Basel, March 25, 2024
As an alternative to breast implants, autologous fat can also be used for breast augmentation. For whom a So-called lipofilling or autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation and how the operation is carried out in today's Journal article.
There is currently an increase in breast augmentation with autologous fat, as many women prefer the body's own tissue instead of a foreign body such as an implant. In addition, a natural breast appearance and "smaller breast augmentations" are in vogue, which can be achieved beautifully with autologous fat transplantation.
With a Breast augmentation with own fat fat cells are removed from a region of the body by liposuction and transplanted into the breast. Great care and protection of the fat cells is required, as the aim is for the fat cells to grow back in the breast. Once the fat cells have grown, they behave like all other fat cells in our body: when we gain weight, they swell, and when we lose weight, the fat cells become smaller again. As a rule, not all of the fat cells inserted grow and some of them are broken down by the body within the first 3 months after the operation. How many fat cells actually grow in and "survive" the fat transfer is difficult to predict and very individual, which is why it is difficult to predict how much larger the breast volume will actually be afterwards. The healing rate depends on many different factors, in particular individual circumstances, so that in certain cases the increase in volume in the breast area may be smaller than expected, even if the operation is performed correctly. In principle, an increase in breast volume of approximately one bra cup size can be achieved with the autologous fat method. The autologous fat treatment can be repeated at intervals of at least 3 months, so that in certain cases multiple fillings may be indicated in order to achieve a larger volume.
For whom is the autologous fat method suitable for breast augmentation? The following indications for lipofilling of the breast can be roughly defined:
- Patients who are bothered by fat deposits or a problem area on their body and primarily want to get rid of them. At the same time, however, they have no objection to the breast gaining a little more volume and the fat that has already been suctioned off can be "recycled".
- Patients who do not want an implant as a foreign body, but still want a slight enlargement of the breast with the body's own tissue.
- Patients who have their Having breast implants removedbut still want a beautiful, albeit slightly smaller breast shape. In this case, as part of the implant removal, a Breast lift in combination with a Autologous fat transfer be a good solution.
- Patients with congenital breast asymmetry. Depending on the extent of the asymmetry, lipofilling can be used to improve symmetry and is a good treatment option for many patients.
The lipofilling method is not suitable for patients who want a large breast augmentation or who have too few fat pads for autologous fat removal. In these cases, the Breast augmentation with implants recommended. A major advantage of implants is that the increase in volume can be precisely defined. This is not the case with lipofilling due to the different healing rates, so patients must be able to live with this unpredictability and must not have any misconceptions about the extent of the augmentation. Nevertheless, a very beautiful and natural augmentation can be achieved in many patients with autologous fat.
The most important prerequisite for successful breast augmentation with autologous fat is that sufficient fat deposits are present. However, it should be noted that it is not possible to transfer an unlimited amount of fat per lipofilling session. There must be enough space in the breast for the new fat cells and good distribution during the injection is important for the highest possible healing rate. If too much fat is transferred, the breast is under tension so that the blood supply is poorer and the fat cells have fewer "chances of survival".
Is breast augmentation with autologous fat the right choice for me or augmentation with implants? For many women, lipofilling is the right choice. However, for women who are looking for an augmentation of more than one bra cup size, breast augmentation with implants remains the best option. A consultation with Dr. Lüdi is helpful in making a decision, so that your wishes and expectations can be determined and the best option can be found for you. Both autologous fat and implants have advantages and disadvantages. It's all about what's right for you.
Dr. Lüdi will be happy to provide you with a detailed consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.