Fat Grafting – An Important Tool in Breast Reconstruction

Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction PRMA Plastic Surgery

0 Comments
PRMA Plastic Surgery

What is fat grafting?

Fat grafting is a procedure that has been around for many years. It is widely used in breast reconstruction surgery today.

it can correct partial breast defects after lumpectomy
it is used in conjunction with other breast reconstruction techniques to optimize breast contour and improve the final cosmetic results after both implant-based and autologous (flap) reconstruction
it is the primary breast reconstruction technique in male breast cancer patients
it can fill in contour defects and improve chest soft tissue padding after mastectomy in patients choosing not to undergo breast reconstruction

At PRMA we primarily use fat grafting in conjunction with other reconstruction techniques to improve patient outcomes. In fact, a study published in JAMA shows fat grafting is an important tool in breast reconstruction.

The study sought to determine if fat grafting influenced patient-reported outcomes in breast reconstruction patients. Over 2000 women who had undergone implant or flap-based breast reconstruction following mastectomy with at least two years of follow-up were included in the study. Patients were asked to participate in a survey that included questions about breast satisfaction, as well as psychosocial, physical, and sexual well-being. Patient-reported outcomes were compared between fat grafted and non-fat grafted patients.

The results of the study indicate that “fat grafting provides measurable improvements in breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being for breast reconstruction patients regardless of if they underwent implant or flap reconstruction.” We also see this reflected in our practice.

Want to learn more about fat grafting? Dr. Chrysopoulo discusses the procedure in further detail HERE.

*It is important for patients to know fat grafting is not covered by all insurance companies, so the procedure can involve out of pocket expenses for some patients.

Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd

Fat grafting is a procedure that has been around for many years. It is widely used in breast reconstruction surgery today.

Leave Comment

No Comments

Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter

Online Form – Newsletter Signup

Continue Reading

Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period

Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles. It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments. These can be temporary or permanent. Periods can be unpredictable following […]

What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]

My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie

My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]

PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap

PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts. We were also able to share information on […]

Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery

Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes. The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction. The purpose […]

flaps good option for breast reconstruction_ PRMA Plastic Surgery

If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?

If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy. Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]

Skin Island in Breast Reconstruction _ PRMA Plastic Surgery

What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?

What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]

Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction August 10, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We have been receiving numerous inquiries about the “APEX flap” recently. Patients want to know what it is and how it differs from the DIEP flap. APEX is an acronym that stands for “Abdominal Perforator Exchange”. Many patients believe […]

Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery

Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Autologous flap (or tissue) breast reconstruction procedures represent today’s most advanced options for rebuilding a breast(s) following mastectomy. The most commonly performed method of flap-based reconstruction at PRMA is the DIEP flap. During this procedure, surgeons transplant skin […]

COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality

COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin There is still so much we do not know about COVID-19. Likewise, there is little known about how this disease impacts mortality for cancer patients. A study published in The Lancet evaluated and characterized the outcomes of patients with cancer […]