Seeking information for pros & cons of autologous breast augmentation (microsurgery)

Question

Greetings, I am seeking information pros/cons of something called Autologous Breast Augmentation with Microsurgery. I have been unable to find much information/pics about it on the internet about it I understand this is when they do a fat transfer with microsurgery to connect blood vessels (not the liposuction style fat transfer). The pics information I come across has to do with masectomy patients. I recently learned of a woman who had this done as a breast augmenation after weight loss.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yes the microsurgery is for breast reconstruction. It entails some significant scars and as far as I know it’s not done for cosmetic purposes yet.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
Autologous breast reconstruction or augmentation is when your own tissues, typically abdominal fat and skin, are transplanted to help create new breasts (typically following mastectomy or implant removal). Microsurgery is then performed connecting tiny artery and vein in order for the translated tissue to live and incorporate.
Fat transfer to the breasts is also a great option to help increase the breast volume and improve symmetry. This is done usually through tiny incisions which heal with minimal scarring. Breast lipofilling using fat grafting may require a few sessions (surgeries) to achieve a fuller cleavage, which is an important consideration for many patients.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Surgeries in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
Best wishes and good luck. 
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Microsurgical breast reconstruction involves taking tissue from one part of the body and transferring that tissue with its associated blood supply ( artery and vein ) and transferring it to the chest to make a breast. This is a relatively rare subspecialty within Plastic Surgery, you should seek a provider that has special training to perform at this highly complex procedures. In its most elegant form, only the skin in that is transferred leaving any underlying musculature on damaged. The benefit is you avoid it having implants and ever having to deal with implant problems. The tissue feels and looks like a breast is your breast is made up of mostly fat. And lastly the tissue will change with your body as you gain and lose weight. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear applepop,fat transfer breast augmentation is a viable alternative for women who desire larger breasts without the use of implants. Fat transfer is also widely used in reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be very effective in correcting the size and shape of the breasts due to genetic problems such as tuberous breast or Poland Syndrome, two conditions that look like misshapen or underdeveloped breasts.In addition, the following scenarios are also reason to consider breast fat grafting:• If you have chest areas that appear creased and sunken• If you desire more permanent correction than is provided by temporary fillers• If you wish to improve your body contour, revise scars, fill bodily depressions and rejuvenate the natural curve of your breasts• To fill in contour irregularities or hide obvious signs of breast implantsYou should discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon and make sure your surgeon understands your concerns and your breast augmentation goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, this long and very expensive procedure is used for breast reconstruction and not for cosmetic surgery. I would suggest meeting with a reconstructive breast surgeon to discuss your options. Insurance will not cover this for you.

Seeking information for pros & cons of autologous breast augmentation (microsurgery)

Answers (5)