Like all surgical procedures, breast fat transfer surgery is not without risks. If you are planning or thinking about undergoing this procedure, you should make sure that you know the risks and potential complications.
While risks can’t be fully eliminated, there are ways to avoid increasing the potential for complications. You can do this by adequately preparing, following pre and post-surgery instructions, and choosing a qualified and experienced doctor like Dr Rastogi.
How is breast fat transfer surgery performed?
To understand the risks, let’s be clear about what this surgery involves.
Breast fat transfer (also known as autologous fat grafting) is a surgery that uses liposuction and fat grafting to increase volume in the breasts. This may be a preferable option for women who want to increase their breast size but don’t want implants.
There are a few reasons why a patient may prefer fat grafting over breast implants for their breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, such as a desire for:
- A subtler volume increase
- No foreign materials in the body
- Comparatively shorter recovery
- Smaller scars than breast augmentation mammoplasty (implants) surgery
Patients considering breast fat transfer surgery should consider these points, alongside the potential risks. Let’s examine some of the risks associated with this procedure…
The risks and complications
Fat necrosis
A possible complication is fat necrosis, which refers to the death of fat cells. This happens when the transferred fat cells don’t receive enough oxygenated blood, causing them to experience cell death. This issue can present itself through various symptoms, such as bruising, redness, calcification, and cystic lumps. It can also affect the shape of the breasts.
If you notice any lumps under the skin after your procedure, Dr Rastogi may need to remove them. This can often be done with a local anaesthetic.
Fat reabsorption
The reabsorption of fat cells is common, and it is normal that some of the fat cells (up to 50 percent) will not survive the transfer process. For this reason, Dr Rastogi may transfer more fat than is required to account for this fat reabsorption.
Additionally, fat cells can be absorbed into the body over time after your procedure. If this occurs, it can affect how well your results are maintained over the longer term. You can discuss this concern with Dr Rastogi during your consultation.
Infection
Infection happens when bacteria enter the body through a wound, or in this case, through a surgical incision. Although the incisions used in breast fat transfer surgery are small, there is still a small chance that it could become infected. You can minimise the likelihood of this risk by following all of Dr Rastogi’s aftercare instructions.
Dissatisfaction
Dr Rastogi aims to meet the goals and expectations of his patients. However, when undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery, patients must be prepared for the risk of dissatisfaction with the results. This could include asymmetry, poor scarring, changes in skin colour, and too much or too little volume. Ensure that you discuss your expectations and cosmetic desires thoroughly before your surgery to ensure that you and Dr Rastogi are on the same page.
Other risks
Other risks of breast fat transfer surgery include:
- Slow healing
- Anaesthesia reactions
- Prolonged pain
- Swelling and bruising
While some temporary side effects are normal after surgery, you should seek advice if any symptoms are prolonged or severe.
Choosing Dr Rastogi for your breast augmentation (mammoplasty) fat transfer surgery in Sydney
You may experience some side effects after breast fat transfer surgery. Your body is healing from a surgical procedure, and there will be some temporary bruising and swelling. However, if you notice any of the above issues or have any concerns about your symptoms, it is important to have a cosmetic surgeon you can trust to advise you.
Dr Rastogi is committed to helping each patient have a positive and successful surgical experience. Contact us in Sydney for a consultation, or learn more about breast fat transfer surgery here.
