Breast enlargement without implants: fat grafts / liposelection

Dr. Sutton Graham continues the best demonstrated techniques for breast enlargement (breast implant augmentation), and regularly updates his knowledge of proposed new techniques. Several recent media reports reference using fat grafts (fat transfer or liposelection) to enhance one's body contour (buttocks, breasts, cheeks, etc.). It is even showing up on Facebook. CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/22/health/webmd/main4539000.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody Detroit News:
http://www.detnews.com/article/20091008/LIFESTYLE/910080309/1040/lifestyle03/Latest-liposuction-is-safer--less-painful-procedure-to-reshape-body#
Web MD: http://women.webmd.com/news/20081021/are-fat-injections-safe-for-breasts

Fat grafting is not a new idea, and plastic surgeons have used it for decades. The techniques have improved; harvesting and preparing patient's own fat for injection elsewhere in their body. The fat cell material attaches to blood vessels in the recipient area, and becomes a living part of your body, similar to a skin graft healing in place of a skin burn wound. Current techniques mean that a higher proportion of the transferred fat continues living in the new location. Most surgeons plan some degree of over treatment, because they expect more than one-third of the fat will be re-absorbed. Staged treatments are sometimes planned.

In our practice, fat transfer is most common for loss of attractive facial fullness (lips and cheeks), restoring a soft natural fullness. We also use it for buttock enhancement, usually in conjunction with liposuction of excess fat from the surrounding areas. It can be used to correct irregularities from prior injury or trauma (indentation in your normal fat). Dr. Graham is interested in the results of current studies that confirm the safety and effectiveness of fat graft augmentation of the breast. The controversial nature of breast fat transfer is highlighted in some of the article links above.

Saline implant breast augmentation remains a safe, proved method for breast enhancement. For more information call us (864-676-1707) or look at the augmentation of our website: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html

Facial Aging & Blepharoplasty: Recent items in the media

Time Magazine ran an article in February with some very interesting observations on genetically identical twins and how environment makes us look younger or older. It reinforced recommendations that plastic surgeons have been making; that enhancing volume in the face makes one look more youthful. We use hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvaderm, Restylane, etc.) and Fat Graft Transfer to maintain full healthy cheeks, correct jawline thinning, and fill in under-eye grooves. Facelifting techniques elevate and restore sagging or lost healthy tissues. The article contains other thought provoking ideas.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1877717,00.html
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html

More Magazine followed one woman through the process of blepharoplasty (eyelid lift). They show early post-op swelling, etc.
http://www.more.com/style/beauty/anti-aging/eyelift-one-womans-story/
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/other-face.html#eyelid-surgery

Breast Enlargment Using Fat?

It's an intriguing idea, since grafting one's own fat cells is established for other areas of the body. We use it regularly to enhance women's lips, cheeks, and buttocks. Can you achieve breast augmentation without an implant using only you own fat?

This idea is not new, but its been in the news lately. One recent variation on the technique has included processing some of the removed fat to try to increase its proportion of cells capable of developing and specializing (stem cells). This procedure is being tried in Japan using US-based technology. There is not yet FDA approval or even trials, so its wide-spread use is a few years away.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

It sounds appealing to be able to enlarge a small or disproportionate breast with a patient's own excess fat. Remove it from tummy or thighs and add it to the breast. The surgical term is "autologous fat graft or transfer." The technology exists to provide this procedure. It is very commonly used for contour enhancements in the face, especially the lips. It can correct facial & body contour deformities from various causes. In those areas it is safe, effective, and often partially permanent. Some unique concerns have been raised about fat graft to the breast. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has discouraged its use until studies demonstrate its safety. At the present time, I would suggest avoiding cosmetic breast fat graft unless you are enrolled in a university research study.