Should I be worried about breast calcifications after fat transfer?

Question

My upper breast is a little flat so I'm thinking about getting fat transfer. But should I be worried about calcifications in breast?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello friedchickenislove  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. About 50% of fat grafted cells will remain as living fat cells with Natural Breast Augmentation. When PRP (platelet rich plasma) is added, this may increase the survival of the fat cells. #flat #calcification

Mark Anton, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Friedchickenislove-Below are the recommendations from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, to which (I believe), 90-95% of board certified surgeons are members:ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - A breast augmentation procedure in which fat from other parts of the body is transferred to the breasts causes can cause false suspicion of breast cancer on follow-up mammograms, according to a study in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
The mammographic changes occurring after fat injection are indistinguishable from abnormalities associated with breast cancer, according to the study by Dr. Cong-Feng Wang of Meitan General Hospital, Beijing. Based on this "mammographic confusion," the authors conclude that the use of autologous fat injection for breast augmentation should be "prohibited continuously."Ho9pe this helps objectivity regarding this question.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

I wouldn't be concerned about calcifications since they aren't typically clinically problematic and are easily identified during future radiologic work up.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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 calcifications can be delineated from those for malignancy.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hetal Fichadia, MD, FACS · Answer

Good question. Calcifications are certainly possible after breast fat grafting. Research shows that they can be distinguished from cancerous calcifications by current imaging techniques. Be sure to inform the radiologist/your primary care doctor that you've had this surgery so that they are aware of this. 
All the best to you.

Ron Soltero, MD, FACS · Answer

dear patient: thanks for your question.  After performing thousands of Fat Transfer/Fat Grafting procedures, including Fat Transfer to the Breasts (bilateral), calcifications is a low risk.  It might happen to you if you are already prone and already have had calcifications.  You should consult only with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons that are specialists in Fat Grafting procedures.  Hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear friedchickenslove,every surgery has possible complications. Risk of calcification after fat transfer is low. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You will get the best recommendations and more information after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You should always be aware of any new masses in the breast before or after fat transfer. With this being said, it is a safe procedure. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

I have been doing fat grafting for more than 11 years. I have done a lot of implant removal and fat grafting. The mammograms after fat grafting may show some calcification but they are very different from the calcification associated with breast cancer.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Calcifications are a possibility with any fat transfer, but is low on the list. More commonly seen are oil cysts. These calcifications, however, do appear differently on X-Rays from calcifications of breast cancer. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing all your concerns and options.

Should I be worried about breast calcifications after fat transfer?

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