Breast rigotomies vs fat grafting: what is the difference?

Question

What is the difference between rigotomies and fat grafting or are they relatively the same? Thank you for your time.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Happy to give you some history. Rigotomies are small incisions that are made in tissue which is about to have fat transfer. Scar tissue can make fat transfer lumpy. The scar often connects skin to whatever is beneath it, whether body wall or muscle. It can almost create a cellulite look (BTW, same mechanism). These incisions are often made with a needle with slight cutting movements below the skin. So, little skin scar, looser soft tissues, smoother fat transfer. Why do we call it a rigotomy? It was named after Dr. Gino Rigotti, who demonstrated and popularized this maneuver. Does it work? Very well in the right situation.
In effect, rigotomies are maneuvers employed by those of us who do fat transfers.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Polite7833,
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I don’t even know what a rigotomy is. However fat transfer is pretty worthless. It doesn’t work nearly as well as some would lead you to believe.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Rigotomy is used to release and cut through areas of scar tissue or fibrosis. Fat grafting is adding volume to an area with fat. No, they are not the same and usually not used together in most patients.

Breast rigotomies vs fat grafting: what is the difference?

Answers (4)

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