Apart from breast augmentation by implantation of silicone pads or implants with saline solution, for some years now there has been the possibility of having your own fat implanted in the breast to enlarge it. However, it should be remembered that despite many successful operations with this method, there are hardly any studies on this and it has not yet been scientifically proven which method is the best or has the least side effects. Breast augmentation with autologous fat was invented in Japan and has also been possible in America and Europe for some years now.
The aim was to prevent the rejection reaction, which is a frequent complication of silicone implants and implants with saline solution, by transplanting the body’s own cells. However, the first experiments showed a so-called necrosis of the cells, which means that the fat cells died after the implantation. Today, this problem can be solved by a special preparation of the cells.
Even though breast augmentation with autologous fat now shows better results, this form of breast augmentation is still a controversial topic. Especially since there are no long-term studies that show complications that may occur years after the operation. Before the operation: Before any breast enlargement, it must first be clarified whether there is a tumour.
If this is the case, the operation cannot be performed. Operation procedure: In order for breast augmentation to take place, fat must first be removed. This is usually done on the patient’s hips, bottom or abdomen.
Since about 400 to 600 cc of fat per breast is needed, very slim patients often have to gain weight before the operation. Depending on the size of the patient, it is sometimes an advantage if there have already been breast implants in the breast, because the skin does not have to be pre-stretched before the operation. If the breast has not already been pre-stretched, it can be pre-stretched using various techniques.
Depending on the procedure, this can take weeks. Liposuction is the first step of the operation. If enough fat is obtained, the fat must first be prepared before it is implanted.
A great advantage of breast augmentation with autologous fat is that only a small skin incision is needed. It is only a few millimetres in size for this operation. This incision is usually made on the outside of the breast, after which the patient’s own fat can be injected and distributed over the breast by applying pressure.
It should be noted that even if a large amount of fat is obtained and injected, this volume is not permanent. As a rule, the amount of fat that grows and remains permanently in the breast is reduced by half. The risks of liposuction are the following: There are also risks associated with the transplant itself.
There is often swelling, redness, pain, a feeling of tension, infections, calcification and the formation of oil cysts. However, this procedure also has advantages compared to “normal” breast augmentation. For example, the shape after the operation looks more natural than with an implantation with silicone or saline pads.
The breast also feels and moves more naturally. The scarring is usually less pronounced because a smaller skin incision is made. Cancer prevention is also not affected.
Mammography can be more difficult with implants with silicone. – Fat embolism
- Bruises
- Dents in the skin
- Swelling and redness
- Thrombosis
- Scars
- Infections
After the operation it is necessary to wear special bras that provide sufficient support for the breasts. Normally it takes about 5-6 weeks until the wound has healed well. The post-operative examination is handled differently from clinic to clinic, as there are not yet sufficient studies on breast augmentation with autologous fat and it is therefore not clear exactly what risks have to be considered. You can find an overview of all gynaecological topics under Gynaecology A-Z
- Breast Cancer
- Mastitis
- Breast reduction
- Breast augmentation risks
- Breast augmentation implants
- Lipofilling with own fat
