Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve St. Louis, Missouri

Technology has advanced to the point where we are now able to augment a patient’s breast using their own fat. Some patients do not like the idea of implants or foreign bodies while others want a subtle, natural breast enhancement. Dr. Cabbabe was an early pioneer of this technique in St. Louis and he performs over 100 fat transfer procedures each year.

Dr. Cabbabe uses fat grafting routinely on many breast surgery patients in order to enhance their results. Fat can be used in large volumes to increase volume or in small volumes to hide other irregularities. New techniques are available that incorporate use of the BRAVA which requires continuous wearing of a vacuum /suction – type device on the breast for months in preparation for surgery and after surgery.

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Surgery

In these procedures, fat is removed from an unwanted area of the body which is contoured using liposuction. The fat is then purified by one of several methods and injected into the desired site through multiple small incisions. More than one fat grafting session may be needed in order to achieve the desired result. Many patients tell Dr. Cabbabe that they are approximately “one cup size” larger after each procedure.

A breast lift may be incorporated in order to lift the breast or re-shape the breast while re-centering the nipple – areola on the breast mound.

Antibiotics are given before the procedure and drains are rarely used. Patients are able to shower the next day and go home in a bra. Early range of motion is done with the arms. Compression garments may be used in the area of fat removal. Patients will generally follow-up within 1 week and then approximately 3-4 weeks later and then in several months.

Recovery

Recovery is approximately 1-2 weeks depending on the procedure performed on the breast (if a breast lift is done) and the amount of fat removed. Most women who have this procedure done will be up and about the next day, moving around although they may need pain medication occasionally.

Dr. Cabbabe strives to make the procedure as easy and comfortable as possible for his patients. Before surgery, patients may receive anti-inflammatory pain medications that do not cause bleeding. At the time of surgery, local anesthesia numbing medicine is used that is long – lasting into the breast. After surgery, early range of motion is begun and pain medications are given.

Complications

Bleeding may occur after surgery and necessitate a return to the OR. Most women have asymmetry before surgery and minimal asymmetry may be present after surgery. There may be areas of skin that are slow to heal, including the nipple – areola complex. Scars may become thick and irritated and require revision surgery. Some of the fat does not survive and this is accounted for before surgery. Some of the injected fat may not survive and cause fat necrosis or become infected and require further surgery or antibiotics. Rare complications such as blood clots, fat embolism, injury to surrounding structures, pulmonary embolus and death may occur. Revisions may be needed.

Types of Reconstruction: