Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is an autologous breast reconstruction technique, utilizing the patient’s own fat tissue to restore the breast mound. This technique requires liposuction on the thighs, belly, or buttocks to harvest enough fat to restore breast volume. Breast reconstruction patients from Washington, DC; Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD; Arlington and Fairfax, VA; choose the experienced team at Center for Plastic Surgery to renew their confidence with this and other advanced techniques.

The Benefits of Fat Grafting

Fat grafting offers an alternative to flap techniques and requires less invasion and recovery time. Only small incisions are required during the liposuction process, leaving minimal to no scarring. Patients can achieve a subtle and natural looking volume restoration and recontouring to their breasts. Fat grafting also allows patients to receive the slimming benefits of liposuction on the donor area.

Who is a Candidate?

Fat grafting is ideal for patients who wish to restore their breast following a lumpectomy or mastectomy using their own fat tissue. This technique is ideal for patients who want to avoid the invasion of or are not candidates for a flap technique. Patients can also benefit from this technique in combination with another reconstructive procedure to optimize volume and contouring. To be a successful candidate, patients must have enough excess fat to be used for placement.

The Procedure

To begin fat grafting, liposuction will be used on the thighs, buttocks, or abdominal area. Tiny incisions will be made where a cannula can be inserted, breaking up and removing fat cells. The fat is then processes and liquefied and placed into a syringe. The fat is then injected into the breast area until desired volume and contour is achieved. For some women, the procedure may need to be repeated over time to achieve optimal volume.

Results and Recovery

After fat grafting, there may be some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the donor and injection sites. The restored breast might appear larger at first, but some fat loss will occur over the course of recovery. Patients will be given special aftercare instructions and physical restrictions that they will need to follow.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

To meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon in person, request a complimentary consultation using our online form. CPS has been helping patients feel more confident since 1986. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, caring environment for our patients.