subject: Breast Augmentation: Are New Methods Worth It? [print this page] Fat Transfer: An Overview Fat Transfer: An Overview
The cosmetic surgery field is very intrigued right now with the concept of using fat cells instead of implants for breast enlargement. Our Denver office fields calls regularly from women who are curious about this new procedure.
The concept of fat transfer for augmentation is a simple one. First, liposuction is performed on an area of the body which could use a little slimming. Common regions include the thighs or buttocks, upper arms, or the abdomen and love handles. After the fat cells are removed, theyre carefully processed before injecting them directly into the breasts.
On the surface, fat transfer seems like a win-win: lose unwanted fat, get larger breasts at the same time. In reality, however, the procedure isnt quite that straightforward. Women with small breasts are often also naturally slim. However, a surgeon will need a pretty generous fat supply to draw from in order to perform an effective transfer. The amount of fat that must be harvested has to be at least double the amount needed for injection.
Most of the injected fat cells die off during the processing and transfer, so repeated treatments may be necessary in order to finally achieve the desired volume. Often, a maximum of one additional cup size is all that can be added through fat transfer, so women wanting to substantially augment their figure wont be able to get the results theyd like. Additionally, the fat cells which die off can sometimes create fatty cysts, uneven lumpiness, or cause an immune system response which results in calcium formation. Calcification deposits of this nature can lead to false positives during mammograms.
Modern Alternatives
Were all looking for the next augmentation innovation: a technique that offers outstanding results and minimal risk. It looks like fat transfer is not that solution just yet. The truth is, it doesnt need to be. There are plenty of proven modern alternatives already in place.
For example, cohesive silicone gel implants, sometimes called "gummy bears," feel very much like existing breast tissue and are designed to maintain their integrity even if punctured or torn. This means that the silicone gel holds together rather than leaking outside of the implant.
Implants come in an array of sizes and shapes to make sure you get exactly the look youre after. Implant profiles (the amount the implant will project from the chest wall) come in low, medium or high to customize your new figure. The covering of the implants can be either textured or smooth.
Whichever technique or implant you choose, one thing is clear: there are plenty of safe, effective options already available for breast enlargements in Denver.
