What percentage of your patients experience lumps after breast fat transfer?

Question

E.g. oil cysts, fat necrosis, etc. Are you more conservative in your transfers, or do you prefer to add more?

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Fewer than 5 percent of my patients experience oil cysts or fat necrosis. I use precise, micro fat injection techniques that ensure maximum contact of the each graft with the surrounding, native breast tissues. This is ensures the highest probability of fat survival. I never inject more fat than I think the breast tissues can support. My technique takes longer in surgery, and may take more than one operation to achieve the goal size. But, the complication rate is very low and the quality of the outcomes are high.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @passionfruity, thank you for your question. Regarding the percentage of patients experiencing lumps after breast fat transfer surgery, I can confidently say that it is quite low. In my experience as a plastic surgeon performing breast fat transfer procedures, I have found that most of my patients do not experience lumps or other complications. In fact, in many cases, the fat that is transferred to the breasts contributes to an improved and more natural-looking appearance. The success rate for this procedure is high thanks to the surgical technique, technology and 22 years of experience. 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)

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Small oil cysts may occur with breast fat transfer. Careful treatment of the fat to be transferred to the breast and conservative volumes in an unscarred breast make lumps less likely. Lumps are more common in breasts with scarring and/or radiation treatment in the past, when the fat is more damaged prior to transfer, and when larger volumes of fat are transferred. The good news is that when these lumps do occur, they are typically like small round pearls without overlying skin change and look benign. Ultrasound will better identify that they look benign. Biopsy may be done to assure there is no problem. Patients over 40 years old should definitely have a mammogram done prior to this procedure.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Palpable lumps after breast fat transfer are possible, but fairly uncommon, probably on the order of a percent or two of cases. I have not had any of my patients come back to me with palpable lumps after fat grafting to the breast, though I have seen a couple from other surgeons.
Regarding how much to add, it depends a lot on the patient's goals. In most patients, it is possible to transfer up to about 500cc per breast. Assuming that 50-60% of that volume will last long-term, that translates to 250-300cc of augmentation. Less is certainly possible as well if your goals are for a smaller augmentation, or to balance out asymmetries or improve shape without adding lots of volume.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear passionfruity,
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

What percentage of your patients experience lumps after breast fat transfer?

Answers (8)

Answer: They are uncommon

Answer: They are uncommon

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

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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.

What percentage of your patients experience lumps after breast fat transfer?

Answers (8)

Answer: They are uncommon

Answer: They are uncommon

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

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.