Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

Anonymous

take_two- Well, you have my sympathies!  I finally got a call from Cindy regarding my check-in time on the 13th.  Not until 1:30 in the afternoon!  Yet, she's still telling me I can't eat after midnight same as those checking in first thing in the morning.  So ridiculous.  I don't know why they don't go by hours instead of this arbitrary midnight thing.  I don't do well with no food especially when I'm stressed about something else.  Anyway, I think you check in sometime in the morning, right?  So don't know if we'll get a chance to meet unless it's afterwards.  BTW, we are staying at the Mutiny Hotel.

Anonymous

leeinfl and take_two- Maybe we should just have one big letter, like a petition, that we all sign.  I know I have serious reservations about going back after this surgery.  Maybe if he knew he was losing potential patients things would change.  He's so busy, though, maybe it wouldn't matter.

kareenie

Kate -- Are you going to start a Kate's Surgery thread over at the Brava Fat Graft Patients forum? I actually started a Kareenie's thread for some input on my decision process. Come visit!

Anonymous

kareenie- Probably not.  I can barely keep up here!  Too many threads to post on.  I do have my pictures on the other photo site so I will probably just update those.

kareenie

Kate -- Where are your pictures?  I didn't see them....

sweetie2040

Hi Ladies- wanted to mention I saw my BS today for a follow up exam and we talking about my ripples. She said to keep an eye on fat grafting. I told her I've been doing that and am waiting for our Dr's to do it. Then she told me they are looking into and if anyone does it will be my Dr! that's good news for down the road unless I decided to do it sooner with Dr. K. We also discussed how women are more likely to have a MX when the reconstruction options are better. Just think down the road more women will have this as their first option, unlike us women who have to go through revisions after all we've already been though.

geewhiz

I know his office is busy, but I never had a bad time with his staff. Cindy always called me right back within the day. She responded by email too.

Sorry you guys are experiencing this!

Anonymous

kareenie- The picture forum is a separate site that is run by some of the members on BCO.  You have to PM one of the "gatekeepers" and ask for access.  (They're very protective.)  They base admittance on the number of times you've posted so you may want to get your total up.  You can let them know that I'll "vouch" for you since I met you in person so I know you're not some creepy cyber stalker!  LOL!   The gatekeepers are whippetmom, Estepp, Lilah, MBJ and Timtam.  You just have to PM one of them and ask.  MBJ knows me so if you tell her I vouch for you she will probably let you in even though you've only posted 11 times.  Tell her I met you at the MBC.

kareenie

Thanks Kate I will.  Meanwhile I hope all goes well for your surgery this weekend. Am anxious to hear all about it.

Anonymous

Finally got the billing stuff straightened out after someone from United Healthcare contacted Dr. K's billing office directly and told them what to do.  I got a call from them today and....THE IMPLANTS WILL BE COVERED!!!  WOO HOO!!!  Guess I don't have to bounce that check to Dr. K for the $1500 after all.  (JK)  Still ticks me off that I went through all this stress right before surgery because his staff is so incompetent but nice to know my insurance company wasn't trying to get out of paying for it.  Dr. K's office never filed for authorization in the first place.  

Anyway, my DH and I are leaving early tomorrow morning.  My surgery is Friday at 1:30 p.m.  Am kind of nervous about it.  I think the lipo aspect of it worries me more than the surgery itself.  Not looking forward to the aftercare I guess.  Oh well, no pain, no get rid of the pain- LOL!   

mormor1

Kate,

So excited for you!!!  Believe me, we have had our dragon slaying battles with insurance also!!  They don't always know what to do with new procedures and how to code them.  Anyone who ever has this done in another state than Florida...check it out carefully!  So excited this all worked out for you!!  Good job.

 After all you've been through, I doubt you'll think it's all that much pain.  It's a bit hard to bend for a few days..but as many others have described, is more like an intense work out pain than sharp stabbing pain of the more invasive reconstructions, or what you are going through right now.  I know I was on the lower end for pain experience (and I went through this four times...each was the same for me where I was ready to get out and explore by day two).  There really isn't any pain at the breast area...though you will have an incision...so that might be different.  The lipo is mostly messy and achy...have you been worned to bring chux (blue pads...one of the gals left extra at the center if you want to ask for some).  There is just sero sanguinous (light bloody) drainage for a few days

 Sounds like you are having done about the same thing Lee had done and she had great results  with just one round...hope that works for you...but you always have options if you want to do more.  She is so much more comfortable., don't think she even notices the small implants and she has gotten sensation back.  You are going to love your new breaats!!

