Breast augmentation with autologous fat in Bochum
Associated terms:
Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction with autologous fat / lipofilling
For patients who do not want silicone implants but still want breast augmentation, autologous fat is a sensible and safe alternative. The use of autologous fat is also suitable for breast reconstruction (e.g. after breast cancer or accidents).
What are the advantages of breast augmentation with autologous fat?
The main advantage of lipofilling is that the patient's own fat is well tolerated. As this is the body's own tissue, allergic reactions or even rejection are virtually impossible. It is also available in sufficient quantities for most people and breaks down in the body to a very low percentage. The result is therefore permanent.
Correction with autologous fat is also suitable for people with tissue defects (e.g. during or after illness) and visually disturbing dents in the case of congenital anomalies, after accidents or operations that have not gone well.
Brief overview:
OP duration:
1-2 hours
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia
Follow-up treatment:
Wearing a special bra
Load restrictions:
You can return to your everyday activities immediately, but you should avoid heavy lifting and unusual physical exertion and sport for about 4 weeks (if you have previously had liposuction, you will find here further information)
Procedure for breast augmentation using autologous fat
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is a minimally invasive method in which the body's own fat is used to enlarge the breast. We always carry out a consultation and preliminary examination. As part of the comprehensive anamnesis, we determine your individual factors. In this personal consultation, you will learn everything about the surgical procedure, possible target results and your expected recovery. Using before and after pictures, we will show you which individual options are available to you.
Further steps in the course of the entire surgical procedure for autologous fat transplantation for breast reconstruction at a glance:
- Liposuction:
First, fat is suctioned from a suitable area of the body, such as the hips, stomach or buttocks. - Fat processing:
The removed fat is gently cleaned and processed to prepare it for injection. - Injection:
The processed fat is then injected under the breast skin in front of the mammary gland. - Healing:
Your transplanted fat cells grow in here - Aftercare:
Rest is important after the operation. Sport should be avoided for several weeks and a special support bra should be worn for around six weeks.
What can speak against breast augmentation with autologous fat?
For very slim people with only a small amount of subcutaneous fat tissue, autologous fat harvesting is sometimes not possible, in which case a conventional breast augmentation with implants is more likely to be considered.
When am I suitable for breast augmentation with autologous fat?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is only suitable if sufficient fatty tissue is available. Women with little body fat may not have enough reserves for a good result.
The method is suitable for a moderate increase in breast volume and is not suitable for significant enlargement.
The general state of health and existing pre-existing conditions can influence suitability.
Breast augmentation with autologous fat and silicone implants - can they be combined?
In the case of a planned breast augmentation with silicone implants, a combination with autologous fat always makes sense if, for example, you have very little subcutaneous fatty tissue in the breast area and the implant would stand out too much as a result. In this case, an additional injection of autologous fat can ensure that the result looks particularly natural. The additional use of lipofilling can also ensure even and symmetrical results after accidents or breast reconstruction. If breast augmentation with silicone and autologous fat grafting are combined, this is also referred to as hybrid augmentation.
How is the autologous fat removed? How does lipofilling work?
If liposuction is not planned anyway, your fatty tissue is removed from an inconspicuous area, for example from the thighs, hips or abdomen, by means of small liposuction. The fat harvested in this way is then sterilely processed and injected into the breast using specially developed cannulas. After the procedure, temporary redness and bruising as well as a feeling of tightness are normal.
Frequently asked questions and answers about breast augmentation with autologous fat
How is the autologous fat removed? How does lipofilling work?
If liposuction is not planned anyway, your fatty tissue is removed from an inconspicuous area, for example from the thighs, hips or abdomen, by means of small liposuction. The fat obtained is then processed sterilely and injected into the breast using specially developed cannulas. After the procedure, temporary redness and bruising as well as a feeling of tightness are normal.
Is treatment with autologous fat painful?
When harvesting autologous fat, the area to be liposuctioned is anaesthetised in advance using local tumescent anaesthesia. No pain is to be expected here. Afterwards, you will only feel sore muscles in this area. The injection itself is carried out using a blunt, specially made cannula. The access points are anaesthetised in advance with a local anaesthetic so that the injection itself is painless.
How long does the treatment take?
Breast augmentation using autologous fat grafting takes approx. 1.5 - 2 hours, including the removal of the autologous fat. If a more extensive liposuction is planned in advance anyway, the injection with autologous fat can be carried out directly after the planned operation.
When will I be fit for work again after the treatment?
Although breast augmentation with autologous fat is an outpatient treatment, a special compression bra should be worn for four weeks after the operation so that the autologous fat can grow optimally. Depending on the region and amount, a compression girdle may also need to be worn for a certain period of time at the donor site (see also liposuction).
Does lipofilling have to be repeated?
A major advantage of autologous fat is that it does not break down to a large extent and therefore remains permanently in the tissue. With lipofilling of the breast, experience has shown that a small percentage of the autologous fat does not grow into the tissue and breaks down again. Therefore, one or two follow-up sessions may be necessary.
How long do the results of an autologous fat breast augmentation last?
The results of breast augmentation with autologous fat vary. Some of the fat may be absorbed after the operation, making the breast appear temporarily smaller. In the long term, thehe result is usually permanent.
Will visible scars remain?
Breast augmentation with autologous fat results in No permanent scar on the breast. The injected fat is liquid. Unlike silicone implants, it is not necessary to open the breast tissue.
However, there may be a small scar (approx. 5 mm in size) on the suctioned areas.
What is a hybrid breast augmentation?
A hybrid breast augmentation combines breast implants with autologous fat transfer. A smaller implant increases the basic volume, then fat from liposuction is injected around the implant. This gives the breast a natural shape and soft contours.
Is an inpatient stay necessary?
An inpatient stay is not normally necessary for breast augmentation with autologous fat. You can usually leave the practice after the procedure. In some cases, however, it may be advisable for your safety to spend a night in the clinic.
What should you look out for when choosing a doctor?
When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.
Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.
Why should you come to us?
Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and the utmost care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews and our seals & awards.
Take advantage of our almost 20 years of experience for your desired change. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021. She has also been certified since 27.02.24 by the DGPRÄC certified breast surgeon.
Do you have any questions?
We will be happy to answer all your questions about the procedure, possibilities, risks or healing of breast augmentation using autologous fat grafting. Arrange your personal consultation. We will advise you individually about your options.
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