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Breast Augmentation: Choices and Outcomes

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Q. Is using fat transfer for a breast augmentation a good option?
A:
For years, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons cautioned its members against performing breast augmentation with fat transfers due to fear the injected fat could inhibit breast cancer detection and possibly stimulate breast cancer development. That stance has recently been revised, but other considerations should be examined before deciding to forgo breast augmentation using implants.

Breast implants and fat transfer do not provide the same outcome. Women who seek the look of a breast implant with fat transfer will not achieve it. Implants give larger, fuller, higher breasts. Fat injections produce less fullness, a subtle enlargement, and do not change the breast shape, nipple position or sagging. Exact size increases achieved from transfer procedures are not predictable. The increase is generally one cup size. Not all fat survives the transfer process. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of injected fat will not survive. Consequently, a patient choosing fat grafting may have to undergo multiple surgeries.

Fat grafting shows promise; however, how much promise, exact risks and benefits remain to be seen.

 

Q. When should I expect to see the “final” result from my breast augmentation?
A: There is a transition period of weeks and months as the body adjusts to the presence of implants. This time is characterized by slow change. Initially, the breasts are full and swollen, especially in the upper portion. Your skin will look very tight. Over time the implants descend and fill out the lower half of the breasts. It is common for one breast to be more swollen than the other and to settle unevenly, having one descend faster than the other. Over the course of several months, your muscle relaxes to accommodate the additional volume of your implants. This natural process relieves tightness and allows the implants to settle into a better position. A gradual redistribution of volume from the upper to the lower breast occurs, resulting in enlargement and rounding out of the lower breast. The extent to which this occurs depends on several factors, including the implant size, the tightness of your skin and your body shape.

I tell my patients their final result, including shape and softness, is achieved about six months after surgery. ■

Written by: Dr. Levi Young

January ATE - Dr. Young

Dr. Levi Young, board certified in plastic surgery, offers an extensive array of body contouring procedures and facial plastic surgery procedures, and focuses on building an individualized treatment plan for every patient. Contact Advanced Cosmetic Surgery at 913-341-2188 to schedule a free consultation.