Fat Transfer

What are the risks and side effects of surgery?

Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are aware of possible complications.

There will be some discomfort for the first day. Occasionally bruising may occur, but this should resolve rapidly.

Scars

Scars are very small and hidden in a skin crease. They should be barely perceptible. However, some patients heal with thick scars and this can make them more noticeable. There are no scars on the breast, as a needle is used to inject the fat.

Bruising and swelling

This is very common and bruising may take a couple of weeks to settle.

Infection

Infection is rare but may require a course of antibiotics.

Fat loss

Of the fat that is injected, 40-70% should ‘take’ and become permanent. The remaining fat will simply melt away (reabsorb) over the next few weeks. If further fat is required, then the procedure can be repeated after 12 weeks or more.

Breast cancer development

There are theoretical concerns about the possible effects of fat transfer on the development of breast cancer. However, to date, there is no evidence that fat injected into the breast causes breast cancer. Thousands of fat transfer procedures have been performed world-wide, many in breast cancer patients, and an increase in breast cancer rates has so far not occurred. However, it will take many years and experience with thousands of patients before the scientific community can determine with certainty from robust data that breast fat transfer will not contribute to breast tumor growth.

Numbness, reduced sensation or oversensitivity

Numbness, reduced sensation or oversensitivity can occur in the nipple or breast. This is usually temporary, but occasionally these changes can remain to some degree.

Implant rippling or wrinkling

Implant rippling or wrinkling can be more of a problem in very slim patients or those who have very little breast tissue. However, the chances are reduced if the implant is placed behind the chest muscles.

Breast imaging

Concerns have been raised that fat transfer can alter the appearance of the breasts on mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI. Breast lumps, cysts, and calcifications can occur after breast fat transfer, just as they can after other breast procedures. The developing consensus is that transferred fat looks distinct on breast imaging and is generally distinguishable from lesions suspicious for breast cancer.

Fat cysts

Fat cysts can sometimes occur after fat transfer. Most cysts can be aspirated with a needle if they are problematic.

Fat necrosis

If some of the fat does not gain a blood supply it will die and gradually be reabsorbed. This can sometimes leave a lump that cannot be seen but can be felt. Massaging should resolve this but occasionally a procedure to remove the lump may be required.

Further fat transfer procedures

These are sometimes to give the desired result. Only a certain amount of fat can be injected during one operation. If you desire more volume then a second procedure gives the flexibility to add this.

DVT/PE

Following any surgical procedure it is possible to develop a blood clot in your legs, which could potentially break off and move to your lungs. If the blood clot is large enough it could prove fatal. In order to reduce any risks of this we give you special stockings to wear in bed and a blood thinning injection if you are immobile.

All the risks will be discussed in detail at your consultation. However, if you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. Decisions about cosmetic surgery should never be rushed and requires personal research.