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Fat used in Breast Reconstruction?
In our East Bay practice we can utilize your own fat (fat transfer) to reconstruct minor deformities of the breast. Subcutaneous fat (fat just under the skin) is removed with liposuction, processed then injected directly into to the sites that are lacking in volume. Fat is commonly taken from the abdomen, back, and thighs although it is not limited to these locations. Even very slender patients generally have enough fat for transferring. Patients who have small contour irregularities following lumpectomies may be good candidates for fat transfer. When larger volumes of are required to meet a patient’s desired results (i.e. following mastectomy) breasts are reconstructed using silicone implants or by rearranging existing muscles and skin. For more information on breast reconstruction visit a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Clinical Context
Fat grafting works best in thin layers because transplanted fat needs to connect quickly to a nearby blood supply to survive. Injecting small amounts across many passes gives more fat cells a chance to take hold, while larger deposits are more likely to be partially reabsorbed. This is why fat transfer is well suited to small volume corrections, while larger reconstructions typically rely on implants or tissue flaps that bring their own blood supply.
