Breast Reconstruction is Using Increasingly Sophisticated Techniques to Optimize Appearance

Breast reconstruction is a vital component of the overall treatment plan of breast cancer patients. Surgical breast reconstruction is not only desired by most patients, but is recommended by law in many countries. It is being performed with increasingly sophisticated techniques to optimize the appearance, and feel of the reconstructed breast, limit donor site morbidity and provide a long term result. The use of autologous tissue allows the reconstruction of a breast which looks and feels most like a normal breast. The advent of perforator flaps now allows for minimal donor site morbidity and good flap durability. The abdomen is an ideal source of tissue for breast reconstruction. Most patients who develop breast cancer are at an age when they also have excess skin and fat overlying the abdomen. The fat is typically soft and easy for the surgeon to shape and closely approximates the feel of a normal breast. In addition, an added bonus of an abdominal donor site for most patients is the improved abdominal contour after flap harvest which approximates that of an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” while minimizing donor site morbidity.

 

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is a central component in the state-of-the-art practice of breast reconstruction and usually our first choice of flap from the abdomen. It allows the safe transfer of soft tissue from the abdomen for the construction of a new breast without the sacrifice of rectus muscle or fascia. The DIEP and other perforator flaps trace their origins back to the work of Stuart Milton in the 1960s. At that time, wound closure flaps were random pattern flaps based on the geometric principle of a length to width ratio of approximately 1.5-1. Using a porcine model, Dr Milton in 1970 and 1971 demonstrated that flaps of a much greater length to width ratio could be elevated safely when based on a known underlying vessel. This led to the concept of the axial pattern pedicle flap, which was first reported in MacGregor and Jackson’s description of a groin flap in 1972. Later, in 1982, Hartrampf would use the pedicle flap concept to transfer abdominal tissue to the chest for breast reconstruction using the superior epigastric artery and the rectus abdominus muscle as a carrier.

 

This flap came to be known as the transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous, or TRAM, flap. In 1973, the term “free flap” was used by Taylor and Daniel to describe the distant transfer of an island flap by microvascular anastomosis. Taylor and Daniel further expanded upon their work in 1975 with a detailed anatomical description of many of the more common free flap donor sites in use today. In 1979, Holstrom described the use of the equivalent of a free TRAM flap with his description of a “free abdominoplasty flap” for breast reconstruction. Attempts were made to reduce the muscle bulk removed and to limit the donor morbidity. The concept of donor site muscle sparing techniques was reported, as represented by Elliott with the split latissimus and by Feller with the partial rectus abdominus muscle transfer.

 

This idea was further refined by Koshima who used the skin territory overlying the rectus abdominus muscle for reconstruction of the mouth and groin. The flaps were based on a single paraumbilical perforating vessel from the deep inferior epigastric artery, and were composed of skin and fat only. Independently, Allen and Treece in 1992 successfully performed the first DIEP flap for breast reconstruction by transferring the abdominal skin and fat from the same donor area of a TRAM flap while sparing the underlying rectus abdominus muscle. This provided essentially the same soft tissue for reconstruction while significantly reducing the morbidity to the abdominal wall,thereby minimizing donor site morbidity and pain while shortening recovery time.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Gluteal Implants or Fat Injections for Buttock Enlargement Surgery

Enlargement of the buttocks or buttock enhancement is a plastic surgery procedure that has become more commonly requested and performed in the past several years than ever before. Ten years ago, this was a procedure that was unheard of and rarely done. Due to cultural influences and a changing population mix, the shape and size of the buttocks has become an aesthetic issue of importance.

 

The buttocks is a three-dimensional structure of which its size and shape are both important. For some patients, their buttocks is too flat and lacks any definition, for other patients it is an issue of size more than shape.  As a result, when it comes to buttock recontouring, one has to consider what procedures can increase size as well as shape. It often takes a combination of procedures to create the best buttock result.

 

When it comes to increasing buttock size, it is a choice between natural fat injections or the use of synthetic implant. Both work and are capable of adding volume to the buttocks, but they are different in the results achieved and their associated potential risks and complications.

