Fat transfer to breasts. Will it last? Will it cause lumpiness?

hello Arch1e  Fat grafting is a generally safe procedure with few problems. Loss of volume after the procedure or increased volume with weight gain. Fat necrosis which can result in cysts, scar tissue, calcifications, lumps. Infection is very rare. #options #lumps

I appreciate your question

I perform a natural breast augmentation with fat. This can be removed from any unwanted areas including the breast itself as part of my lipo-lift procedure. I perform the fat grafting in multiple planes including under the muscle to give the best, most natural enhancement. Fat grafting is a great solution for someone who wants to bring their breast size up a cup or so and use natural tissue vs an implant. However, it can also be combined with an implant or used as a secondary procedure to fill in areas that are flat or thin. It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast feeding. It can be a little lump or hard at first but tends to soften over time. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.  About 60-70% of the grafted fat survives.  At 6 months you will have a good idea of your results. Some women have a second or third procedure which continues to increase your volume safely.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast plastic surgery.

 

Best of luck!

   

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

 In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of injection recommended by most.  It is not that more cannot be injected, but on average this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer.  The fat must be injected through multiple planes in small amount passes.  Most surgeons will perform more than one procedure for greater augmentations.   About 50% of the fat obtains permanence.  
You have to consider not only which areas will have perhaps the best fat, but also you have to consider which donor sites will have the fewest problems afterward with the liposuction.  In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred, but, if those sites are not available, other areas can be used.  Regarding the length of time to wear the compression bra, follow the guidelines of the plastic surgeon you select to perform your surgery as plastic surgeons differ in their guidance.I am not sure that the data has been collected on rate of calcification, and then the issue becomes whether that is clinically significant. The calcification lumps are usually not an issue.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA