Breast fat transfer is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat cells from one part of the body and injecting them into the breasts. It is a less invasive alternative to breast augmentation with implants, but it is not without risks.
The potential risks and complications of breast fat transfer include:
- Bleeding and bruising: This is a common complication of any surgery, and it is usually mild and goes away on its own.
- Fat cell death (necrosis): This can occur if the fat cells do not receive enough blood supply after they are injected into the breasts. Necrosis can lead to the formation of hard lumps in the breasts, which may be painful.
- Fat reabsorption: This is the most common complication of breast fat transfer. It occurs when the body absorbs some of the fat cells that have been injected into the breasts. This can result in a loss of volume in the breasts, and it may require additional fat transfer procedures to achieve the desired results.
- Infection: Infection is a serious complication of any surgery, and it can occur in the breasts after fat transfer. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, but they can sometimes lead to more serious complications, such as abscesses.
- Other complications: Other potential complications of breast fat transfer include seroma (accumulation of fluid), asymmetry, and changes in the appearance of the nipples.
It is important to discuss the risks and complications of breast fat transfer with your surgeon before you decide to have the procedure. Your surgeon can help you assess your individual risk factors and determine if breast fat transfer is right for you.
Here are some additional things to consider before having breast fat transfer:
- The procedure is not always successful. The amount of fat that can be transferred is limited, and some of the fat cells may be reabsorbed by the body.
- The results of breast fat transfer are not permanent. The fat cells in the breasts will continue to age and change over time, just like the fat cells in other parts of the body.
- Breast fat transfer is a surgical procedure, and it carries some risks, such as bleeding, bruising, infection, and seroma.
If you are considering breast fat transfer, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. You should also make sure to choose a qualified surgeon who has experience performing breast fat transfer.
Breast fat transfer is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries certain risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks and complications of breast fat transfer include:
- Fat Resorption: Not all of the transferred fat may survive in its new location. Some of the fat cells may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which can lead to a reduction in the volume of the breasts.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry with fat transfer can be challenging. There is a possibility of slight asymmetry between the breasts, although surgeons aim to create the most balanced and symmetrical result possible.
- Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. Proper sterile techniques and post-operative care are essential to minimize the risk of infection.
- Hematoma: In some cases, a hematoma (collection of blood) may form at the surgical sites, requiring drainage.
- Seroma: A seroma is a collection of fluid that can accumulate at the surgical sites. It may need to be drained if it persists.
- Scarring: While the incisions for fat transfer are small and strategically placed, there is still a risk of scarring. However, scars from fat transfer are generally small and tend to fade over time.
- Irregularities: In some cases, irregularities in the contour of the breasts may occur, particularly if the fat is not distributed evenly.
- Necrosis: In rare cases, some fat cells may not establish a blood supply after transfer, leading to fat cell death (necrosis). This can result in oil cysts or firm lumps in the breasts.
- Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia or sedation is used during the procedure, and there are inherent risks associated with anesthesia.
It’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in breast fat transfer to reduce the risk of complications and achieve the best possible results. During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and complications with you, as well as steps you can take to minimize these risks. They will also review your medical history and conduct a thorough examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for breast fat transfer.