Fat Necrosis: What Can Happen During Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

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Fat Necrosis: What Can Happen During Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

What Is A Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

A fat transfer breast augmentation is a breast enhancement surgery that uses fat from the patient’s body to increase the size of the breasts. The fat is taken from one area of the body like the thighs or stomach using liposuction techniques and tools. Then the doctor injects the fat into the breast tissue.

How does a fat transfer augmentation differ from an implant?

A woman’s breast has a more natural look and feels with a fat transfer. The breast does not have the high-profile, round look common with traditional implants. A fat transfer augmentation will not dramatically increase the patient’s breast size. The breast will increase by a cup to a cup and a half. Implants can drastically increase cup size.

Are there any complications associated with fat-transfer breast augmentation?

With a fat transfer breast augmentation, approximately 70% of the fat transferred will survive. Fat must be connected to adipose tissue to receive the necessary nutrients to live. Therefore, some fat will die during the surgery. Surgeons will over-inject fat to compensate for the loss. In some cases, over-injection can create oil cysts or calcium deposits in the breast.

What is an oil cyst?

An oil cyst is an area with dead fat cells that release an oily substance. Calcium starts forming around the substance, creating a cyst. The cysts feel hard and round and may cause dimpling and bruising of the breast. Fat necrosis is the medical name for dead fatty tissue. Fat necrosis is what leads to oil cysts. Sometimes, the term fat necrosis is used interchangeably with oil cysts.

Is fat necrosis deadly?

Fat necrosis and oil cysts can form lumps which can cause concern for patients. The area with the cysts can also feel tender and bruised. Typically, doctors will conduct imaging tests to learn more about the cyst. Some doctors may suggest a biopsy if the lump is painful or changes size and shape. However, most oil cysts are not deadly and will naturally go away. Doctors can surgically remove the cyst if the cyst does not clear up naturally.

Should I talk to my doctor about fat-transfer breast augmentation?

Patients interested in a fat transfer breast augmentation should consult a plastic surgeon. A qualified plastic surgeon will let a patient know if the patient is a good candidate for a fat transfer breast augmentation. Patients should schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to learn more about breast augmentation procedures.



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