Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

MBJ

mtks:  I sent my PS a few pictures, lol!!!  I did try to use pictures of women with similar body types.  He was just relieved that I sent him pictures of reconstruction not playboy bunny breasts.  What is funny though is he said he couldn't imagine if I had want to be a D cup (I wanted to be a C) but what he doesn't realize is because of the width of the implants we all end up a D cup.  I do love my PS.  I also sent him a picture of the nipple/areola sugery I wanted.  With both, once he saw what I wanted he said it was possible, prior to seeing these, we weren't on the same page.

hrf

Kate, I'm in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I didn't know there was an Ontario in California

hopefulhealing

Kate I am waiting for October because of the complications and because of weddings in June and July. Going to the Breast Nurse Navigator course in August and work commitments. I am so glad you have all of that behind you!

I am hopeful this will take care of it. I asked about going a little bigger to help with the ripples and he doesn't want to due to the incision problems I had post mastectomy. But I healed well after the exchange so I don't know. He is so kind. He said he would be devastated if I got an infection.

I am kind of his poster child for having everything that can go wrong surgically go wrong but keep the TEs and make it through.

Just as everyone else said want to feel pretty again. Anyone who says the baloney about a breast doesn't make a woman still has their breasts!!

sweetie2040

pandazankar-that is great your Dr is interested in doing the FG system. I am happy you will have options. He is also in CT? Maybe he is on my plan. I didn't get to see Dr. Kishinevsky yet ( you and  Italked about this) but I am wondering if her method will work with me since I already had TE and have implants. I don't really want to go backwards and start all over and have to use the BRAVA system, but I want the FG, if it works. Keep in touch with me because there are not many local Dr's in this area doing this. I asked mine about it at my last appt and he flat out did not agree with this method of FG. Of course he's not doing it so how would he truly understand how it all works.

MTKS-One Dr. I saw thought I should go 100-150cc's more but he said it could still ripple. I think it could be because the skin is stretched so much especially in the upper pole that it becomes thin. I have rippling absolutely everywhere, top,bottom and sides so in my case I don't really know what would solve the problem. I have the option of the form stable tear drop implants and my PS said my skin could still ripple in the upper pole. I have a friend who has those and some slight rippling. It's ok for you to want to look good and feel good and you are right it is our PS job to do the best possible job with our reconstruction. It is not vein at all. We are women and our body is a big part of of feminine identity.  I am quiet too and sometimes get overwhelmed at Dr appts with all I want to ask. I often times just write my questions down and that way I don't forget and make sure I get the answers I need. Thanks for the encouragement. I hope the same for you.

MBJ

Sweetie:  Did you have Alloderm placed with your reconstruction?  This helps some, too, but if you can have the Brava & FG done in your area that would be great.  Have you considered doing what Kate did (smaller implant & extensive FG?

sweetie2040

MBJ-yes I did have alloderm and one Dr I consulted with suggested using more. My own Dr didn't think it would be needed because he used quite a bit to make an alloderm sling. In my research though I read that it is often recommended in severe cases of rippling, although Kate said she had more added with her previous exchange and still got a lot of rippling. I am considering what Kate did. I even emailed the same Dr and he suggested the same surgery as Kate. The only problem for me if I am not too keen about flying out of state. I'd prefer to have it done locally. I am hoping to find someone in my area who does it. I am keeping my options open and don't doubt that I'd probably go for this procedure sometime in the near future.

MBJ

Sweetie:  I will have to wait until a Dr. does it in California and then I could only have it done if they took my MediCal insurance.  I hope that it all works out for you--I think it's worth the extra surgery.  I find most dr's don't support other dr's procedures when they don't do them themselves so I am glad you are still pursuing other options!  I am so excited that this procedure is beginning to be available-I first read about it right after my MX and it was still in the clinical trial stage so they must have had amazing results to be able to offer it so soon.  Very exciting for so many women.

EileenKaye1

I consulted with two PS in New York who do fat grafting.

Dr. Christina Ahn--wants full fat grafting--entire breast.

Dr. Nolan Karp wants to cover the implant with fat grafting

Any comments on either of these Plastic surgeons?.  Thanks, Eileen

GointoCarolina

Sweetie2040,my local PS who went to the fat grafting seminar is in New York state.He was not real sure about the fat grafting working when I first met with him.He had a few conversations with Dr.Kishinevsky,asked her lots of questions and agreed to place the expanders for me.He isn't planning on doing the fat grafting any time soon,but after attending the seminar was very encouraging and feels it will soon catch on.I had to have the tissue expanders removed after only three weeks.Dr.Walker now says after seeing the info on the Brava that he feels the Brava is needed in cases like mine where I am totally flat and questions the use of expanders,but admits he is still learning about it.He wants me to go to Dr.DelVecchio in Boston (who uses the Brava)as he knows him and his work.Dr.Kishinevsky has assured me that she could still make me breasts even though I have not been expanded in any way. I know there is a doctor in Texas who is doing fat grafting with expanders and/ or with removed implants and Dr.Khouri has had great success with it.I just don't know who to listen to.I feel like I should give it a rest and not even think about it for a while.I would be fine if I never had to leave the house..but my husband's birthday is in three weeks, we have a big night planned.I am already stressing out because my hair looks so awful and I have to wear baggy shirts.This is just not me,my hair always looked good with little effort and my closet is full of tank tops.I guess I just figured after all this time I would at least have my hair back.And then to start recon and have to stop,I don't know..guess the rainy weather is getting to me!!