 

Buttock implants remain the gold standard for buttock enlargement. They have a long-standing history of success and their primary advantage is that the volume they add to the buttocks is both stable and permanent. The implants will not change in size over time as the material of which it is made (silicone rubber) does not degrade in the  body. While implants do have traditional risks of malpositioning, infection, and seroma (fluid) development, improved surgical techniques with intramuscular placement has gone a long way in decreasing these issues.  Nonetheless, these potential risks still exist and a patient must be willing to accept that a small percentage of buttock implants will develop these problems.

 

Fat injections, using the patients own fat, is a ‘newer’ buttock implant approach that has only become popular in the past few years. Its recent popularity is linked to the emergence of fat grafting in plastic surgery in general and as an easier alternative than traditional implant placement. Fat injections into the buttocks is less invasive and has a quicker recovery than an implant. It also uses the patient’s own fat which, if one is having liposuction anyway uses the discard, or if done by itself offers an aesthetic contouring benefit from the donor site. The primary disadvantage to fat injections is their unpredictability and that only a modest gain in buttock size can be achieved with one surgical treatment. It is far to say that fat injections can not create the same volume size that an implant can……in one surgical session. Multiple fat injections sessions, however, can create the same volume but at the disadvantage of considerable more expense and effort.

 

Which is better for any buttock enlargement patient….fat injections vs implant?  If one is opposed to the thought and risks of an implant, then fat injections are the way to go with the understanding of the limitations in size that can be obtained. Or if one is having liposuction anyway, then fat injections are worth trying since enlargement of the buttocks may not be the sole objective of the surgery. But if considerable buttock size is wanted and one wants the most predictable result, buttock implants are the best choice…..if one can accept their risks.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Breast Augmentation Expected to Remain Popular Despite Economy

There is no denying that tough economic times have caused people across the country to cut back and reduce spending. Plastic surgeons, like professionals in many industries, are preparing for a general slowdown in the demand for their services. However, the demand for breast augmentation, which consistently ranks as the most popular plastic surgery procedure across the country, is likely to remain relatively stable.

 

Close to 350,000 women chose to have breast augmentation performed in 2007, making it the most popular plastic surgery procedure available by a significant margin. While 2008 is likely to show a decline in this national number, many women still view cosmetic surgery as an investment in themselves and I expect to continue seeing high demand for breast augmentation.

 

There are a number of reasons that women choose breast augmentation. Many want to increase their breast size to achieve a fuller, more feminine physique, but breast augmentation also can be used to correct breast asymmetry and to bring breasts into proportion with a woman’s body. In addition, many women opt for breast augmentation to restore breast fullness lost as a result of pregnancy, breast feeding, or significant weight loss. No matter what their reason for choosing breast augmentation, many breast augmentation patients report feeling more self confident and happier with their appearance after the procedure.

 

Some women who are happy with the size and appearance of their breasts don’t understand why others would want to undergo an augmentation procedure. But there is no denying the increased sense of self confidence reported by breast enlargement patients across the country, which we’ve seen firsthand in my our breast augmentation patients from. The fact that breast augmentation can enhance their self image and their physical appearance certainly contributes to its popularity and is one of the reasons that I think it will remain a high-demand procedure even as the economy slows down.

 

There are a number of options available to women considering breast enlargement. Plastic surgeons offer both saline-filled and silicone gel-filled implants in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are also familiar with a number of surgical and implant placement techniques. No two breast augmentation patients are the same. The Patients Advantage works with patients considering plastic surgery to develop a customized procedure that fits their anatomy and surgical goals.

 

As we continue with a challenging economic climate in 2009, it will be especially important that people do what they can to stay healthy and positive. Being comfortable with your body can play an important role in your overall wellbeing. Breast augmentation is about helping women love they way they look, and we expect it to continue to be a popular procedure in 2009 and the years to come.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Thigh Lift after Extreme Weight Loss

The thighs suffer loose and hanging skin after extreme weight loss and often look like ‘wax melting on a candle’.  Thigh lifts or thighplasty is the plastic surgery procedure that can address some of these issues. Thigh lifts consist of a variety of procedures that differ based on the location and extent of the procedure. There are inner and outer thigh lifts and vertical and extended vertical thigh lifts, all based on the nature of the excess skin on your thighs.

