Can one transfer fat to a small area of the body to determine risk of lumps if they are interested in breast fat transfer?

Question

I have a history of autoimmune issues which worries me in my reaction to fat transfer, specifically lumps. Is it possible to transfer a small amount of fat to an area, let's say the hips, to determine if lumps show up? And would doing a FT to the hips be representative of the risk of lumps in the breasts?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @passionfruity, thank you for your question. It really depends on the surgical technique of the specialist performing surgery and his criteria to transfer a small amount of fat to an area. The risk of lumps happens when there is fat necrosis after de procedure. Technique, experience, and technology used by the plastic surgeon determine the success of the surgery. For more information, you should consult one or several board-certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Lumps in breast fat transfer happen primarily from too much fat being injected in one small area, either creating a palpable lump itself or not getting enough blood supply and turning into fat necrosis or an oil cyst. While these are risks inherent to the procedure, they can be greatly minimized with good technique and proper processing of the fat. Autoimmunity shouldn't influence your reaction to a fat transfer really, as fat is not very immunogenic and your body is not reacting to this fat in its native location. You certainly can transfer fat into the hips if you desire that, but lumps or no lumps in the hips wouldn't really be reflective of the risk of lumps elsewhere. Hope this helps!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and first off, since you are transferring your own fat to other parts of your body, your auto immune issues should not be a factor. Individuals who do not have auto immune disease can still form small lumps from fat transfer. However it is reasonable to perform a small fat transfer under local anesthesia to evaluate your reaction to this procedure. Come see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Fat transfer is simply a hit or miss procedure at best. I say women should avoid fat transfer  to the breasts. It simply doesn’t work as well as you may be led to believe.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear passionfruity,
lumps are usually caused by poor technique. 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

No, the risks of lumps are more related to the volume transferred and the volume of breast tissue available to receive fat and postoperative care. Doing a transfer to the hips won't be of any benefit for the breasts.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Deformation of palpable lumps after fat transfer indicates inappropriate technique.
There’s no indication for injecting fat into your leg to see if you form lumps when doing the procedure correctly does not have this as a common side effect.
What differentiates patients who get lumps versus those who don’t is that those who get lumps go to providers that lack skill and experience to graft correctly.
Auto immune disease should have no impact on your body‘s response to grafting fat.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

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