New studies report that fat grafting is becoming a more commonly performed plastic surgery procedure for breast reconstruction. Based on a recent article released in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 70% of US Plastic Surgeons are using fat grafting techniques for breast reconstructive surgery. Although fat grafting may be used to enhance breast size by about one cup size for cosmetic reasons, plastic surgeons are using this technique more so for reconstructive purposes. Of the 450 American Society of Plastic Surgery member surgeons who were involved in the recent survey, 88% said they find fat grafting especially useful for improving breast shape during reconstruction or reshaping procedures.
Fat grafting technique utilizes a patient’s own fat cells for the cosmetic reshaping of the breasts and other areas patients may like fullness, like the face or buttocks. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon obtains fat cells through liposuction from one area of the body such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, and transfers the fat. The majority of plastic surgeons who perform fat grafting prefer obtaining fat from the abdomen for the procedure.
Harvesting fat cells is very important to maintain long-term results. One of the main problems mentioned in the study by surgeons is the unpredictable results for fat retention of the transferred fat cells. Dr. Siamak Agha’s experience as a scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology combined with his extensive education in gene therapy and stem cell research makes him an expert in fat grafting technique. Dr. Agha often performs fat grafting for cosmetic purposes such as breast augmentation, enhancing breast shape after pregnancy, covering rippled implants with a layer of fat, and congenital absence or anomalies of the breast.