 

The outer thigh lift is done as either part of the circumferential body lift or as an isolated procedure. When the circumferential skin cutout of the body lift crosses the outer waistline (actually lower so it is an upper or outer thigh lift), the saddlebag area of the thighs is lifted. The final scar will cross or be just above the hip bone so this area can be quite tight when closed at the time of surgery. Some plastic surgeons choose to anchor the underside of the thigh skin to the tough lining of the hip bone (iliac crest) and this maneuver can be a good one to prevent scar widening later. In the extreme weight loss patient, the extended nature of the sagging ski n around the waistline makes the body lift a logical choice to get a tummy tuck, outer thigh lift, and buttock lift all in one procedure. Isolated outer thighs in extreme weight loss patients is unusual because if one has sagging thighs there will be other areas that sag as well.

 

Inner thighs lifts consist of two basic types, simplistically those that are oriented horizontally and those that are more oriented vertically. In either type of thigh lift, I don’t recommend doing them until after the tummy tuck or body lift is first completed. This is because these procedures will provide a mild thigh lift effect which may change the amount of thigh skin removed or the incision (cutout) pattern. Either inner thigh lift approach is a compromise. A horizontal inner thigh lift removes a crescent of skin and fat along the groin crease and this is where the final scar will be. A groin crease scar can be long, extending back into the buttock crease, but it is placed in a natural skin crease that is not that visible. A vertical thigh lift usually includes a horizontal excision of skin along the groin crease but also has a long vertical cut out, a T excision pattern. This is a very effective thigh reshaping procedure but results in a long visible scar down the inner thigh. Most extreme weight patients are usually better off with the combined horizontal/vertical inner thigh lift, if the scar is acceptable.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Plastic Surgery Financing Strategies

That one part of your body has bugged you for years. You are not vain, but it really is just too much. After a lot of thought and discussion with close friends, you have decided to have the problem dealt with via plastic surgery. Now you just have to pay for it.

 

The price of plastic surgery is a high one. Most of the time, insurance companies will not pay for plastic surgery unless it is reconstructive surgery. Since cosmetic surgery is the most popular form, the costs associated with these procedures can be rather difficult to handle.

 

During an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, you will be told exactly how much your procedure will cost. The price of the surgery largely depends upon the difficulty and length of the procedure. Also, rates tend to fluctuate from surgeon to surgeon depending upon skill level and demand.

 

Flushing out the costs is one way to find a good surgeon. If the doctor you are talking with will not give you a written estimate or you get a bad vibe from them, you should listen to your instincts. Go find someone that you feel more confident with.

 

The nature of the written estimate is also an issue. You need one that includes all the fees and costs. The fee of surgeon is usually just that, but what about the costs of the surgical room, anesthesia and so on? Make sure they are included.

 

Still, you probably are wondering what an estimated fee is for some of the popular procedures. Well, here we go. An abdominoplasty will run $400 or more. A breast reduction procedure can be $5,000. A facelift can set you back $6,000 and can run a lot more depending on what you are doing. With fees like this, plastic surgeons know that paying is an issue. With this in mind, many offices now will finance the surgery for you. Some will do the surgery up front and bill you monthly while others do it the other way around.

 

In an interesting twist, there are lenders who will finance your plastic surgery. With the current chaos in the finance markets, nobody knows how long this will last, but Capital One is known to provide financing for all types of plastic surgery with fairly competitive rates.

 

Of course, there is a third alternative you could go with. You could actually save up for it. Gasp! Americans are not exactly well known for their abilities to save, so you can ask your plastic surgeon if they will take monthly payments until you have met the fee. Most will.

 

No pain, no gain is a cliche that applies to many things. Paying for plastic surgery certainly falls within this cliche. Still, if you want to pursue an enhancement, there really is no choice. Save up or finance it, the price is usually worth the result.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Eyelid Surgery: Special Considerations for Older Plastic Surgery Patients

In 2007, the eyelid lift was the number one cosmetic procedure of the 55 and older crowd. That age group also accounted for nearly 50% of all the people having the procedure. Now, cosmetic surgical procedures certainly aren’t just for the older crowd anymore. Men and women in the 30s and 40s are turning back the years as well. However, because their skin still has good elasticity, they can use the non-invasive methods to regenerate their skin. As you get older, your skin loses elasticity and surgical techniques are the only way to truly get rid of the wrinkles and tighten the skin.

