Would I still need to wear a Brava prior to a fat transfer if my skin is already stretched from breast feeding then volume loss?

Question

I am considering a fat transfer for breast augmentation. My breasts are barely a B after three years of breastfeeding. I was routinely a full B prior to breastfeeding and my breasts increased to over a D cup while nursing. My question is, if my skin has already been stretched because there was previously more breast tissue/breast volume, and that volume is now gone, would I still need to wear a Brava? I am trying to understand what exactly the Brava does, and if it is required in all cases.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

The short answer is "no." Brava is not widely available as it is not widely endorsed. The developers of the technology are its primary advocates. Fat transfer take depends on how much tissue is currently present, as the more tissue present, the more fat that can be hosted and the less absorption. A second go at fat transfer typically results in better take than the primary procedure.Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon. You can find one at plasticsurgery.org.I love fat transfer to the breasts - it's a great technique when done well! Best of luck to you!

Rodney A. Green, MD · Answer

If you have skin laxity and you have sufficient basic breast volume as well as donor fat available you may not need any preparation. Sometimes you may need a second session of fat injection to accomplish your goal but even that may be preferable to wearing the Brava device for a month before surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. A Brava device is a large external suction device, similar to a breast pump, that a patient wears over the breast to expand the breast tissue.  Breast fat transfer is a great tool to balance breasts, improve symmetry, and gain up to one cup size in volume. The fat transfer volumes to each breast may range from 240 cc to 360 cc in most cases. About 50% of the fat survives, on average.  Some patients will require more than one session of fat grafting to achieve the best results. Schedule an email, Skype or in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Since your breasts have increased in size while breast feeding and decreased after, you have excess skin.  The excess skin allows you to have a breast lift.  The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  The Brava system is no longer available in the US and not necessary in your case.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  lex_ladybug,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Would I still need to wear a Brava prior to a fat transfer if my skin is already stretched from breast feeding then volume loss?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava

Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Would I still need to wear a Brava prior to a fat transfer if my skin is already stretched from breast feeding then volume loss?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava

Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Answer: Postoperative protocol

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.