Exclusive lipofilling

Reconstruction by exclusive lipofilling

• Lipofilling is the transfer of fat from one part of the body to another. The fat is removed by liposuction and reinjected to reconstruct the breast. The fat can be taken from the stomach, thighs, knees, hips, depending on your morphology and your choices.
• This technique has revolutionized breast reconstruction because it is minimally invasive and very effective. It is most often used as a complement to prosthesis or flap reconstructions.
• It is sometimes possible to do a reconstruction exclusively with fat. Several procedures will be necessary. The technique is essentially intended for women with excess fat and a small to medium breast volume. The result is very natural.
• There are several ways to achieve reconstruction by filling. Either by choice from the outset or by wanting to replace a prosthesis secondarily. We sometimes use an expander that we deflate as the thickness of the fat increases. This technique allows us to have a good result from the first operation and to space out the fillings as needed.

Practicalities

• The procedure takes about an hour.
• General anesthesia is used.
• The hospitalization can be done on an outpatient basis with same day discharge or over 24 hours (discharge the next day).
• The dressing is kept for 3 to 5 days.
• A panty or a compression bodysuit must be worn as soon as the procedure is over to limit the formation of hematomas on the liposuction areas.
• Rest and pause of all sports activities are recommended for 1 to 5 days.

It is necessary to wait at least 2 months between each filling.

Reconstruction of the left breast by exclusive lipofilling. The breast is supple and natural.

Possible complications

The fillings sometimes cause the formation of small cysts or palpable nodules that are easily identified on ultrasound as being benign. Nevertheless, they interfere with the clinical examination: the doctor or gynecologist who spots them by palpation will prescribe additional examination since any breast nodule requires investigation, whether after cancer or in a patient with no previous history. It is often possible to remove cysts by puncturing them.

Before / after reconstruction by exclusive lipofilling

The photos below highlight the results of several procedures aimed at reducing breast volume.