 

While surgical cosmetic work is common in people 55 and older, this means that the surgeon and the patient have to take more precautions. Here are some of the special considerations for older patients seeking an eyelid lift:

 

1. Overall health-This is not to say that everyone seeking plastic surgery that is less than 55 is in perfect health, but the chance of having certain health issues is increased with age. For any patient, but especially older ones, it is important to divulge all medical concerns before having an eyelid lift.

 

Since this is a major surgery and anesthesia is used, a history of heart attack or stroke makes elective surgery more dangerous. High blood pressure can also cause problems when anesthesia is administered. Operations are stressful on the body, whether you are asleep or not. Diabetes is another medical condition that is contraindicated for elective procedures.

 

Specific to an eyelid lift, older patients are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome so the surgeon must adjust his technique to make sure the condition is not created or exacerbated.

 

2. Medicines-Not only do the conditions create problems during the operation, the medications you are taking to control the problem can make the procedure more dangerous. If you are taking any medications, you have to tell the surgeon.

 

The anesthesiologist needs to know what may interact or reduce the effectiveness of the anesthesia. He will have to watch you more closely during the eyelid lift procedure to make sure you do not become distressed while under.

 

3. Combination procedures-It is not uncommon for plastic surgery patients to combine an eyelid surgery with others like the brow lift or face lift. For older patients who may have a medical condition, be taking medications or are quite advanced in age, combining procedures may not be a good idea.

 

The longer anyone is under anesthesia, the more stressful it is for the body. For older patients who have medical conditions, it is even more stressful and dangerous. So, though it is convenient, it may not be a good idea. Not only should older patients be forthcoming with any medical conditions, they should also carefully choose the right surgeon to perform their eyelid procedure. Anyone seeking plastic surgery should verify the credentials of their surgeon.

 

He or she should be board certified to perform plastic surgery and licensed to practice in the state you’re in. Surgery is a risky process anyway, but if you add age and medical problems to the mix, it becomes riskier. To get the most from your operation and to make it safer, find a surgeon with experience working with older patients as well as performing eyelid lift procedures. His or her knowledge and experience works in your favor if there are special considerations he needs to make. You don’t have necessarily had to mix the idea of looking younger through plastic surgery; you just have to be a little more careful.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Latest Trend of Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

 

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

 

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the ’70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

 

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat–usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

 

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered “cosmetic surgery” can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual’s weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

 

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don’t think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

 

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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ASAPS Predicts Increase in Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery in 2009

In spite of the turbulent economy in 2008 and the gloomy outlook presented by financial analysts and economic experts, Americans may still be fueling a few spending streaks in 2009. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) is predicting a significant increase in demand for certain types of cosmetic and plastic procedures, in addition to trends where consumers are prepared to ‘try’ new and innovative procedures entering the market.

 

In a December 2008 press release, the ASAPS highlights the increasing growth and popularity of cosmetic fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Evolence, especially as more injectable fillers enter the market.  Reloxin, an alternative to Botox, has been under FDA review and may be the latest competition for Botox and other wrinkle removal treatments.

 

Injectable fillers are a convenient, non-surgical option for many men and women who do not want to undergo extensive surgery to get rid of wrinkles – and even save a few thousand dollars on a facelift. Wrinkle fillers are most suitable for baby boomers and those are seeing signs of premature aging; this market segment will make up most of the consumer market for injectables, and some of the demand may simply driven by the desire to save money on a procedure.

 

Consumers may also be likely to try innovative techniques and procedures that are only just entering the U.S. market (or undergoing clinical trials).   Anyone who has been interested in liposuction may be able to forgo surgery altogether with procedures like UltraShape.  UltraShape has recently gained mass appeal in the United Kingdom and Canada, but has not met FDA approval for patients who want the procedure in the United States.  The procedure is designed to break down body fat using ultrasound technology, and can be targeted to specific areas of the body.  Once the body fat is broken down, it is eliminated through the patient’s lymph system.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Will Insurance Cover My Breast Reduction?

Breast reduction is a very effective plastic surgery operation for reducing and reshaping large breasts and eliminating the pain that they cause. Breast reduction may be eligible for coverage by your medical insurance if it is part of their covered benefits and you qualify.

 

Whether one qualifies for medical insurance coverage is not a mystery as most insurance companies have very specific criteria to qualify for eligibility. In fact, it is one of the most scrutinized of all plastic surgery procedures covered by insurance. There are several important issues including your weight and breast size, how much tissue the plastic surgeon plans to remove, documentation of painful symptoms, and what other non-surgical treatments have you had.

