I have lupus (SLE). I want to do a fat transfer for breast augmentation. Is there any risk?

There is always risk with any surgery and little more risk with someone with autoimmune disease, but it still can be done safely.

To ensure your safety during surgery and recovery, your PS will likely want medical clearance from your specialist before performing the lipo, breast augmentation, and lipectomy.
Breast fat transfer is a great tool to balance breasts, improve symmetry, and gain up to one cup size in volume. 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons. 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. Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc's. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites but fat from other areas can be used. The fat must be injected through multiple planes in small amounts to the tissue through one tiny incision under each breast. About 50% of the fat obtains permanence.

Dear Pfran799,
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