Atlanta fat transfer

For breast cancer survivors, breast reconstruction surgery is often a powerful step toward healing and taking back control of their lives. However, many patients still have some concerns about the surgery. One of the most common concerns is whether the reconstructed breasts will look natural, or whether they will just be a slightly less noticeable constant reminder of the battle for health. Fortunately, plastic surgeons like me, especially those who specialize in breast reconstruction, have found and created many ways to perform breast reconstruction in a way that produces extremely natural-looking results.

One of the most common and successful ways to achieve breast reconstruction results that look natural is to use the patient’s own tissue. This is primarily done by using fat from the patient’s abdomen area to reconstruct the breasts. But even within the category of autologous (using the patient’s own tissue) breast reconstruction, there are many ways to do so.

The autologous breast reconstruction procedure that I use most frequently is the TRAM flap procedure. The TRAM flap uses muscle, fat, and skin tissue from a particular area of the abdomen to recreate a breast. Because the tissue in this area is so similar to breast tissue, a TRAM flap can produce an especially natural-looking result. Some patients also appreciate that this approach produces tummy tuck-like results in the abdomen as well.

Breast reconstruction patients have a very wide array of needs and variables—some undergo reconstruction immediately after mastectomy, while others wait months or years; some have more remaining skin and tissue than others do; every patient has a different size in mind for their reconstructed breasts. For some patients, reconstructions that use only their own tissue will not produce their desired results. However, there are also ways to use the patient’s own tissue as well as breast implants or tissue expanders to produce natural results.

Latissimus Dorsi procedure—In a breast reconstruction, it is important to secure breast implants or tissue expanders in place. This can be done with the patient’s own tissue using the Latissimus Dorsi technique. This procedure utilizes an area of muscle and sometimes skin (depending on the patient) from the back to cover the implant or tissue expander. Not only does this secure the device in place, but it also produces a more natural-looking finish. For patients who do not need skin to be transferred from the back to the breast, this procedure can be done in a way that does not leave a scar on the back, called the scarless latissimus flap.

Fat Transfer Injections—In this procedure, fat is removed from a part of the body (often the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) using liposuction. After it is concentrated, the fat is then injected into the breast. These fat transfer injections are commonly used in conjunction with other reconstructive options, such as breast implants, to provide an especially smooth finish.

 

In considering their surgical options, many patients find it helpful to review pre-operative and post-operative photos for the various procedures. Regardless of which breast reconstruction option is best for you, one of the most important things you can do to improve your results is to choose a surgeon who is highly qualified and has ample experience in breast reconstruction. After over three decades of experience in breast reconstruction, I have been able to not only master a multitude of surgical techniques in order to provide the best possible care for my patients, but also to develop an understanding of what my patients are looking for and how to help them achieve results that leave them feeling empowered and confident. The first step toward your successful breast reconstruction is to schedule a consultation and to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.