Questions about Fat Transfers for Breast Augmentation
Denver, Lone Tree and Cherry Creek, Colorado
Is breast augmentation with fat transfer what it sounds like?
Yes. This procedure increases the size of your breasts and may improve their shape by removing fat from unwanted areas and injecting it into your breasts.Can I get the same level of enlargement with fat transfer that I can with breast implants?
No. Breast augmentation with breast implants can give you a larger increase in your breast size than fat transfer. However, if you are looking to increase your breasts by about one cup size or slightly more, breast augmentation with fat transfer is a suitable procedure.
Is breast augmentation with fat transfer approved by the FDA and the ASPS?
The FDA does not approve medical procedures, but it has approved a number of technologies related to fat transfers for breast augmentation, and others are under evaluation. At the Broadway Center for Plastic Surgery, we only use FDA-approved technologies, except in association with clinical trials.
In 2009, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released the conclusions of its task force on fat grafting for breast augmentation. These conclusions included that the procedure seems to be effective and severe complications "appear to be extremely rare." Therefore, the ASPS decided to allow surgeons to use their personal and professional judgment in deciding whether to perform the procedure.
The ASPS task force also noted that the success of the procedure seems to be highly dependent on a surgeon's technique and expertise, making it crucial you select a plastic surgeon with a demonstrated track record of success at this procedure.
How is fat removed?
Fat is removed from areas where it is not wanted by liposuction. The fat is then treated and injected in many small quantities. Using small injections allows Dr. David Broadway to precisely contour your breast and to improve the survival rate of transplanted fat.
Does the transferred fat die?
Some of the transferred fat will die, but most survives. The survival rate of fat is increased when the transfer is performed by an experienced fat grafting surgeon like Dr. Broadway. In addition, we use Cytori's PureGraft System, which allows for quick, consistent treatment and may improve the survival rate of transferred fat.
How many treatments are necessary?
Because some of the transferred fat may not survive, you may require more than one treatment to get your desired results. Generally, no more than three treatments are necessary to give successful results.
Are the results of fat transfers for breast augmentation permanent?
Once it survives the initial transfer period, fat becomes part of your natural breast tissue. Therefore, the results can be essentially permanent. However, weight loss and other conditions that impact your natural breast tissue may also impact the transferred fat, affecting the quality of your results.
What are the possible risks or complications of the procedure?
The possible risks reported by the ASPS task force included:
- Risks associated with liposuction
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Interference with breast cancer detection
- Undesirable volume gain
Some of these risks are proven, such as infection, others are merely theoretical, such as interference with breast cancer detection. Recent research indicates that breast augmentation with fat transfer does not actually interfere with mammograms.
Why should I choose Dr. Broadway for my breast augmentation with fat transfer?
As the ASPS task force noted, the success of this procedure is highly dependent on the technique and expertise of the surgeon. Denver board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Broadway has performed many successful fat transfer breast augmentation procedures. His technique is well-developed and results in a high survival rate for transferred fat, and, combined with the new Cytori PureGraft System, that rate is only likely to increase.
To learn more about breast augmentation with fat transfer, please contact Dr. Broadway today to schedule your fat transfer consultation.
Lone Tree 9777 S. Yosemite Street, Suite 200, Lone Tree, CO 80124
Cherry Creek North 255 S. Detroit Street, Suite 200 Denver 80206