Fat transfer to breast - is it true that the FDA is close to banning the procedure in the US?

Question

as i have been researching doctors, I have found one in nyc that no longer performs this procedure...one of his office staff explained to me it was because of the controversy that surrounds it and that the FDA is close to banning the procedure in the US...is this the case?

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

There are limitations and pros/cons to this surgery like every other surgery. That said, results can be amazing with limited scarring. It provides a very natural breast. Not all people want this and frankly not all surgeons have the expertise to consistently get good results. In those cases a breast augmentation with an implant remains an excellent tried and trusted technique. For some patients fat grafting can be a perfect option.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The FDA has jurisdiction over food and drugs.  Injections of autologous fat are neither and the FDA would not have the power to ban them.  That being said, I think the application of this technique is suitable to a rather limited class of patients for correction of mild asymmetry and that patients must consent to the risk of the fat not "taking" or "taking" differentially.  For the typical breast augmentation, implants are safe, tried and true.  There are always new gimmicks or old procedures called by new names for publicity, as well as non-surgical modalities pushed by the non-surgeons to attract patients who latch onto these options because they purportedly hurt less, cost less and don't have down time.  In fact, none of the above may be accurate.  Besdt of luck!

Jonathan R. Fugo, DO · Answer

Thanks for taking the time to post your question regarding the FDA's position on Fat Grafting to the Breast. In short, the FDA is not preparing to, nor can they actually ban fat grafting to the breast (or any other body part for that matter). Since the FDA controls medications, substances and medical equipment, they cannot control fat grafting to any body part as the fat that's being used is the patient's own body tissue. The FDA can ban the use of particular equipment if they choose, but to my knowledge, none of the mainstream fat grafting devices are being removed by the FDA.....certainly not the equipment that I use anyway.Quite the contrary, fat grafting to the breast for both reconstructive and cosmetic application is now accepted by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These organizations are the "Police Force" of board certified plastic surgeons everywhere. If they say "no go" then there's a problem.If you're interested in learning more about your options, locate a Plastic Surgeon in your area, Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, experienced in fat grafting procedures to the breast. Schedule a consultation and discuss your options. Best of luck!

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

Many of us don't do it because we feel it is a poor procedure to do. THe fat mostly goes away and there is only a limited increase in your breast size. Implants are safe and have been done for over 50 years with an increasingly safe record. Why do a procedure that may leave you with scarred calcified breasts where the mammograms may not be accurate and the breast size increase is only modest.

Fat transfer to breast - is it true that the FDA is close to banning the procedure in the US?

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Answer: Fat transfer to breast

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Fat transfer to breast - is it true that the FDA is close to banning the procedure in the US?

Answers (4)

Answer: Fat transfer to breast

Answer: Fat transfer to breast

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.