In 2010, over 80,000 women chose breast reconstruction surgery after cancer related mastectomies and lumpectomies or to correct breast deformities (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Unfortunately, performing breast augmentation with implants may result in dimpling, wrinkling or visible edges. Natural fat grafting is a new option to reconstruct the breast and may address several of the problems typically associated with traditional breast reconstruction surgeries.
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According to New York plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick E. Antell, "Now we can remove excess fat from targeted areas of the body, harvest viable natural fat cells, and inject them into the breast in order to enhance breast contour or augment breast size. Since we are using the patient's own natural fat, the results have the potential to look and feel more natural, and last forever."
By using traditional liposuction, Dr. Antell removes viable fat from a donor site, typically the abdomen or thighs. The fat is harvested and then used to augment the breast through a fat transfer procedure. While fat transfers have existed for a few decades, it is only recently that physicians and researchers have found new ways to increase the survival rate of the fat adhering to the new site.
Dr. Antell injects the harvested fat carefully in narrow ribbons to smooth out any wrinkling or dimpling that may have been caused by breast implants while softening edges for a more natural looking appearance. Early reports show that existing stem cells in the harvested fat may also help with scar revision after mastectomies or lumpectomies, improving skin tone after breast radiation treatments.
An added benefit of choosing natural breast augmentation is until recently, there was concern that natural fat injected into breasts would interfere with mammography results. However, recent studies released by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that this is not the case and natural breast augmentation would not interfere with cancer detection through mammography.
Dr. Antell says, "Patients are seeing consistently good results with natural fat transfer to the breasts. Whether you're looking to enhance breast appearance after reconstructive surgery, correct deficiencies caused by breast implants, or augment your breasts for cosmetic purposes, you should meet with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss whether natural fat injections can help."
