Hi allI’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

Hi @Dogstar, @Jane221 has given you great information. Here is a link to a post that @Krooz answered Fe her fat grafting procedure. I will try and get touch with her via RYC Facebook page and let her know you are after info as I’m not sure how often she is on the site. We don’t as yet have any photo stories in the group that I know of, but would love to have some to share. Good luck. Paula xx

Thanks @Jane221 and @mum2jj for your input. The Reclaim Your Curves info was super helpful.

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.

Hi @PatsyN, yes it doesn’t seem to be that common but the plastic surgeon was pretty happy to recommend it. My lymphoedema physio said she has a few patients who did it and are very happy with the result.Seeing my breast surgeon this week so will get her view as well.

Hi @Dogstar, I don't know if you're on Facebook, but the Reclaim Your Curves facebook group has a few members who have had fat grafting to achieve a whole, new breast, so it might be worth joining, if you haven't already. There's also some information about the technique on the Reclaim Your Curves website: https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/fat-grafting.html Reconstructing a whole breast via fat grafting is still relatively new here in Australia, but there are a few more plastic surgeons starting to do it. As you probably know, lots of others (including me) have had smaller forms of fat grafting, called lipofilling, which basically is used to fill out dents / areas on the reconstructed breast that need a bit more "fleshyness". You can see some of those pics in the choosing breast reconstruction group if you do a search for fat grafting or lipofill. I'm glad you've mentioned this though as I thought we had at least 1 photo story here in the recon group but it may have been lost when the new website was put up? Hopefully @mum2jj might be able to help here? Also, @Krooz, are you able to help as I believe this was your method of reconstruction?Cheers, Jane

Breast recon - fat grafting | BCNA Online Network

Dogstar
Member
6 years ago
@suburbangirl The only scarring you’ll have from fat transfer is 5mm incisions at the donor site/s. The fat is injected into the breast so no scarring there. The procedure hasn’t had any impact on my mastectomy scar at all, which after two years is nice and flat.

Not it sure if that answers your question. Others might be able to advise further on managing scarring.

Dogstar
suburbangirl
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Dogstar
So pleased to hear the operation has gone so well for you and everything is feeling good (apart from post op pain/ discomfort!)
My main question at the moment is does the original breast surgery scar settle and blend in more? At the moment I'm three weeks post 'second' op, and while I put paw paw ointment on both my SNL and breast scars, my breast scar still feels a bit 'lumpy and thick'. The surgeon reopened the original surgical scar and took more, after pathology found a pesky second tumour after first op.
I do appreciate scars settle over time and I have noted my SNL scar already quite flat and pink, but wondering if breast tissue is different? My breast size was a DD (fatty!) , and my scar is maybe 4-5 inches long. Sorry if this is TMI :) but this is my first experience with BC.
Thank you so much.
Dogstar
Member
6 years ago
Hi @suburbangirl, I am a bit more than seven weeks out from fat transfer to both breasts (done in Melbourne) and very happy with the result so far. The breast feels nice and soft, and I like that it’s my own tissue, not something artificial in there.

i would say that the main thing to be aware of is that some of the fat is likely to be reabsorbed (they shrink!) and you might need more than one go at it. For me, that also applies to getting the shape right. Be aware too that liposuction does hurt a bit, so stick with the pain relief for a few days! Compression also helps.

Happy to answer any questions you might have about the procedure.

Dogstar
kmakm
Member
6 years ago
It's not you @suburbangirl. I had the same problem over a year ago. It happens to lots of people. It's a problem with the system. Once you're in you'll find a bit of chat about fat grafting. K xox
suburbangirl
Member
6 years ago
Hi @mum2jj,
Thank you!
I have just tried to join again by following the link. I entered the information and pressed the 'ok' button about 3 times with no response, so stopped. This is what happened the other day when I also stopped pressing OK after a while, in case my request came through in multiples. Unsure what I am doing wrong or if the 'OK' button isn't working? (I am sure it's me!)
Hoping I can get through, and thank you :)
mum2jj
Member
6 years ago
Hi @suburbangirl I can’t see your reuest to join choosing breast reconstruction. Could you try clicking on this link and seeing if it works. You should be promoted to leave a brief message as to why you wish to join. We should be able to join you up then. Let me know how you go.
Paula
suburbangirl
Member
6 years ago
Hello everyone,
I have just had two wide excision lumpectomies on my left breast (invasive lobular cancer) and now have what I refer to as my 'half eaten hamburger'.
My lovely surgeon has explained due to my second (unexpected) cancer and op, it was difficult to maintain the breast shape, and after I finish radiotherapy and allow for settling, she has offered me a reconstruction with fat transfer in six months time. I will decide then, but for this reason I tried to join the special reconstruction group, but have not heard back yet (unsure if I meet their criteria?)
My surgeon did say this procedure is quite common elsewhere, she has done many elsewhere, but not many are taking it up in Perth. (We are a bit dopey over here!)
I will also be keen to read of other's experience and welcome any advice etc.
Toodles for now,
merrilee
Member
6 years ago
Hi everyone I've just joined this forum and have followed this discussion on fat grafting with interest. Had a mastectomy 10 years ago with immediate reconstruction. Implants now need to come out and I'd prefer fat grafting. In Sydney and exploring surgeons who do this often and preferably operate in the public system or who are on the Bupa no gap or known gap. I'd appreciate hearing of any good news stories : who you used, results a couple if years down the track. I've heard fat can get reabsorbed back into the body ( up to 30%) so more than 1 op is necessary. Is it permanent? Are you happy with results?
mum2jj
Member
7 years ago
@unknown, I don’t think @Krooz is not active at the moment. I have tagged her on the reclaim your curves Facebook page in case she still is around, so hopefully she will see that message and pop on over.
Paula xxx
unknown
Member
7 years ago
thanks Dogstar. yes I will keep researching..... let me know how you go, all the best xx