Park Plaza Plastic Surgery - George Lefkovits M.D.

At a recemt American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) conference, doctors discussed the possibility of using a woman's own fat, rather than breast implants, as the material of breast augmentation.

Autologous fat transplantation, the moving of fat from one part of the body to another, has been used in some procedures, including the Brazilian Butt Fill practiced at Park Plaza Plastic Surgery, and transplanted fat is sometimes used as a facial filler. The possibility of using autologous fat harvested during liposuction for breast augmentation is still under evaluation in clinical trials but has received much praise from its proponents. According to these doctors, breast shaping with fat "allows for dramatic or subtle shaping of the breast in a manner previously not attainable," and they note that the "telltale signs of implants and surgery are absent--the resultant breast is completely fluid and natural appearing."

In recent studies of breast reconstruction, reconstruction with body tissue has shown a far lower rate of infection and other complications than breast reconstruction with implants, so transplanted fat might reduce complications associated with breast augmentation as well.

However, there are still many unanswered questions relating to the long-term questions about the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The main concern is the low survival rate (from 50-75%) of transplanted fat cells. The dieback of fat cells may lead to malformation if used in breast augmentation, or may require retreatments to achieve satisfactory results. In addition, some are concerned that the procedure may lead to the development of cysts, calcification, and scarring, while others fear that the transplanted fat can lead to an increased incidence of cancer.

Until the efficacy and risk of breast augmentation with autologous fat are determined, breast implants will continue to be used for breast augmentation. Still, some day in the not-too-distant future, a woman may be able to move the fat in her body around to make her figure exactly how she wants it.

If you are interested in breast augmentation, liposuction, or other body contouring procedures please contact Park Plaza Plastic Surgery today for a consultation.