There has been debate over the safety and effectiveness of fat injections for cosmetic breast augmentation. This debate has centered around a lack of research and concern that fat may calcify and obscure mammograms, be mistaken for cancer growths, or be re-absorbed by the body.
A new study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, has found using liposuctioned fat for breast augmentation may be a viable option for some women.
The small study looked at 50 women, ages 17-63. Five of the women had two grafting procedures, the others only one. The fat was taken from their upper thighs, hips, etc and then injected into the breasts in a procedure which takes 1.5 hours. To help make room for the injected fat and to increase the grafts' survival rate, patients wore a bra-like (external) tissue expander device several weeks before and after surgery. Follow-up on patients ranged from 9 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 3 years.
The researchers report good patient satisfaction with an average increase in breast volume at 6-12 months was 210 ml (slightly less than one bra cup size). The fat graft survival achieved averaged 85% of the actual fat injected volume.
The researchers report no formation of breast masses, nodules, or lesions that might interfere with cancer detection. There was no reported issues with mammography.
The main drawbacks reported by the researchers include changes in breast volume are proportionate with BMI fluctuations.
ASPS reports that breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2008, with more than 307,000 procedures performed. It's also the most commonly requested procedure among women.
A new study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, has found using liposuctioned fat for breast augmentation may be a viable option for some women.
The small study looked at 50 women, ages 17-63. Five of the women had two grafting procedures, the others only one. The fat was taken from their upper thighs, hips, etc and then injected into the breasts in a procedure which takes 1.5 hours. To help make room for the injected fat and to increase the grafts' survival rate, patients wore a bra-like (external) tissue expander device several weeks before and after surgery. Follow-up on patients ranged from 9 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 3 years.
The researchers report good patient satisfaction with an average increase in breast volume at 6-12 months was 210 ml (slightly less than one bra cup size). The fat graft survival achieved averaged 85% of the actual fat injected volume.
The researchers report no formation of breast masses, nodules, or lesions that might interfere with cancer detection. There was no reported issues with mammography.
The main drawbacks reported by the researchers include changes in breast volume are proportionate with BMI fluctuations.
ASPS reports that breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2008, with more than 307,000 procedures performed. It's also the most commonly requested procedure among women.
