Breast Augmentation via Fat Grafting

Chicago, Illinois

It seems like a dream come true: transplanting fat to your breasts, turning saddlebags and paunches into large, firm breasts. We all wish it were that easy, but unfortunately it is not. Although some women may be able to get good results from breast augmentation via fat grafting, it remains a procedure with limited applicability, currently suitable only for a small segment of the population.

On this page, we summarize some of the most important aspects of breast augmentation via fat grafting, but the best way to learn if this procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Otto Placik. Dr. Placik will explain the details of the procedure and perform a comprehensive exam to determine if you are a candidate.

Promise and Limitations of Breast Augmentation via Fat Grafting

Breast augmentation via fat grafting promises to give women larger breasts using only their own fat tissue, with no breast implant and no incisions on or near the breasts. The results would be permanent, never requiring the removal and replacement of an implant, and would never be subject to an accidental rupture, deflation, or displacement.

Despite this dream, the reality of breast augmentation with fat grafting is that the procedure is currently a long way from being a viable alternative to breast implants. Although the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has lifted its 18-year moratorium (1987-2005) on using fat grafting for breast augmentation, there are still serious questions about the procedure. The two most important questions are:

• Will fat graft obscure cancers and pre-cancers, making mammograms less effective for the early detection of cancer?
• What is the best procedure for ensuring consistent, long-term results?

Am I a Good Candidate?

Because serious questions about the procedure remain, we are currently being very selective about candidates for breast enhancement via fat grafting. Currently, candidates we are seeking include women who:

• Are not candidates for breast implants
• Are likely to get bad results with breast implants
• Are breast reconstruction candidates including those who have been treated with radiation
• Have modest enlargement goals (1 cup size or less)
• Have mild breast asymmetry
• Are prepared to comply with strict peri-operative care and guidelines

Men who have had overcorrection of gynecomastia may also be good candidates.

Anyone with a personal or family history of breast cancer, or with an elevated risk of breast cancer (including the presence of certain forms of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) is not considered a good candidate.

Good News on the Horizon

Fat grafting has long been used to give very positive results for men and women in facial contouring and buttock augmentation. With an increased number of doctors performing breast augmentation using fat grafting, the techniques continue to improve, and the technique may soon become as routine as other fat grafting techniques.

For more information on fat grafting, see Fat Grafting Questions.

If you would like to learn more about this exciting new possibility in breast augmentation, please call or email Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule a consultation.

Please e-mail or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on any of the above plastic surgery procedures.