 I think they are maybe just getting more realistic about surgery time.  I would ask if you could have clear liquids for breakfast and then go NPO especially since you said you didn't do so well last time with nothing after midnight.  Nothing to lose with asking!

 Will be praying for you!!

EileenKaye1

Kate,

Writing to wish you the best. 

I have been in pain--I'm sure it is from my implant for the last 14 years.

I am interested in micro-fatgrafting--just makes sense. Sounds like the way to go.

Using a smaller implant for shape, and surrounding it with lipo-fat--seems to make sense.

Let us all know.  You've  provided so much information to so many breast-cancer

survivors.  Thanks so much, and good luck,   Eileen

bher

Kate,

Hope all goes well with your upcoming surgery.  What a relief to have gotten the insurance straighten out.  I already know after my recent exchange that the implant on my radiated side is unacceptable to me and I have an appointment to see Dr. K in June.  Good luck to you and wishing the best possible results.

Anonymous

randi- Thanks for the additional information.  Lee did warn me about the pads so I've got some packed and we can always get more there.  Interesting that no one at Dr. K's office warned me about it, though.  Especially staying in a hotel.  Eeeewwww!  Glad to know the pain is not that bad.  Am more worried about the long flight home and trying to get comfortable.  Thanks for all your encouragement.  I just know things are going to be so much better!

Eileen- You poor thing!  14 years!  I've only been dealing with it for about a year and I can't stand it.  The whole thing does make sense, doesn't it.  I remember complaining to my first PS about how uncomfortable the implants felt beneath the skin.  She told me implants were never designed to be used right under skin but under breast tissue.  If that's the case then they should do fat grafting on everyone to cover up the implant.  I am hoping that changing to a smaller implant like lee did will relieve some of the pain.  I'll keep you posted.

bher- Good luck in June.  If I can help in any way let me know.  I would definitely tell Cindy and Dania in billing that you want everything pre-authorized and that you want that in writing.   

EileenKaye1

Kate-we have all been thru a traumatic experience.

I will definitely be following your course of treatment.

Am in New York--and waiting for plastic surgeons--in this area to gain more experience.

If Dr. K was conveniently located for me--I would not wait.

The smaller  implant should  relieve the discomfort--microfat will give you a great look.

The surgery sounds minimal, after what we have all experienced.

Exchange of implant  with lipo should not be too painful, and sounds like minimal recovery.

If Diep, Tram were not such extensive surgeries--I would have gone that route.

Sounds great.  I know it will work.  Good Luck.  Eileen

leeinfl

Hi Kate - I know you are already on your way to Miami but wanted to let you know that prayers and good wishes are sent your way.  I'm sure you will do just WONDERFUL!  I'm glad all the insurance stuff (finally) got straightened out.  The surgery center staff is great - they will take good care of you (hope you have the cute anesthesia doc! )

Remember - not even CLOSE to the recovery and pain of TEs and the "ewwwwy-ness of the lipo isn't that bad.  I promise!

I'll be in Key Biscayne on Sunday but will have my dad with me so unfortunately can't stop by to say hi to you and Cathy.  Sure wish I could!  

Keep us posted!  Hugs, Hugs, Hugs!!!!!       Lee

mtks

HI Kate- I am going to jump in here. I too, know you are on your way but wanted to let you know my prayers are with YOU!

I don't post alot but learn thru everyone's experiences and draw strength thru everyone. Just reading about your experience has helped me. Thank-you!! I am anxious to read about you good experience.

My ps said he would do fat grafting but hesitated. He questioned the reoccurance.? I am not sure how much he does. I have hesitation because of his hesitation! I read on this board from others that really do their research that there is NO reoccurance in FAT. I hate having this uneasy feeling about my ps.

EileenKaye1

Hi Mts.  I am hesitating for the same reason.

This website is great.

Will let you know.

MBJ

Hi Ladies:  I just wanted to come on here and encourage those of you who have had work done by Dr. Khouri to consider sharing your pictures on the private picture forum.  Lee is the only one that I know of and this is an important step in recon options for women with BC.  The picture forum is very, very private.  What keeps it going is a willingness to share your story and a picture journal of your experience in order to help other women.  I have only had regular fat grafting and it has really helped though I did have a scare with some fat lumps I don't think the new way of doing it causes any lumps!  Please PM me if you are interested in joining.  You must be an extablished member of BCO in order to join.  You can use a different name on the Picture Forum in order to protect your privacy if you prefer.  Thank you!

