Plastic Surgeons Utilize Lipofilling

Plastic surgeons across the country and around the world are performing more breast enhancement procedures than ever. As increases in breast cancer awareness, diagnoses, and treatment continue to trend, many women require surgery after mastectomy in order to regain their original feminine shape. One of the most recent developments in breast enhancement surgery is the technique of lipofilling, which involves using fat from other parts of the body to increase the size and enhance the shape of a woman’s breasts.

Initial results with this technique have proven especially positive in women that undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy procedures for breast cancer treatment. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recently published results of preliminary studies on this type of procedure. The complication rate seems to be extremely low and the lipofilling results do not affect post-cancer follow-up with radiographic imaging. This is especially important in breast cancer survivors and has long been a concern with saline and silicone implant materials.

In an initial evaluation of over 500 women, most had the procedure done by plastic surgeons almost three years after their original mastectomy or lumpectomy. The average amount of fat transferred from one part of the body – such as the thighs – to another was around four fluid ounces or just over 100 cc. In some instances, the injected fat was absorbed by the body and the procedure was repeated. However, the overall complication rate was very low, with few serious complications. Less than three percent of women experienced mild to moderate complications including fat necrosis.

Unfortunately, breast cancer occurred again in just over five percent of women. This was detected in follow-up mammogram results that showed abnormalities. Emphasis in the study was placed on the fact that the lipofilling did not interfere with the ability to detect new cancer and the new cancerous tissue was removed promptly upon biopsy.

As such, lipofilling seems to be a promising and positive option for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer. The low complication rate and lack of radiographic interference makes it almost perfect for breast cancer survivors. Further studies are needed to extrapolate many of the results to a larger population and ensure the complication risk remains low. If you have questions about this or any other type of surgery, contact one of the many plastic surgeons in your area today. He or she will be able to give you more information about lipofilling and let you know if this procedure is appropriate for your goals.