Breast augmentation by fat transfer

Mammary hypoplasia may be present from puberty onwards, or as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or breast-feeding.
This hypoplasia can be treated by implanting breast prostheses, or now by a fat transfer technique designed to enhance or restore breast volume. This technique originated in breast reconstructive surgery, but has become more widespread since it was approved for cosmetic surgery in November 2011.
However, this technique has a number of specific features that make it unsuitable for all types of patient. The patient must have sufficient adipose capital to carry out the transfer to the breast under good conditions. This technique is very interesting for patients who want a moderate breast augmentation.

What are the advantages of fat transfer breast augmentation?

The advantage of this technique is that breast enlargement is natural, with no foreign bodies, and the resulting shape does not give the appearance of an artificial breast. What's more, it also reduces fat mass in the liposuctioned areas. This fat reduction is really visible in cases of large-scale removal.

The result of this breast augmentation technique is totally natural, both visually and to the touch.

Breast augmentation surgery

Prior to the procedure, the surgeon identifies the areas to be harvested (buttocks, thighs, saddlebags, etc.) and gently removes the fat to be reinjected. The sample is then centrifuged to obtain serosa-free fat cells. This liquid is then reinjected into different areas of the breast. Next, the harvested living cells are grafted. Approximately 10 to 30% of fat cells are lost during this transfer. This rate depends on the surgical technique used.

Necessary conditions:

The patient must be young and have no previous medical history
It is intended for patients with excess abdominal, flank or hip fat.
The patient must be fully informed of the advantages, disadvantages and contraindications of this surgical procedure.
She will have to undergo a complete check-up, including in-depth imaging, consultations with her surgeon and anaesthetist, and heed recommendations to stop all anti-coagulant treatment, including aspirin.

Anaesthesia :

Fat transfer breast augmentation surgery requires general anesthesia because of the large number of surgical sites involved.

Duration of intervention:

Breast augmentation surgery using fat transfer takes an average of three hours.

Operative sequences :

- One day in hospital.
The post-operative period consists of moderate pain at the donor sites, swelling after 48 hours, and bruising at the donor sites. In the case of major liposuction, a period of fatigue lasting 5 to 7 days may be experienced.
No UV or sun exposure is possible for four weeks, and the final result will only be visible after a minimum of three to six months.
A second lipomodelling session may be considered a few months later if the result is insufficient and if the donor areas permit.

Complications?

Imperfections such as hypo-result or breast asymmetry can occur, as can complications due to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. The surgical procedure may entail risks of infection or pneumothorax.
These risks should not be overlooked; they are inherent in any operation, and the patient is well aware of them. Choosing an experienced surgeon considerably reduces these risks.

Is it possible to take charge?

If breast augmentation is performed for purely aesthetic reasons, it is not covered by social security, which is not the case for breast reconstruction (Poland syndrome, breast hypoplasia or aplasia, tuberous breasts, pectus excavatum or childhood traumas such as burns).