MBJ

((((pandazankar)))):  I so know how you feel.  I was in almost the same place as you are now last summer--horrible, frizzy chemo hair, I had one huge expander and an A cup on the other side and my clothes didn't fit and I looked like hell.  I found there are clothes that look better then others:  I used ruffles, scarves, sleeveless, high neck dresses and tops I found were more flattering during this time.  I also bought one last minute wig, even though I was going without at this point.  I have always prided myself on how I looked and it will get better.  Take a deep breath and know there are things you can do to get you through this phase.  I found Marc Anthony Straight and a flat iron worked wonders on my chemo frizz.  Hugs!

Anonymous

sweetie- I do know that Dr. Khouri has taught many PS's around the country his technique.  (In fact the day of my surgery there were several there observing.)  Maybe if you explained to Dr. K that there is no way you can get to Miami he would put you in touch with someone in your area that has done his workshops?  If you're considering Dr. K someday I just wanted to let you know that he is adamantly against Alloderm.  He feels it should never be used.  He said fat grafting works so much better than Alloderm and I would have to agree.  My original PS used a ton of it and I don't know that it really made much of a difference (though maybe things would have been even worse without it).  

pandazankar- Just wanted to send (((hugs))) too as I know how hard things can be.  No one really warns us how long it takes from start (MX) to finish (a recon you're actually happy with) to get through all this.  There are just so many challenges along the way.  More so than just about any other disease I think.  I know it's hard to wait but I think you're smart in taking your time, doing your research and weighing all your options to figure out what is best for you.  

So it's been about a week and a half since my surgery.  The bruising from the FG has gotten much better.  (Kind of like the difference between being run over by a pick-up truck vs. a semi-truck!)  The swelling does seem to be going down so I'm not as freaked out by my size.  The numbness in my arms seems to be improving, too, though I'm still pretty swollen under the arms where the incisions are.  But am still not seeing any rippling so that's exciting.  And it does feel like a lot of my pain has been alleviated which I think may be a combination of smaller (lighter) implants, less stretching of the pec muscles and correction of the CC that was forming.

MBJ

Kate:  That sounds like great news and results.  Yay!!!

mtks

Kate- It is so good to get a report on your progress!!!

I am glad you are starting to heal, bruising is better and NO RIPPLING!!!!!! Awesome!!!

Can you tell how excited I am for YOU?!

Keep resting and healing, How long are you on restrictions? I'm not familiar with FG

restrictions at all. I suppose some are stricter then most.?   HUGS

Anonymous

mtks- I really don't have too many restrictions at all.  I was told to wear a compression garment that covers the areas where the fat was grafted for 2-3 weeks.  Dr. K said I could start walking right away but to wait a month or so for any upper body work outs.  He didn't really address the incision sites other than to say the stitches would dissolve over time.  

mtks

Kate- Compression garment - like our well supported sport bra? Sorry, I don't mean to sound ignorant, just want to be ready for when I have my fat grafting. Sounds like your ps wants everything to stay in one place. Just wondering what I need.

mtks

MBJ- What did your PS have you wear after your FG and for how long? I find that I am more informed with all of you here.

Anonymous

I am so intrigued by this - I have learned more from this community than from my Drs. I think they believe in the "if they don't ask, don't tell" philosophy, and how do you ask about something you don't know about? But I digress. I had bilateral mastectomies 4 mos ago, with TE's, then radiation. I am waiting to start getting expanded in 2 weeks. I just got onto this thread and learned about Dr. khouri of Miami Breast Center.

Has anyone had a full bilateral reconstruction there using only fat grafting? If so, how was the experience and the results? What about long term? Does the fat cause lumps/bumps? Do you have to keep going back every few years to get more? Can they use fat from different areas? Wondering, too, about the Brava device since I already have TE's. How much volume can you get from this procedure? Sorry for all the questions, but, like I said, I am so intrigued, I feel like a kid in a candy store at the mere possibility of having reconstruction with my own tissue without having to get butchered. On the website, he also says that the new breast and nipple have sensation. How is this possible?



I am trying to get an appt, but seems like the office is closed for a while. Any info is greatly appreciated!

