Our Summary

This research paper looked into how safe and effective it is to use fat grafting (transferring fat from one part of the body to another) for breast enlargement, instead of using implants. They analyzed 22 studies with over 2000 patients.

The results showed that serious complications like blood clots (0.5%), infections (0.6%), and fluid accumulation around the breast (0.1%) were rare. No patients needed surgery to fix these complications. Minor problems like palpable cysts happened in 2% of patients, but most of them were treated easily with a needle to remove the fluid.

After the fat grafting, some changes were seen in the breasts through imaging scans. Oil cysts were found in 6.5% of the patients, calcifications (hardening areas due to calcium build-up) in 4.5%, and fat death (necrosis) in 1.2%. The paper also found that 16.4% of the patients were sent for additional imaging to rule out cancer, and 3.2% were referred for a biopsy.

In conclusion, the paper suggests that fat grafting for breast enlargement has a low risk of complications, making it a good alternative to implants. Despite the high rate of changes seen in imaging scans after the procedure, these changes did not lead to any medical issues for the patients.

FAQs

  1. How safe is fat grafting for breast enlargement compared to implants?
  2. What complications can occur after fat grafting for breast enlargement and how common are they?
  3. What changes were seen in the breasts through imaging scans after fat grafting?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it is important to discuss all options and potential risks with your doctor before undergoing any breast augmentation procedure. It is also important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. Remember to attend follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes with your doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for breast augmentation with fat grafting are those who desire a natural-looking enhancement, have enough fat in other areas of the body for harvesting, and are in good overall health. It may be particularly beneficial for patients who are looking to avoid the risks associated with breast implants, such as rupture or capsular contracture.

However, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure, as fat grafting may not provide as significant of an increase in breast size compared to implants. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential changes seen in imaging scans after the procedure, as well as the need for additional imaging or biopsies in some cases.

Overall, fat grafting for breast augmentation can be a safe and effective option for certain patients, but it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if it is the right choice for individual needs and goals.

Timeline

Before breast augmentation:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and options for the procedure.
  2. Pre-operative exams and tests to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Choosing the type of augmentation (implants or fat grafting) and size of the implants.
  4. Surgical procedure, which can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

After breast augmentation:

  1. Recovery period, which may involve discomfort, swelling, and bruising.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  3. Possible changes in breast appearance due to fat grafting, as seen in imaging scans.
  4. Rare complications such as blood clots, infections, and fluid accumulation, which can be easily treated.
  5. Monitoring for long-term issues such as oil cysts, calcifications, and fat necrosis, which are usually not harmful.
  6. Overall, the procedure is considered safe and effective, with low rates of serious complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Here are some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast augmentation using fat grafting:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with fat grafting for breast enlargement?
  2. How often do patients experience serious complications like blood clots, infections, or fluid accumulation around the breast?
  3. How are minor complications like palpable cysts typically treated?
  4. What changes in the breasts can be expected after fat grafting, as seen in imaging scans?
  5. How often do patients need additional imaging or biopsies after fat grafting for breast enlargement?
  6. How does fat grafting compare to traditional breast implants in terms of safety and effectiveness?
  7. Are there any specific criteria or considerations that make a patient a good candidate for fat grafting for breast enlargement?
  8. What is the recovery process like after fat grafting for breast enlargement?
  9. How long do the results of fat grafting for breast enlargement typically last?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications to be aware of after undergoing fat grafting for breast enlargement?

Reference

Authors: Ørholt M, Larsen A, Hemmingsen MN, Mirian C, Zocchi ML, Vester-Glowinski PV, Herly M. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 Mar;145(3):530e-537e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006569. PMID: 32097306