How is Fat Grafting Used and How is it Used in Reconstruction

Anne Peled, M.D. in the OR holding Fat Grafting Process

How is Fat Grafting Used and How is it Used in Reconstruction

What is Fat Grafting and How Is It Used in Breast Reconstruction

What is Fat Grafting & How Is It Used in Reconstruction?

What is Fat Grafting?

Over recent years, taking fat from one part of the body and using it to add volume to another part of the body has become increasingly popular.The question arises: What is fat grafting & how is it used in reconstruction? Fat can now be used to add volume to the face to make it appear more youthful, to the breasts for small breast augmentations, and also for breast reconstruction.  With fat grafting, fat is taken from one part of the body (often the abdomen or thighs) with typical liposuction techniques and then transferred to a different body part. In order for the fat to survive in its new location, the fat has to be carefully processed and put into the new area in small amounts in different layers.  With careful techniques, the majority of the fat that is transferred will “take” and be incorporated into the body.

How is Fat Grafting Used in Breast Reconstruction?

Fat grafting has become an important part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, both in reconstructions using implants and those using your own tissue (flaps).  Fat grafting can help add more volume or projection to reconstructions, it can also help to camouflage irregularities or give a more natural appearance to the breast.  Fat grafting can also be used in women who have had lumpectomies in the past and have noticeable divots at their lumpectomy site.