Is the Brava Required Before Fat Transfer to the Breasts?

Question

I am considering fat transfer breast augmentation because I don't want to be too much bigger, and do not want implants.I've read that the Brava system does not work for breast enlargement, but have seen a few recommend it as a precursor to fat transfer. Do all surgeons require this? Why wouldn't I just do the Brava on it's own?

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

The science (what happens long term when you inject fat into the breast, does it do nothing bad? cause cancer? cause fat cysts?) is not all sorted out on this procedure.  I'm sure we all hope it turns out to be a great way to augment (or even reconstruct) breasts without implants.  So the answer is, the current teaching is that BRAVA helps create space and the vasculature to support fat injections, but it not imperative that BRAVA be used.  Be aware that this may be a several surgery process.  Best of luck to you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The use of the Brava system plus fat injections for breast augmentation is a new approach done by a few surgeons.  I have been somewhat unimpressed with the results and we don't know how the result will hold up in the long term.  I would not volunteer for this procedure until the bugs are all knocked out, and that seems a far way off.  I guess I'm just a common sense kind of guy.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

The answewr is yes and no. If you have small breasts with tight skin envelope and tight parenchymal tissues it does help prepare the breast for better fat take. It's been shown on MRI studies that it not only loosens and increases breast volume, but it also helps improve blood supply to the breast. This way the fat has a better survival rate. Most surgeons do not use the BRAVA. In Europe it is rarely used if ever and fat grafting is done successfully without it. Now, it is important to note, that without the BRAVA pre-expansion of the breast, you might need two or more sessions of fat grafting. The reason is, that about 65% of the fat survives in the long run.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The BRAVA system has been used in some patients for breast augmentation with fat.  There is not a lot of research on this subject, but it may enhance the ability to place more fat and may promote better "take". It still does not provide the volume that a breast implant could.

Thomas R. Walek, MD · Answer

I believe the FDA has found the science behind this to be somewhat anecdotal. To this end several centers have been designated to get the unbiased data necessary to determine efficacy.

	As with any new technology we need to carefully evaluate this before it replaces accepted and relatively proven procedures.

	The options need to be discussed with your surgeon and you both need to be comfortable with the surgical plan.

Is the Brava Required Before Fat Transfer to the Breasts?

Answers (7)

Answer: BRAVA and fat transfer

Answer: BRAVA and fat transfer

Answer: More studies are in the works.

Answer: More studies are in the works.

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.

Is the Brava Required Before Fat Transfer to the Breasts?

Answers (7)

Answer: BRAVA and fat transfer

Answer: BRAVA and fat transfer

Answer: More studies are in the works.

Answer: More studies are in the works.

Browse related questions

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.