sensation to the skin of the breast after a mastectomy.
It's natural
It's your fat and it's yours to keep. Because the fat transferred is living tissue with a blood supply, the risk of infection, wound breakdown and/or skin loss is less when compared to breast implants. Complications of implant exposure, implant infection, rupture and capsular contracture are virtually non-existent. Although some of the fat and fluid injected will be resorbed in the first three months after surgery, once healing is complete the results are permanent. Additional fat grafting sessions can be added over time if more volume is desired.
Flap surgery is also a natural option for breast reconstruction. However, these procedures are more invasive, complex, lengthy and require a hospital stay of at least three to five days. Complex and long surgical procedures often carry a greater risk of complications and a longer recovery period measured in months.
Less hassle
The recovery from a fat transfer procedure is simplified. There are no elaborate wound care rituals and no drains to take care of. Also, unlike other procedures where antibiotics are required for weeks after surgery, with fat transfer, in most cases, they are not needed unless there is an unforeseen problem. The need for narcotic pain medications is also minimized. Since there are no implants involved, there is no need for multiple doctor's office visits for breast expansion prior to an implant exchange. All breast reconstruction is staged which means that more than one procedure will be required to achieve the final desired result. Breast reconstruction with fat transfer allows a woman to return to her daily life with less interruption and it allows her to plan her breast reconstruction around her other priorities in life.
It has fringe benefits
Because the fat grafts are typically harvested from the abdomen, thighs and flanks by a technique similar to liposuction, women choosing breast reconstruction with fat graft injections will see the benefits of liposuction at the sites from which the grafts are harvested. This usually means an improvement in contour and shape in the tummy, thighs and/or back.
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer technique among plastic surgeons and not everyone is comfortable offering this procedure. All surgical procedures have potential risks and complications. Make sure you understand all of the potential benefits, risks and complications of a procedure before deciding to have surgery. Ask to speak with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has experience in breast reconstruction with fat transfer.
Learn more about how breast reconstruction can be naturally simplified with fat transfer by visiting http://www.nipntuck.com.