Kate:  I am so very excited for you!!!

leeinfl

MBJ - I agree with the importance of posting photos, before, after, in-between....I see it as a way to pay forward and help others considering reconstruction options and especially for those facing revision.  Although I have to say I have a hard time navigating the photo site, but that's probably just me.  I wish there was a seperate thread under the reconstruction part for fat grafting.  I think that might make it a little easier to find and would keep all the different reconstruction options in one place.  Just a thought to consider.

Thanks for running the photo site - such a valuable resource for all of us!

MBJ

Lee:  Unfortunately, when the newly expanded picture forum went up, they could only have so many catagories, so you have to put fat grafting in the title.  You can search under a procedure, but I just go there daily and see what has been newly posted which is usually on page one or two.  You just start your own thread with fat grafting in the title and others will find it.  Hope this helps.

leeinfl

MBJ - That's fine.  There's always the "search" function or member name option  Thanks -

mtks

MBJ- I am not sure what type of fat grafting my ps does. I think it is NOT the new way.?

I will have this done at my nipple and areloa surgery. My areola will be skin graft from my inside thigh. It sort of make since to take it from my tummy as long as he is lipoing from there.?? Might as well remove unwanted skin.lol  Can you give me any insight on

what to expect after surgery, what to look for, if concerns, how much down time. Also, how does the fat "stay" where it is suppose to? My indentations are in my Left cleavage area and upper pole. It's all so new to me and my ps doesn't tell me anymore then he wants to. I try to ask ?, but there are times I don't know what questions to ask. Thanks for your HELP!

vivirasselena

I wonder if that type of fat grafting is covered by insurance.

leeinfl

All of mine was covered as part of reconstruction and achieving symmetry of the breasts.

mtks

My insurance approved it!

MBJ

mtks:  They took fat by inserting a needle through my belly button.  I am still slightly bruised and I was tender there for about 6 weeks, but nothing unbearable.  I had my first fat graft at exchange, but it didn't take.  The second was more successful--so far so good.  I would recommend wearing spanks on the area lipoed and also wearing a bra 24/7 helps keep the fat wear you want it.  I had my areola done by taking skin fron the side of my bikini area so I could wear a swimsuit and it wouldn't ever show--wanted to avoid a scar.  Overall, the nip/areola surgery was pretty painless even though I have lots of feeling there-never took even a Tylenol for pain and they prescribed Vicodin but I didn't take this either.  I purchased a nipple protector by Modela and cut the tip off (in half) to protect my nipple until it healed so I could wear a bra comfortably without squishing the area.  I taped it on on top of the protective bandage.  You can find one in the nursing dept of most drug stores or at Target.  The areola was kind of gross during the healing.  quite a gooey mess and the skin shed alot so expect it to look quite ugly.  I sent updated pictures to my PS because it was so scary looking while it healed.  I thought I had lost it so much skin peeled off.  glad that's over.  It took 6 weeks and I now need to schedule my tattoo.  Hope this helps.

BTW:  My PS wants to go back in and do one more round of fatgrafting taking it from the sides to sculpt this area and to put more progection in the areola area.

mtks

MBJ-Thank-you so much for all the info! It helps to know what's ahead.

You are so fortunate to have a ps that wants the best for YOU! WOW!!!

My ps feels if he can make me look good in a bra that is his goal.

I am the one that suggested fat grafting for the FLAT area in the cleavage and

on up to the upper pole. I can push my implant medially and it looks so much better. I massage my incision line and it feeels like it's sewn into the muscle on the edge of the incision. Can't pick it up, so to speak, and rub it. I'm wondering if this could of caused my implant NOT to be "contained" where it is suppose to be. My ps had a residents assist on both my surgeries. I know they have to learn but I asked for my exchg, NOT to have a resident. I wanted my outcome to the best it could be but low and behold, when I woke up the resident introduced himself! so frustrating!!!  So, anymore advise you can think of keep it comin!  Thank so much

MBJ

mtks:  PM Whippetmom as she has an incredible amount of experience in these things.  I was able to send her my pictures privately and she was so much help in answering my questions!  I was told that in order for a resident to work on you you have to sign a consent form--I know when I had a surgery years ago at Cedars Sinai I had a resident who ended up cutting off one of my ovaries and there wasn't anything I could do because I signed the consent form. 

I forgot to add--did you get access to the picture forum yet?  You can see other recon and compare your results and get other women's input.

mtks

MBJ- Do you know what technique of fat grafting your ps does?

I've been reading about FG and there are 3 types, I think. I've seen pics and it is so exciting!!!!

AMAZING results!!!!!!! I can't wait for my FG. He (ps) wants me at 3 mo post exchg

to do nip/areola/FG. Smooth round mentor sort of gave me a shelf in upper pole that I hope he addresses also and makes them both have a more natural contour.