francois j duminy
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
CAPE TOWN PLASTIC SURGEON CV
Francois J Duminy
PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Breast Augmentation by Micro Fat Grafting
What is Breast Augmentation by means of Micro Fat Grafting?
The breasts are enlargement and firmed by the injection of very thin strings of your own fat.
The fat is harvested from places where you dont really enjoy having it, e.g. your lower abdomen and immediately prepared for re-injection into the breast The harvesting is done by suction through a tiny incision (about 5mm long).
Injection is done through 5 to 10 tiny needle holes near each breast.
Only bullet-nosed blunt tubes (cannulae) are used so as not to damage any important structures.
The entire procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and conscious sedation enabling the patient to walk in and walk out of the theatre.
The only scars are tiny puncture marks that usually fade to virtual invisibility.
If you have chosen to have a Breast Augmentation by Micro Fat Grafting there are certain criteria to be borne in mind.
Benefits
Virtually scarless procedure
You lose Fat in places where you dont want it
Your new breasts are completely natural and composed entirely of your own tissue.
Shape deficiencies in your breasts can be addressed by "Sculpting" techniques
Since there is no cutting, not even sharp needles, there is much less potential damage to any nerves and therefore less risk of sensory changes
As with other Breast Augmentations, there is no effect on breast feeding.
As with other Breast Augmentations, an improved self-image leading to greater confidence.
Improved clothing choices.
A feeling of restored youth and vigour in those who have experienced loss of breast substance and consequent sagging due to pregnancy and lactation.
Negative aspects.
We expect 50% to 70% of the fat that we inject to survive, but there are many factors that may influence survival of the fat cells and the exact survival rate is therefore unpredictable.
There may be some small artefacts that form in the breast e.g. small oil cysts, and areas of calcification, none of them as large as a breast prosthesis or as the calcification that can form in the capsule of such a prosthesis if it hardens. These artefacts can usually be well tracked by conventional breast examination and mammography.
There is a "dip phase" in the volume of the transplanted fat cells and this sometimes leads to disappointment in poorly informed patients see the graph
Complications
We try at all times to avoid complications by taking every precaution available to us and by employing meticulous techniques. Complications, however, will sometimes occur even in the hands of the most careful surgeon.
As with any surgical procedure the wounds may become infected. This may prolong your treatment which might include drainage, dressings and antibiotics.
Severe bruising may occur after the procedure.
Pain is sometimes experienced in the first few post-operative days this is mostly in the donor site from which the fat was harvested.
Sometimes very sharp pains of a very short duration occur in the Breasts. These pains are known as "lightning pain" and their occurrence is infrequent. They disappear after a few months.
Stretch marks (Striae gravidorum) might appear on your breasts due to rapid stretching of the skin.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
Arrange a consultation with the surgeon (Make a consultation booking)
At Consultation you will find out if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure (not everyone is )
Usually, you will be able to try some implants in your bra so that we can assess how much fat will be needed for each breast. It is, therefore a good idea to bring an unpadded, underwired bra of the size you would like to be. Remember, we cannot change your chest size, if you are a 32, you will stay a 32, but your cup size will be increased by the Micro Fat Graft. So, bring a bra that fits your chest properly and has cups of the desired size. We will then be able to see how much extra volume you will need to fill that bra.
This assessment is further enhanced if you bring along a fairly snug-fitting top such as a T-shirt to help you look at your appearance in clothing.
Obtain a quote for the procedure so that you can plan finances.
When you are ready, schedule an operation date and pay your booking deposit
Prepare your body:
Schedule an appointment with one of our Registered Nurse Practitioner Consultants who will
Pay the remainder of the procedure fee at least one week before the procedure to facilitate ordering and preparing of special materials, drapes and instruments
Immediate Pre-Op Checklist
Arrange to be transported too and from the procedure by another person (You Cannot Drive After Conscious Sedation)
Make a note of accompanying person's contact details to hand to us
Stay "Nil Per Mouth" for 6 hours before your scheduled procedure time
Shower head to toe with medicated shampoo to reduce the bacterial load on the skin
Wear loose clothing
Pack your Bras
Give yourself enough time for a relaxed approach.
Post-Operative Care
Wear your Underwired Bra day and night for one month - This keeps your breasts stable and well positioned during the critical early healing period
Waterproof dressings will allow you to shower from day 1. Bathing and swimming allowed only after 7 days
Attend your "dressing change" consultation with the Registered Nurse Practitioner and pay careful attention to the "scar taping" instructions that you will be given.
Tape your scars correctly for 4 to 6 months ("if we support the scars, they will not need to support themselves" and they will therefore remain as thin flat specks rather than becoming ridges)
After 1 month, you can stop wearing the bra at night, but you must continue to wear it every day when you are up and about.
When exercising, wear a Sports Bra such as a "Triumph Shock Absorber " over your underwired bra.Good support of the healing internal "scars" and grafts is vital.
Smoking will kill your fat grafts, even secondary smoke may do it - DONT SMOKE Not Even ONE
Enjoy your new appearance with confidence.