Tuesday, December 11, 2012 peony_pixie asks

Q: Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction Has anyone had the new breast reconstruction from fat grafting similar to what Suzanne Summers had but this is total reconstruction after mastectomy?

I am unable to have implants due to an allergy to silicone and also have Multiple Sclerosis so flap surgeries are out of the question as this will weaken muscles much sooner than necessary.

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Answers (3)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

12/11/12 7:32am

I'm sorry you're having to go through this. I don't know the details of fat grafting, but if it's an option, your surgeon could certainly discuss it with you, or refer you to a surgeon who performs it. Have you checked out a saline implant? You could avoid the silicone, as well as autologous reconstruction... Good luck - PJH

peony_pixie

12/11/12 8:41am

Unfortunately the saline is encased in either plastic or silicone and I am allergic to both.

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/11/12 5:46pm

You might be thinking about the DIEP reconstruction technique. This is a reconstruction technique that uses microsurgery to connect the blood vessels in fat that has been moved to create the reconstructed breast. I know several people who have had this surgery because they were not eligible for other types of reconstruction. However, it does have its own set of possible complications, so you would want to discuss the risks and benefits for you with the plastic surgeon and with your neurologist. With this type of surgery, it is especially important to have a surgeon who does a high volume of the procedure because it is a technically difficult surgery (according to the plastic surgeon I talked to).

peony_pixie

12/11/12 7:54pm

Thanks Phyllis but this is one of the procedures that would weaken my muscles sooner than necessary. The type of reconstruction I am refering to is FAT GRAFTING and is done by Dr. Khouri at the Miami Breast Center - it is actually the cutting edge technology in breast reconstruction from Europe. They liposuction your fat cells and re-inject them at intervals of every 30 - 60 days during which time you must wear an external expander called a BRAVA bra to stretch the tissue. This is the least invasive reconstruction and repairs tissue and sensory nerve damage as the fat cells are stem cell rich for healing. You can read about it at www.miamibreastcenter.com - I asked the question in hopes of finding someone who had the procedure so I could ask about their experience but thanks for sharing and trying to help.

Phyllis Johnson, Health Guide

12/11/12 8:32pm

Thanks for the link. I hope we will have a reader who has experience with this procedure who can help you.

Bronsy

2/ 6/13 3:03pm

I am going into hospital today for my third Coleman fat grafting procedure, it is to correct defects (fill dents), what you are contemplating is full reconstruction using fat grafting,which is done more in the USA, perhaps google fat/stem cell grafting. June 2011 - R breast reconstruction-abdominal doner site, left for 20 minutes fat harvested (apparently they separate the fat), injection of fat to medial and lateral defects. 10ml to medial defect, 15ml to lateral defect. June 2012 - adrenaline into fat grafting "tunnel" & fat harvesting sites, 20 mls fat harvested from both thighs, 26 mls transferred into superomedial breast. As you can see I only have small amounts harvested. Hope this gives you some information to work with

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

2/ 6/13 5:40pm

Thanks for adding your feedback here, Bronsy - it's so useful to other women to hear form those who've "been there." Cheers - I hope things continue to go well for you. PJH

Q: Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction Has anyone had the new breast reconstruction from fat grafting similar to what Suzanne Summers had but this is total reconstruction after mastectomy?

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