The transplanted fat cells (autologous fat grafting) result in a permanent increase in volume for the recipient sites. Exciting new advances with micro and mille fat help fat cell survival and reduce recipient site inflammation. A patient can expect a quick recovery and long-lasting volume improvement and may also benefit from adipose derived stem cell and stromal vascular rejuvenation.
The fat is placed into the recipient site using small cannulas. Since some of the fat that is transferred does not maintain its full volume over time, your surgeon may inject more than is needed to achieve the desired result. Over a few weeks, the amount of transferred fat will decrease by about 20%. Sometimes more fat may need to be transferred to maintain the desired results. Fat transfer procedures are done using a local anaesthetic and with light sedation.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Fat transfer breast augmentation uses the tumescent liposuction technique to take fat from parts of your body with fat to spare and then inject it into your breasts. This is an option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer a natural result and do not want to use an implant. Fat transfer to breasts can also be used for breast deformities and to soften the look of implants.
Am I a candidate for fat transfer breast augmentation?
If you are very slim and have no fat available, then the option of breast augmentation by fat transfer is not for you. On the other hand, if you do have excess fat in some areas, then an added benefit of the procedure is that your body contour will be improved because of the liposuction to the donor site.
• You desire a modest size increase in your breasts, with a natural look and feel and you have some excess fat that can be removed by liposuction.
• You desire a solution to breast asymmetry.
• You want to improve your abdomen, thighs (fat removal) and breasts (fat addition) in one procedure.
Risks for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
• Previous concerns expressed by some surgeons concerning the possible effect of fat transfer on breast cancer detection have not been substantiated. Current opinion is that autologous fat transfer gives a safe, appropriate and natural augmentation. Patients may however require baseline radiological studies such as mammography or ultrasound but fat transfer procedures are not known to cause breast cancer or any other breast disease.
• It is essential that these fat transfer procedures are undertaken in a sterile theatre environment and that the facility meets full day stay surgery standards. The main procedure risks are bleeding and bruising and possible loss of some transplanted fat cells. Fat movement is limited by light compression garments and reduction of post-operative exercise. Infection risk is reduced by sterile technique, air quality monitored operating environment and antibiotics. The risk of fat embolism is minimal with good operative technique. Patient must not smoke cigarettes or take any anticoagulants (blood thinners) including aspirin.
Other possible side effects including haematomas (collections of blood) and sermonas (collections of fluid) may occur but are manageable. Sometimes macrocalcifications and oil cysts may follow fat grafting procedures but these can also be managed.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.