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.
Answer: Preparation with the Brava device might be helpful, but most women are not prepared to do this. 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.
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Answer: Preparation with the Brava device might be helpful, but most women are not prepared to do this. 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.
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March 20, 2020
Answer: 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? 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.
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March 20, 2020
Answer: 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? 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.
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava 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.
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Bellesoma Lift instead of Brava 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.
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Postoperative protocol Dear lex_ladybug,
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Postoperative protocol Dear lex_ladybug,
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Why I don't use the Brava I have performed fat transfer to breast in private practice since 2005. I have used the Brava system in the past, but I found it to be an unnecessary burden with questionable benefits for patients. There are many variables in fat transfer, and a tight envelope can restrict initial fat transfer volumes just as it can limit the size of an implant in implant augmentations. (Which does not appear to be your case given your description) Even in these cases I do not believe Brava is beneficial. There are numerous examples on my website and Instagram accounts of what can be achieved with fat transfer to breast without Brava expansion. If your doctor is a Brava advocate, ask him/her why they recommend it and get a good understanding of what it will entail.
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March 3, 2020
Answer: Why I don't use the Brava I have performed fat transfer to breast in private practice since 2005. I have used the Brava system in the past, but I found it to be an unnecessary burden with questionable benefits for patients. There are many variables in fat transfer, and a tight envelope can restrict initial fat transfer volumes just as it can limit the size of an implant in implant augmentations. (Which does not appear to be your case given your description) Even in these cases I do not believe Brava is beneficial. There are numerous examples on my website and Instagram accounts of what can be achieved with fat transfer to breast without Brava expansion. If your doctor is a Brava advocate, ask him/her why they recommend it and get a good understanding of what it will entail.
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