Am I a candidate for breast fat transfer if I have had mammograms that indicate dense fibrocystic breast?

Question

Fat transfer to dense fibrocystic breast, is this contraindicated in these types of breast tissue? I am 53 years old.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

ok, i will be the old school guy who is not in favor of fat grafting to the breast.  with grafting it is possible to get lumps and bumps which may be confusing for your physical exam. secondly it is possible to create calcifications associated with fat necrosis. i understand that theoretically people can tell the difference but i just don't want to take that chance

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It's not at all uncommon to have fibrocystic breasts.  In and of itself, fibrocystic breasts should not impact breast augmentation or the outcome of the surgery.  You should continue with annual mammograms for early detection of any breast lumps.
Results are largely dependent upon the skill of the surgeon, his/her ability to remove fat without creating contour deformities, and your expectations. You would need a consultation with a board certified PS to determine your available fat stores.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Los Angeles1816,
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

It would be okay to perform fat injections in your case.  Just keep your expectations very modest.  Look at pictures of patients before and after fat transfer.  Not very impressive.  Then consider those are the surgeons BEST results and you don’t know when the after photos were taken.  Fat transfer doesn’t work as well as you may believe.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat may be transferred to fibrocystic breasts and to dense breasts. Transferring fat does help spread apart the dense tissue, and sometimes is helpful in reading mammagrams.

Am I a candidate for breast fat transfer if I have had mammograms that indicate dense fibrocystic breast?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat to breasts

Answer: Fat to breasts

Answer: Fat

Answer: Fat

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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Am I a candidate for breast fat transfer if I have had mammograms that indicate dense fibrocystic breast?

Answers (7)

Answer: Fat to breasts

Answer: Fat to breasts

Answer: Fat

Answer: Fat

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.