23 Nov Is Fat Grafting For Breast Augmentation A Safer Option To Implants?
Fat Grafting For Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation has been around for decades. The procedure uses silicone or saline implants to provide increased breast size and shape. Fat grafting has recently emerged as another breast augmentation option for patients. The process starts with extracting fat from one body part, like the hips, abdomen, or flank. The fat goes through a purification process and is then injected back into the breast. While this process sounds exciting, fat grafting has pros and cons.
Why do women choose fat transfer?
One of the biggest appeals to fat transfer is that the procedure is nonsurgical. The minimally invasive procedure requires less downtime, no incisions, and no postoperative pain. Fat transfer also addresses multiple problem areas, giving women a more contoured look. Many women report that fat grafting provides more natural results. However, since liposuction and fat transfer are necessary, the operation can be more expensive. More importantly, transferring the fat can come with risks that patients must consider in advance.
What are the risks?
Minimally invasive or not, all procedures come with the chance of complications. Fat transfer can cause infections at both the retrieval and insertion locations. Other side effects include bleeding, scarring, and asymmetrical breasts. Swelling and pain can linger for several months, making the process uncomfortable. An inexperienced surgeon can also insert insufficient fat, requiring additional procedures.
Watch out for calcification
A common risk is the eventual calcification of fat cells in the breast. Fat moved from one location to the breast still requires blood vessels and nutrients to survive. Over time, some fat is reabsorbed by the body. However, fat cells can also create calcified cysts in the breast. These can sometimes be painful or may disrupt future mammogram results. A patient with calcification can therefore miss a cancer diagnosis or become incorrectly misdiagnosed.
Are the results what you expected?
Fat transfer is best for women looking for subtle results. The amount of fat available for transfer often dictates the breast size. Some women can only get an increase of one cup size. More significant effects would require breast implants. Over time, the results can change as the body absorbs more fat. This can lead to more sagging and uneven breasts.
Is this procedure right for me?
Fat grafting is effective for women looking for minor changes with no incisions. There is also the benefit of liposuction from other parts of the body. However, the liposuction process can be dangerous in some cases. Calcification and absorption of fat may cause undesirable results. On the other hand, implants require incisions and extended downtime. However, there are also long-term results, a proven safety record, and more control over size. Choose the best procedure by exploring all the possibilities with a board-certified plastic surgeon.