Fat Grafting Offers Natural Alternative for Breast Reconstruction
One in eight U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the most common cancer among women in this country and yet, many know little about what happens after diagnosis.
Women choosing a mastectomy should talk to their breast surgeon about different mastectomy options (traditional, skin sparing, nipple-areola sparing and breast lift-reduction pattern) to see which is right for them. Not all mastectomies are the same and the design and execution of the mastectomy is a major factor in determining the aesthetic result of the reconstruction.
Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should seek a referral to a plastic surgeon. Breast reconstruction plays a vital role in a woman’s self-esteem and sense of well being and it’s imperative that a patient knows and understands all of her reconstructive options before her cancer is treated and removed.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore the breasts to near-normal shape, size and symmetry after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in stages, starting either at the time of mastectomy or later.
Implant reconstruction is a common choice because it’s widely known. However, there is another option called fat grafting that many medical professionals are unaware of. Here’s how it works:
Fat is harvested from the abdomen, flanks and thighs by liposuction. It is then processed and injected into the breasts through small incisions. Like other reconstructive techniques, fat grafting is a staged procedure with results achieved over time. This is an outpatient procedure, with each stage carried out every three to six months. The number of stages required for completion varies on an individual basis. Recovery time from each stage is typically less than one week with minimal down time from surgery. The results are long lasting and the patient also receives the added benefit of liposuction at the donor sites. Patients can expect breasts with a more natural look and feel.
Fat grafting is natural, flexible and versatile. It allows the plastic surgeon to gradually sculpt and reconstruct the breast to a natural looking shape and feel. This technique may be used for correction of deformities resulting from lumpectomy, as well as for post-mastectomy reconstruction. Studies suggest that fat graft injections may improve the quality and texture of radiated skin and provides an exciting new option for breast reconstruction.
Total breast reconstruction with fat grating is less common among plastic surgeons, but as one trained to do it, I’ve found the results to be very good and long lasting, whereas implants typically need to be replaced after 10-20 years.
All breast surgery will leave visible scars on the chest and although breast reconstruction will rebuild a breast, the results are variable. A reconstructed breast will always feel different from a natural breast.
Women should speak with their primary-care physician, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon about options and ask for guidance in making the decisions that will bring the best quality of life in the long run.
Dr. Mahsa Moghaddam is a Mayo Clinic trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Meet her at http://www.nipntuck.com/dr-mahsa-moghaddam.
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