How Minimally Invasive Fat Grafting Can Improve Breast Reconstruction

Advanced, minimally invasive fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one part of the body to enhance another. The procedure can greatly improve breast reconstruction by correcting defects after mastectomy and is now considered a much better option than implants. What is Breast Reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is plastic surgery procedure performed after a mastectomy. It restores the breast mound in a way that it is the same size and shape as it was earlier. For some women, the nipple and areola are also added. A breast that is reconstructed using conventional surgical techniques may not have the same look and feel of the original breast. Moreover, incision lines would be present both at the donor site and on the breasts. However, these issues can now be resolved with the advanced liposuction and fat transfer procedures. Safe Liposuction and Fat Grafting Using the Latest Technology A study in the May 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reported that augmentation of the breast by the injection of the patient's own fat is a safe and effective alternative to breast implant surgery. Plastic surgeons also report that fat transfer is ideal to improve breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. After surgery to remove a breast, most women do not want to undergo another major operation. Inserting implants is possible, but involve many complications. Minimally invasive fat grafting has become the ideal option. In the procedure, the plastic surgeon uses advanced liposuction procedures to gently remove excess fat from a specific area of the body, usually the flanks, stomach or hips. The fat is purified and immediately injected into the breast to correct and fill in defects after mastectomy. The new fat transfer procedure offers many advantages: • The removal of excess fat is performed using safe and minimally invasive laser liposuction technology such as Smartlipo Triplex. • Fat grafts are a much better option compared to breast implants. No foreign material is inserted into the body. Issues such as implant rupture and rippling can be avoided. • There are no cuts or incisions. • The reconstructed breast has a natural look and feel as the patient’s own fat has been used for reconstructing it. • The risk of side effects such as loss of sensation, scarring, lumpiness, bruising, infection and calcification are reduced. The Right Plastic Surgeon It is very important that you put yourself in good hands. Do your research before you go in for the procedure. Locate a trained and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon that has experience in advanced laser liposuction surgery and fat grafting for breast reconstruction.