Our Summary

This research paper looks at a new method of breast augmentation, specifically for women whose breasts have atrophied, or shrunk, due to breastfeeding.

The researchers used a combination of breast implants and fat grafting (where fat is taken from one part of the body and injected into another) on 34 women over a period of 6 years. The implants were placed under the glandular tissue of the breast to help fill out the shrunken tissue, and the fat grafting was used to cover the lower part of the implant, which can sometimes be visible or palpable.

The average size of the implants used was 321 cc and the average amount of fat injected was 114 cc per breast. After an average of 22 months, the implants could only be felt in one breast and could not be seen or cause a rippling effect in any of the women.

Out of the 68 breasts, 2 had cysts and 4 had a moderate case of capsular contracture, a complication where the tissue capsule around the implant tightens, but none had fat necrosis, or death of fat cells. Overall, 90% of the women were happy with the size, shape, and coverage of their new breasts.

This suggests that this method of breast augmentation could be effective for women with atrophied breasts, by increasing size and filling out the tissue while avoiding common issues like implant visibility and palpability.

FAQs

  1. What is the technique used to prevent breast implant visibility and palpability in atrophied breasts?
  2. What was the patient satisfaction rate for this breast augmentation method?
  3. What were the common complications observed in patients who underwent this breast augmentation procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast augmentation is to consider combining breast implants with fat grafting to achieve a more natural look and feel. This combination can help prevent implant edge visibility and palpability, as well as improve overall satisfaction with the results. It is important to discuss all options and considerations with your surgeon to determine the best approach for your individual needs and goals.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended breast augmentation are those who are looking to increase the size and improve the shape of their breasts. This may include women with naturally small breasts, asymmetrical breasts, or breasts that have lost volume or shape due to factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.

In the case of atrophied breasts related to breastfeeding, a combination of breast implants and fat grafting may be recommended to achieve a successful outcome. This approach can help to provide optimal filling and expansion of atrophied breast tissue while also preventing issues such as implant visibility, palpability, rippling, and capsular contracture.

Overall, patient satisfaction with breast augmentation procedures involving a combination of breast implants and fat grafting is typically high, as it can help to improve the shape, size, and coverage of the breasts while achieving a natural-looking result.

Timeline

Before breast augmentation:

  1. Patient consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative appointments for medical evaluations and sizing
  3. Decision on implant type and size
  4. Surgery date scheduled

After breast augmentation:

  1. Surgery performed with breast implants placed in the subglandular plane
  2. Autologous fat grafting performed above the inframammary sulcus to prevent implant visibility and palpability
  3. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for complications such as rippling, visibility, palpability, and capsular contracture
  4. Patient satisfaction assessed in terms of breast shape, size, and coverage of the implant
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any changes or complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing breast augmentation includes pre-operative consultations and appointments, surgery, and post-operative follow-up to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast augmentation include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?
  2. What type of breast implants do you recommend for me, and why?
  3. How will the implants be placed (subglandular, submuscular, etc.) and why?
  4. Will I need additional procedures, such as fat grafting, to achieve the desired outcome?
  5. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  6. What type of scarring can I expect after the surgery, and how can I minimize scarring?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  8. Can you show me before and after photos of patients you have treated with similar breast augmentation procedures?
  9. What are the long-term effects of breast augmentation, and will I need additional surgeries in the future?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Özalp B, Aydinol M. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2017 Jun;78(6):623-628. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000935. PMID: 27922487