Can a breast fat transfer be performed on a patient with breast cysts?

Question

I have a couple of small benign cysts in my breasts (confirmed by mammogram and ultrasound). Would this influence the success of a breast fat transfer procedure?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts.  In and of itself, fibrocystic breasts should not impact breast augmentation or the outcome of the surgery.  You should continue with annual mammograms for early detection of any breast lumps.
Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and your expectations. You would need a consultation with a board certified PS to determine your available fat stores.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bunny21212,
Yes, you can have fat transfer even if you have cysts. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Yes it is safe to do assuming you’re mammogram was negative for cancer. Having a “clean” mammogram within the year prior to surgery is necessary. The risk of fat necrosis and or breast cysts always exists after breast surgery and is a topic to discuss further with you American board of plastic surgery certified surgeon. The vast majority of fat transfer cases do not result in the formation of cysts or fat necrosis but it’s important for you to understand the risk and what it means in terms of surveillance and treatment.Best

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Yes, fat transfers can be done when a woman has non-cancerous breast masses and fibrocystic breasts  Most women have some lumps and bumps in their breasts- this is normal. The reason that women are encouraged to perform monthly self exams is to identify these areas- which should be nearly the same month to month- as opposed to new masses or masses that are growing or changing. Things that are stable are not much of a concern, whereas changing masses need to be worked up.Assuming a woman has “stable” breast masses, it is safe to perform fat transfers (and other breast cosmetic surgery). Sometimes we will get mammograms or ultrasounds before surgery to make sure there are no surprises. When we inject fat to the breast, we try to stay outside of the breast tissue (lobules and ducts) and instead inject the fat into the fatty layer around the milk- producing parts of the breast- which is where those cysts and fibromas reside. Since the fat is placed away from the cysts, we can identify fat- related issues from breast issues. Please discuss in the history of the masses, lumps ,and bumps with your plastic surgeon at the time of your consultation. They will make sure that your surgery is performed safely. Good luck!

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
This depends on the number and size of the cysts. This can be confirmed on an MRI scan. If you have limited number of cysts, these can be removed or followed with Ultrasound / CT Scan. Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine you and help you with your concerns.All The Best !

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Benign cysts may come and go, and should not be a problem with a fat transfer. Do have a fairly recent mammagram before doing the procedure.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as your cysts are not suspicious radiographically and you have no immediate family history of breast cancer I would not consider the cysts to be a contraindication to breast fat grafting. The cysts themselves will not interfere with the success of the fat grafting procedure in terms of aesthetics or graft take. I routinely use 1 cc syringes for the fat grafting process which takes more time and effort in the operating room but has two distinct advantages: (1) I reviewed 30 of my cases and none had micro-calcification or fat cysts that can lead to years of breast biopsies as suspicious looking masses and (2) the graft take is much higher(better percentage take). My OR assistant has been with me for twenty years; together he purifies the fat as I inject it. Fat grafting is an excellent choice when it comes to  smaller breast augmentations,  adding volume to stable well situated breast implant, improve existing breast asymmetry, or improving the transition between breast and decollete.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. Yes, you can have fat grafting to the breasts with cysts. The fat grafting should not affect the cysts that you currently have. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in fat grafting. In our office, we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Lisa M. Hunsicker, MD · Answer

Yes fat transfer can be performed even if a patient has breast cysts. You can even develop more cysts after fat grafting that are little bits of fat that did not survive called oil cysts. These kinds of cysts are not a problem or anything to worry about.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Stable breast cysts are usually not a problem as they can be evaluated bu ultrasound if needed. See link below for examples.

Can a breast fat transfer be performed on a patient with breast cysts?

Answers (12)

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