Fat grafting is a type of procedure that may be performed following reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It involves enhancing the reconstructed breast with fat that is liposuctioned from another area of the body, normally the thighs or belly.
It Is Natural?
Fat grafting uses your own tissue harvested from somewhere else on your body. Once the fat cells establish a good blood supply, they are there for good. If you lose or gain weight, those fat cells will be affected as well. It is very natural.
No Need for Major Surgery
If you’ve already had a mastectomy with reconstruction, you may not need another major surgery to help improve the aesthetic look of the reconstructed breast. Fortunately, fat grafting is a comparatively minor procedure. Sometimes, this procedure can even be done under a local anesthetic in the office. Your board-certified plastic surgeon can give you all our options.
Is fat grafting better than implants?
Both procedures are great at what they do, but the answer comes down to how much increase in breast size that you are looking for. Fat grafting is the way to go if you only need a little enhancement or are filling in a defect from a lumpectomy.. It is not usually enough to completely reconstruct a breast after a full mastectomy. For that, most of the time, you need an implant or autologous reconstruction.
How is the fat transferred into the breasts?
Your surgeon will inject the fat into your breast using a cannula and syringes. To help the fat reach blood supply, it is usually injected in layers throughout the areas desired to achieve your goals.
Does fat grafting cause scarring?
Since no major incisions are required for a fat graft, it involves only small scars.
How long does fat grafting take to complete?
Most fat grafting procedures to the breasts take a couple of hours. In some cases, more than one session may be needed. This can be determined after a thorough physical exam and discussion with your plastic surgeon.
Schedule Your Consultation
Are you considering fat grafting after your breast reconstruction? Do you have any remaining questions or concerns? If so, please contact the office of Dr. Haque of Queen City Plastic Surgery today to schedule your convenient consultation or use our simple online form.