Can cupping over a fat graft increase local blood flow to the graft to help fat survival?

Dear leahrebekah97,
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 surgery, I would suggest you 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

They tried a device like that called Brava. It failed miserably and I don’t think is available anymore.

Cupping can certainly help increase the blood flow to the breast before fat grafting .
I routinely use a more effective device to expand the breast before fat grafting.
I also combine the fat grafts with PRF obtained from the patients own blood

Please avoid cupping over the fat grafts because the pressure may injure the fat and the increase in blood flow is very temporary.

Personally I would not recommend cupping after breast fat transfer. The goal is to immobilize tissues and allow neovascularization without pressure or movement.
Negative pressure created by cupping will physically distort the tissues and while it may cause venous congestion in the skin does not increase blood flow but rather venous congestion and this is unlikely to have any impact below the dermis.
The single most important variable is choosing the most experienced and talented surgeon. Do that by having multiple in person consultations at which time you should ask each provider to show their entire collection of before and after pictures.
Delivering consistent quality liposuction and fat transfer results is more difficult than most people believe. This includes plastic surgeons.
Ask each provider to show their entire collection of before and after pictures or at least as many as they are willing to
Asked to see examples of excellent outcomes, average outcomes and less than outcomes. Confirm that all fat transfer postop pictures were taken at least three months from the date of procedure.
In the end choosing the most talented and experienced surgeon is by far the most important variable. No other variables matter in comparison.
The second most important variable is the patient’s candidacy for the procedure. That can be assessed and discussed during a proper in person consultation.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD