A new study presented last week at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference found using liposuctioned fat for breast augmentation may be a viable option for some women.

The small study looked at 50 women, ages 17 to 63, who had 55 fat grafting procedures (5 women were grafted twice) to their breasts with fat taken from their upper thighs, etc. To help make room for the injected fat and to increase the grafts’ survival rate, patients wore a bra-like (external) tissue expander device several weeks before and after surgery. Long-term follow-up on patients ranged from 9 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 3 years.

The researchers report good patient satisfaction with an average increase in breast volume of 210 ml at 6 to 12 months. This is slightly less than one bra cup size. The fat graft survival achieved averaged 85% of the actual fat injected volume.

The researchers report no formation of breast masses, nodules, or lesions that might interfere with cancer detection. There was no reported issues with mammography. The main drawbacks reported by the researchers include changes in breast volume are proportionate with BMI fluctuations.

This study included 46 women who received fat injections to their breasts after a breast lift. The fat was taken from the thigh, abdomen, or other areas on the patient’s body. After one year, all of the women had a significant improvement in breast size and shape, with no abnormalities in mammograms, the researchers said.

Another study presented at the meeting found that injecting fat into the breasts gives breast-lift patients a new option for improving breast size and shape, with a reduced risk of some of the complications associated with breast implants.

[Source: ASPS/eMaxHealth/PSP]