New York Breast Augmentation - More Doctors Use Fat Grafting
AESTHETIC NEWS
In the late 1980s, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) issued a strong statement against the use of “fat grafting” in breast operations, in which fat is transferred from other parts of the body and placed in the breast area to either enhance the breasts or reconstruct them after breast cancer.
Things have changed over the years, however, as doctors have found that fat grafting produces good results in New York breast augmentation surgeries and other similar procedures. Now, a new study indicates that 70 percent of plastic surgeons use fat grafting techniques for breast reconstruction, and that the procedure is an increasingly common plastic surgery technique.
Though silicone and saline breast implants have become very popular over the last few decades, and are often used for breast enhancement in NYC, some women prefer not to worry about the potential risks, which can include rupture, leaks, and shifting. Fat grafting offers an alternative to implants by relocating fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the breasts.
For this procedure, doctors take excess fat from the belly, legs, or buttocks and use it to increase the size of the breasts—called “lipoaugmentation”—or to fill in defects or abnormalities in existing breasts. This includes enhancing the appearance after breast reconstruction.
The benefits of this procedure include a natural look and feel to the breasts, and the bonus of losing unwanted fat from other areas of the body. The placement of the fat grafts allows doctors to shape and sculpt the breast for the best possible appearance, and the result lacks the telltale signs of implants and surgery.
Doctors may recommend fat grafting in cases where an implant is not necessary—in breast reconstruction procedures, for example. The technique is also perfect for those who have uneven breasts, or who want a subtle augmentation rather than going up several cup sizes. For women considering New York breast augmentation who don’t feel comfortable with implants, it offers the benefit of not introducing any foreign matter into the body.
Like any surgery, fat grafting still has some risks. Since the procedure uses liposuction, risks are similar to those associated with liposuction, including potential scarring, bruising, and saggy skin. Some people don’t have enough fat on other areas of their body to redistribute, and thus may not be good candidates.
In addition, since the fat is gradually absorbed into the body over time, the results are not permanent as they are with implants, and the breasts will gradually decrease in size.
According to the study published in the July 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in using fat grafting for breast reconstructive surgery. A total of 88 percent of the surgeons who currently use fat grafting said they use it most often for breast reconstruction, and found it particularly useful for improving the shape of the breast after lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer. A smaller percentage used fat grafting for cosmetic breast surgery.
Women considering New York breast augmentation surgery may want to talk to a plastic surgeon about their options.
Cosmetic procedures always carry risks. If you’re considering New York breast augmentation, reconstruction, or other types of breast surgery, you can get more information from Dr. Thomas W. Loeb. One of the premier plastic surgeons in NYC, he understands the benefits of each type of procedure, and can make recommendations that fit your unique case. Call our Fifth Avenue Manhattan office for a private consultation: 212-327-3700.