 

How much you weigh is a significant consideration. if you are over 20% of your ideal body weight, your insurance company may say you need to lose weight first. We all know that weight loss will not decrease the size of your breasts (it some cases it may make the skin sag more, causing greater strain on your neck, shoulders, and back), nevertheless, this is a criteria that insurance companies use. At the least, if you are overweight, attempts at weight loss must be done and documented. If you can only lose so much weight, then so be it. But some weight loss effort may be required.

 

Breast size is an obvious important criteria. There is no precise breast size that makes the cut-off for insurance coverage. Rather it is a combination of your height, weight, and breast size. Technically, your height and weight are put into a formula to create your BSA. (body surface area) Based on your calculated BSA and the amount of breast tissue your plastic surgeon says will be removed (there is an industry standard graph and table which determines this) is the numerical determinant for medical eligibility. You have no control over what your plastic surgeon estimates will be removed but that number is of critical importance. The whole concept of this numerical determinant is for the insurance company to determine that they are not really paying for a breast lift which is mainly a cosmetic operation. I call this compensation for the ’sins’ of the past done by plastic surgeons from decades ago.

 

One of the hardest criteria to document, but is one of the big three, is what have you done non-surgically that may make your breast and body pain go away without surgery? We all know that nothing short of reducing large breasts will make their symptoms go away, but again, we must play by their rules. Some form of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or even acupuncture must usually be tried first (for three months) and documented that it did NOT work. Most breast reduction consults that I see are usually lacking in this criteria of eligibility. It may feel like a waste of the insurance’s money and your time, but it often must be done.

 

To determine possible medical coverage, your plastic surgeon will take photos and measurements of your breasts and bundle up all of the information listed above and send it to your insurance company. The more complete this information is, the less likely you will get a letter (4 to 6 weeks later) that says there is not enough information to make a predetermination. Your breast reduction may be determined to be medically necessary if you meet all the required criteria! It can be a slow process, and it may take more than one letter from your plastic surgeon, but persistence and perseverance is the key to a medical necessary breast reduction.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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Fat Injections Enhance Breast Reconstruction

One of the most controversial topics in plastic surgery surrounds the question as to whether injecting fat after breast reconstruction is safe. What is the purpose of fat injections?

 

The intention of injecting fat after breast reconstruction surgery is to eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and dimples, and to enhance the overall appearance of the newly reconstructed breasts.

 

Gregory Scott, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study co-author, is an advocate for fat injections. The study conducted to test the safety of the procedure affirmed his belief that fat injections are not only safe, but help enhance the appearance of the breasts following reconstructive surgery.

 

“My reconstruction patients could not be happier with the improvement fat transfer gives to the appearance of their breasts,” said Scott. “The initial implant reconstruction sometimes leaves them with contour deformities or wrinkling, but fat injections can correct these problems and give their breasts a smoother, softer, more natural appearance.”

 

The study examined 21 subjects who received a total of 42 fat transfers for contour deformities or wrinkling. Each procedure was performed about nine months after the initial reconstructive surgery. The plastic surgeons took the fat from the patients’ stomach or upper thigh and injected it directly into the breasts. According to the authors of the study, the fat injections proved to:

 

• Be safe

• Improve the breast shape

• Correct the implant wrinkling

 

Despite the study results, there still remains controversy as to the safety of the procedure. Some of the opposing members noted that there are still issues that have not been thoroughly investigated, including:

 

• Fat may calcify in the breast and interfere with mammogram results

• The amount of fat that is needed to adequately enlarge the breast

• The amount of fat that could potentially be absorbed by the body

 

Opposing surgeons also argue that the testing that has been done thus far has taken significant amounts of time and has not proven to enhance the breast size very much.

 

So, although the study authors seem to be satisfied with the results, fat injections still remain controversial among plastic surgeons. As some of the surgeons noted, this is an evolving procedure that needs to be thoroughly evaluated. With the number of breast augmentations performed each year, there is a demand for new techniques that will better the procedure results. In 2007, alone, there were nearly 348,000 breast augmentation procedures and more than 57,000 breast reconstructions performed.

 

Despite the controversy surrounding fat injections, the good news is that researchers are continuing to look for advancements in plastic surgery that will continue to improve the results of these procedures.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

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