Fat Grafting

Fat Grafting and Fat Injection for Breast Reconstruction

Fat grafting (or as it is also known, fat transfer, fat injection or lipoinjection) has long been used by plastic surgeons to smooth sunken areas on the face and to add fullness to the cheeks and lips. Fat grafting can also be used to refine the results of breast reconstruction surgery. This technique can be used to:

• Add volume to a breast reconstructed with natural tissue
• Smooth areas that have an irregular contour or are depressed, or to better sculpt the shape of a reconstructed breast
• Camouflage an implant used for reconstruction
• Help restore a more natural transition between the upper chest and a reconstructed breast.

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Fat grafting is an outpatient surgical procedure that moves fat from one part of the body to another. In breast reconstruction, this technique is commonly used to make subtle adjustments to the shape and contour of a breast reconstructed with either natural tissue or a breast implant. Fat grafting can sometimes also be used to increase the size of a breast reconstructed with a woman’s own tissue. The fat used for grafting is obtained by means of a gentle liposuction-like approach, after which the fat cells are purified and injected into the desired area. Only very tiny incisions are necessary, and as a result, scarring is minimized and often almost undetectable. Furthermore, since fat is obtained from areas where it is unwanted, many people experience enhanced appearance at the donor site following fat grafting. When fat grafting is used to smooth the contours of a breast reconstructed with an implant, keep in mind that excess fat may be used up in the grafting process and preclude the possibility of future natural-tissue flap surgery.

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Fat grafting is an outpatient surgical procedure that moves fat from one part of the body to another. In breast reconstruction, this technique is commonly used to make subtle adjustments to the shape and contour of a breast reconstructed with either natural tissue or a breast implant. Fat grafting can sometimes also be used to increase the size of a breast reconstructed with a woman’s own tissue. The fat used for grafting is obtained by means of a gentle liposuction-like approach, after which the fat cells are purified and injected into the desired area. Only very tiny incisions are necessary, and as a result, scarring is minimized and often almost undetectable. Furthermore, since fat is obtained from areas where it is unwanted, many people experience enhanced appearance at the donor site following fat grafting. When fat grafting is used to smooth the contours of a breast reconstructed with an implant, keep in mind that excess fat may be used up in the grafting process and preclude the possibility of future natural-tissue flap surgery.

Recovery time is minimal, and most women can return to work and/or other non-strenuous activities the day after the procedure. Vigorous or strenuous activity and exercise can be resumed approximately two weeks after fat transfer. When performed for reconstructive purposes, your medicalinsurance coverage will generally cover this treatment.

Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction in New York and Connecticut

Contact us if you would like more information about the options for micro-fat injection for breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation. Our practice has offices in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut.