Hi. I am 24 y/old and have small and slightly tuberous breasts (bra size is 32 AA). As my main goal is to enhance the shape (and increase a little bit of volume), I though fat transfer to the breast was my best choice. Recently, I've consulted with a highly recommended doctor in my town. And he told me that, as I have a history of breast cancer in my family (3 aunts, 2 cousins), It is best for me to go with implants. Besides possibly misleading mammograms what are the dangers of Fat Tranfer?
March 29, 2018
Answer: Potential Risks of Fat Transfer to the Breast In your case you are raising three issues: the risks of fat transfer to the breast, the consequences of fat transfer to breasts of women with a strong family history of cancer and the ability of fat transfer to correct tuberous/constricted breasts. Not all the fat transferred survives in the breast. As the dead fat is absorbed it may result in calcifications which on mammogram to the untrained eye may resemble those associated with early cancer. However, the vast majority of breast radiologists can differentiate between the microcalcifications of fat grafting and those of cancer. Fat grafting may be associated with larger fat necrosis and hardening of the breasts. But most importantly requires 2-4 or more operations of fat transfer. To assure maximal survival, large amounts of fat cannot be placed in the Brrast. Instead, grafting is done in incremental stages. As regards tuberous breasts, the key to achieving a natural attractive result is the reduction of the large Areolas and the complete release of the constricting bands giving the breasts their shape. This is usually done easier through a periareolar approach during a Breast Augmentation but can be done by hundreds of stab wounds in the breast (i.e. Rigottomies). Finally, there is no reason why you cannot have both: a breast augmentation supplemented by fat grafting to better cover the implant and soften the look of the breasts. Dr. Peter A. AldeaMemphis, TN
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 29, 2018
Answer: Potential Risks of Fat Transfer to the Breast In your case you are raising three issues: the risks of fat transfer to the breast, the consequences of fat transfer to breasts of women with a strong family history of cancer and the ability of fat transfer to correct tuberous/constricted breasts. Not all the fat transferred survives in the breast. As the dead fat is absorbed it may result in calcifications which on mammogram to the untrained eye may resemble those associated with early cancer. However, the vast majority of breast radiologists can differentiate between the microcalcifications of fat grafting and those of cancer. Fat grafting may be associated with larger fat necrosis and hardening of the breasts. But most importantly requires 2-4 or more operations of fat transfer. To assure maximal survival, large amounts of fat cannot be placed in the Brrast. Instead, grafting is done in incremental stages. As regards tuberous breasts, the key to achieving a natural attractive result is the reduction of the large Areolas and the complete release of the constricting bands giving the breasts their shape. This is usually done easier through a periareolar approach during a Breast Augmentation but can be done by hundreds of stab wounds in the breast (i.e. Rigottomies). Finally, there is no reason why you cannot have both: a breast augmentation supplemented by fat grafting to better cover the implant and soften the look of the breasts. Dr. Peter A. AldeaMemphis, TN
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
