If I was to attempt a fat transfer again am I likely to have the same result?

Question

I have had a fat transfer to the breast area that had caused some cysts and reabsorbed. I had the procedure as a part of a breast reconstruction a few years after after mastectomy and radiation. If I was to attempt a fat transfer again am I likely to have the same result? Thank you

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Overall you can’t expect  much from  fat transfer to the breast. Unfortunately prior radiation makes it even less likely to work.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival. Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and the patient's expectations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear laurenreed,
fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area. 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Radiation does leave some permanent changes, but you might have better luck this time since more time has passed from the radiation.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

There are a lot of variables that have to be met for fat transfer to be successful.

It does not work well in radiated tissue. On the non-radiated side fat transfer may work fine.

Avoid it in areas with previous radiation damage.

Your situation is a bit complex and we really need much more information to make an assessment.

If it didn’t work well the first time then there’s a reason why it didn’t work. This can be technique dependent, volume dependent, post tissue insufficiency dependent( like previous radiation)

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

If I was to attempt a fat transfer again am I likely to have the same result?

Answers (5)

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