Fat transfer for breast augmentation

Did you know that you can get your own fat injected into your breasts as opposed to getting implants? This technique hasn’t been performed that often because conventional approaches limit the amount of fat that can be injected. A new technique has been developed that may become the new trend for breast reconstruction and augmentation. The technique is called “pre-expansion”. It allows an increase in the volume of fat cells that can be transferred to a woman’s breasts.

Dr. Roger K. Khouri of Miami Breast Center has outlined a theory on this new technique. He stated, “The application of these principles has allowed us to successfully graft mega-volumes of fat into the breasts of more than 1,000 patients with substantial long-term retention.”

Autologous fat transfer seems like every woman’s ideal procedure. Liposuction is used to obtain fat cells from unwanted areas, such as the woman’s thighs or stomach. These fat cells are then used to reshape and enlarge the breasts. What more could a woman want? This procedure takes care of a problem area and gives a woman larger breasts.

With conventional approaches, only small amounts of fat cells can be transferred at a time. This is because there isn’t a lot of available space inside a woman’s breasts. If the plastic surgeon injected a large volume of fat cells, extensive pressure would build up in the breast which would impair the blood flow and threaten the survival of these fat cells.

For Dr. Khouri’s innovative technique, a process of “pre-expansion” must be done to the breasts weeks before the procedure can take place. Dr. Khouri invented the Brava. It is a bra-like device that expands the breast tissue by applying gentle negative pressure. It is sort of like a vacuum. This will expand the breast tissue. The device creates the extra space needed in the breasts. It also creates a "fibrovascular scaffold" that the fat cells can occupy after transplantation.

The researchers also developed a technique that injects the fat cells close to the blood supply. The “micro-ribbon” technique allows for a greater chance of survival. Research was also done to determine the exact volume of fat cells that can be transplanted without causing more pressure.

Without the Brava pre-expansion, the transfer of fat cells to a woman’s breasts will not be a successful procedure. The expansion of the breast tissue allows for a greater volume of fat cells that will give each woman the breasts that she desires. For a patient that is an A-cup bra size, conventional approaches would only allow an enlargement of about 80 millimeters. Pre-expansion can so much as triple the volume.

Overall, the success of pre-expansion depends of each patient’s commitment. Dr. Khouri stated, “The more she invests in Brava wear, the better she expands, the larger her resultant breast expansion.” The Brava device is not painful for women to wear. The researchers noted that if the woman’s breast tissue has not sufficiently expanded by the time of the procedure, it will be postponed.

If you are considering a Des Moines breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Franks. He is a board certified plastic surgeon that can answer all your questions. For more information, contact 702.515.421.4299.