Can fat grafting to breasts after double mastectomy promote the regrowth of residual breast tissue and breast cancer?

Fat grafting is the process of taking fat from one part of the body and moving it to another.  Commonly liposuction of the abdomen or thighs harvests the fat.  The fat is then prepared and injected into areas to help the contour of the breasts after a reconstruction.  The grafted fat does not cause regrowth of breast tissue.  It also has not been shown to have any increase in the cancer risk.  Always discussing these issues with your board certified plastic surgeon prior to surgery is recommended. 

Very interesting question. Fat grafting has being in use for several years and every day more surgeons around the world experience its wonderful benefits in different tissues and organs. Fat is considered one of our owns  source of healing tissue. Share your concern  with a certified PS. Now fat tissue is under several researches studies around the world . Nevertheless, at this moment there is no evident of any harmful or whatsoever caused by fat cells transferring. Best Wishes

There were concerns about this in the past that appear to be unfounded.  I am not aware of any studies that would suggest this is a risk.

Thank you for the question.I suggest a physical examination or picture evaluation in order to determine which procedure and technique would be best for you.Dr. Campos

The cells that breast cancer come from are different than the cells being transferred.  In any event the most likely place for recurrence is in the mastectomy scar due to the proximity of the nipple areola complex.   Fat grafting should not increase breast cancer recurrence after mastectomy at all.

Fat added to breasts after mastectomy remains as fat, and does not undergo a metamorphosis into breast tissue or create breast cancer. Fat grafting is an absolutely amazing procedure after breast reconstruction and I have been performing this, safely, for 8 years. My rule of thumb is first, use small cannulae and place fat in such as way that it lives in its new home (like to fix the dent at the top of your breast), and second, always graft at least 100 cc into the mastectomy area for the best results. Aside from the appearance improving, which of course is important, I also get a lot of feedback from my patients that the breasts are warmer, that my patients are less "aware" of the implant and they feel less "fake" and "heavy", and that the discomfort that is sometimes present after mastectomy is often better, especially "feeling tight" and soreness and pain just lateral to the breast in the armpit. Use a surgeon that knows their stuff - 20 or 30 cc of fat just won't be enough to change the appearance of the area or the outcome significantly.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons formed a task force in 2009 to analyze the data behind the claim that stem cells from fat grafts could promote cancer recurrence. After reviewing the literature, they found there is no conclusive evidence that fat grafting increases cancer risk. The report states "Regarding fat grafting to the breast, there are no reports suggesting an increased risk of malignancy associated with fat grafting."

What a great question. Fat grafting is the wave of the future that is now here to stay. More and more surgeons are using fat to enhance the reconstructed breast and even to make a full breast mound without an implant or other forms of reconstrction! As far a s breast cancer is concerned, this is currently under significant investigation but so far there is not concrete evidence to suggest that it causes cancer. I perform this in my practice but you may also want to visit Dr. Khoury's site at miami breast center for more information. I hope this helps and have a wonderful day! Dr. Kayser