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Dogstar's avatar
Dogstar
Member
7 years ago

Breast recon - fat grafting

Hi all

I’m considering fat grafting as my sole reconstruction choice and keen to hear about anyone else’s experiences. I’m leaning that way for a few reasons; very small framed and I’m happy with just filling out my chest shape rather than full on cleavage, my chest is deformed due to scoliosis so implants won’t look right (wld point in different directions!), it’s a relatively minor procedure each time and not keen on any type of flap surgery due to scarring and scale of the operation. My main concern is the unproven risk of the new fat prompting cancer growth and the need for biopsies etc on lumps that develop from the fat that doesn’t survive.

I’ll probably go on the waiting list at the Royal Women’s in Melbourne under Dean Trotter for this work.

I am a member of the recon group here but couldn’t find anything about this procedure there so putting the call out to the whole gang.

Any advice, much appreciated!

Dogstar
fat-grafting
Reconstruction

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  • Dogstar's avatar
    Dogstar
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    7 years ago
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    Wow, unknown, that’s interesting because that’s exactly what I’ve signed up for. I guess it may not be him who does the surgery at The Women’s, but it will be under his supervision.

    I think I’ve already mentioned that my situation is a bit out of the ordinary, so maybe that’s why he’s prepared to do it??

    Sorry if I gave you a bum steer. From what I’ve seen of you on this forum though, I suspect you won’t be deterred from finding a way to get the solution you want ;).

    All the best. 

    D
  • unknown's avatar
    unknown
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    7 years ago
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    HI Dogstar, I phoned Dean Trotter's office, unfortunately he does not do fat transfer for complete breast reconstruction, He does fat transfer along with diep flat reconstruction and implants.  thanks for the suggestion as worth following up, cheers xx
  • unknown's avatar
    unknown
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    7 years ago
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    thank you mum2jj I have read Krooz's comment, seems Krooz has had a complete breast reconstruction with fat transfer, that's awesome.  I have sent her a comment with questions.  thanks again x I am looking for a surgeon who will perform a preventative mastectomy and fat transfer for reconstruction. 
  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
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    7 years ago
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    Hi @unknown, I may have confused you in my earlier response. Firstly I was giving you the link to a story in our group in response to someone else asking about lipofilling.  Click HERE to view that story.  The member who has had the procedure is @Krooz , I am not sure if she posts here anymore.  I will message her and see if she can help. @Krooz is also a member of the reclaim your curves facebook group.  I am not sure if you do facebook, but if you do here is the link to join that group, click HERE.  You would need to request to join and then like this group you can ask questions of the group.  As @Jane221 mentions above it is a relatively new procedure in Australia, but there are some surgeons who are doing it.

    Hope this helps.


    Paula

  • kmakm's avatar
    kmakm
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    7 years ago
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    Wow @Twiggyjumps. Your PS is amazing recreating your breasts so accurately! Wonderful. K xox
  • Twiggyjumps's avatar
    Twiggyjumps
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    7 years ago
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    I opted for 12 hour op for immediate reconstruction of skin sparing bilateral mastectomies using diep flap.  My tummy was sooo flat and bit to tight and feels strange still.  That was 8 months ago. Have developed a small pouch in abdo so surgeon said he would correct it with mesh implant if I wanted. No rush.  My boobs look exactly as they did prior.  My nipples I can’t feel but they work!  Stand to attention on demand lol
  • unknown's avatar
    unknown
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    7 years ago
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    Hi dogstar, thank you for your reply. Is Dean Trotter confident of fat transfer for complete breast reconstruction? have you had a mastectomy? I will check out Dean Trotter, thank you. great your breast surgeon is supportive as mine doesn't believe it will work, asked if I wanted her to pick up the pieces...... are you happy to give name of your BC surgeon as I am considering changing surgeons. When will you be having fat transfer? this is so exciting... the only thing delaying me from having preventative mastectomy is reconstruction. I did ask for double mastectomy when I was diagnosed in 2015 snd I was told it was extreme.... and being in that urgent unknown headspace, I didn't query or get a second opinion. cheers & thanks. all the best xxx
  • Dogstar's avatar
    Dogstar
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    7 years ago
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    I’m now on the public waiting list for fat grafting at The Women’s in Melbourne as per my original post. Dean Trotter is head of plastic surgery there (he also operates privately at the Epworth). I consulted him privately and he arranged for me to go on the list. I am very small statured with not much fat to spare but he’s confident of a good result. I’ve heard good things about his work from a few people.

    My breast surgeon is also very happy for me to go down this path.

    Hope this helps, unknown. I’ll be following your journey with interest!
  • unknown's avatar
    unknown
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    7 years ago
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    hi, I am very interested in fat transfer for complete breast reconstruction.  I would like to know of recommended surgeons in Melbourne who have successfully used fat transfer only for complete reconstruction.  also previous texts mention facebook link, I don't know how to access this link.  I had a left breast masectomy three years ago using my stomach as a donor site for reconstruction.  I am now looking at having a preventative masectomy right breast and don't want an implant.  Fat transfer sounds like a good option for me as I have a slight build. My current surgeon isn't keen on the idea of fat transfer and its so hard to find more information about something that is still fairly new in Australia. if anyone has had a successful complete breast reconstruction with fat transfer only, I would love to hear from you and any surgeon recommendations. cheers xxx
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
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    7 years ago
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    @primek ah ok, yes I did have a hip to hip abdominal decision twice, and yes I had the Diep flap . Revision I had the lipo to top up the breast, they blast the fat necrosis not remove it. It's pretty full on, the Plastics Nurse couldnt get over how horrific my bruising through my torso was and painful too. x