GointoCarolina

One of the women here had bilateral done,total fat graft with the Brava system.She is on vacation,but if you go back through the posts she tells about it.Do a search for member  psf and you will find her posts.There are others,I am sure they will chime in.I had a doctor who was going to do fat grafting for me with only tissue expanders.My body could not tolerate them and they were removed after three weeks.She says she can still do the grafting for me,so I will be going later this summer or fall.Yes, it is VERY exciting to think we can get our breasts back with this method!!

Anonymous

Thanks, pandazankar. I'm planning to read all 30 pages of this thread tonight. Sorry about the trouble you had with your TE's. Hope your procedure goes well!

MBJ

mtks:  My PS never recommended I wear anything, but I read about wearing spanks for at least a month after.  Still, I ended up lumpy so he plans to go in again and hopefully take the rest of the fat, lol!!

mtks

MBJ- How WONDERFUL is your PS?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To go back in and smooth things out is absolutely a warm and sensitive person!!!!!!! I think all Dr.'s should take a course in the

emotional side of BC/.reconstruction. So I have to ask you- Do you think I am doing the right thing --FGw/ my nipple areola surgery? I am very sure my PS won't consider going back in to smooth things out. Is the lumpiness unsightly or live-able? I want this so bad but I don't want any regrets either.

EileenKaye1

to mtks: my FGw/nipple areola--came out great.  No touch-ups required..

No lumps--thin white line for the areola circle.  Good Luck, Eileen

mtks

Eileen- So nice of you to jump in-thank-you!!!!

When did you have your surgery?

Can you tell me anything about the technique,after surgery, ect.

My ps is not informative- just really feel better knowing what to expect.Thanks!

leeinfl

Pinkbutterfly - I found out about this AFTER I had TEs and implants so mine was a revision.  I can answer some of your questions though.  I have no lumps or hard spots from the fat grafting.  Dr. Khouri injects the fat droplets at a time which gives it a much higher survival rate than the typical fat grafting where a glob of fat is injected.  Since the fat survives there's no need to go back and do this again.  I'm 9 months out from my first grafting but know of a woman who is several years out - I'm sure she will chime in to give you her experience.  Fat is taken from wherever you have "extra" - I know ladies have had it taken from several areas in one procedure or just one or two.  Depends on how much is needed and how much is available.  I've had feeling come back in most of my breasts.  Obviously my nipples don't "work" since they are reconstructed, but it's so nice to have feeling after having the cold, hard implants.  I hope this little bit helps but I suggest you visit fatgraftpatients.com where several ladies have shared their experiences from augmentation to reconstruction.  Lots of Brava advice there too.  Glad you are doing your research! 

Lee

EileenKaye1

MTKS--Surgery was 4 years ago.

Graft taken from inner thigh, with alloderm used in nipple area for projection.

Projection is moderate.  Stayed pretty well.  Slight tattoo done in nipple area, for a better color match. 

Areola, nipple--look great.  Cannot see any stitches.  Thin white line is around the areola area.

Quite frankly--It was not at all a difficult surgical proceedure to go thru.  No post-opt meds required.

Done on a Wednesday--back at work by Monday.

I think the use of alloderm for projection-simplified the proceedure.

I have a great match--to my natural side. Hope I am able to help you.

At the time, I did the proceedure--the cylinder was not in existence.  the website looks quite interesting.  Not sure, I want extensive projection--for my natural breast match. Perhaps, you have a choice.  Amazing, how fast things are advancing.

Let me know how it goes.  Eileen

MBJ

mtks:  Fat grafting made such a huge difference in the natural slope of my breast.  Being a Uni, it's difficult to get symmetry and FG really helps with this.  The nipple/areola surgery was the most satisfying surgery as it made it look real again.

take_two

pinkbutterfly

I am in the process of having full reconstruction after a BMX in December.  I had my first surgery on the same day as Kate on this group so it hasn't been 2 weeks yet.  Because I had radiation ten years ago, which causes the two sides to respond differently, and because I have some notable adhesions, I have at least two more expansion/fat grafting procedures to fill things out in good looking way.  I'm sorry that I'm not able to answer more of your questions because I'm just starting the process, but you can find my story and psfs on the fatgraftpatients.com website, as well as lots of photos which I found very useful. 

EileenKaye1

MBJ--  I definitely need the FG.  Waiting for the right PS in New York, New York.

Glad it made such a difference for you.  Eileen

MBJ

Eileen:  I hope you find one-I imagine it shouldn't be too difficult as you are in NY, NY!

EileenKaye1

To MBJ;

Should be possible.  But at the present time, Dr. Khouri is by far the most experienced PS, with

great results.

Have not received any Manhattan recommendations--from this website. If anyone has a recommendation, please respond.

Dr. Nolan Karp--does want to do an implant with FG on my resconstruction.

Dr. Christina Ahn--wants to do total FG.

Has anyone--had any experiences with either PS.

My original Reconstruction was done with Dr. Carlin Vickery--great look--but the implant is uncomfortable.  Any recommendations?    Please let me know.  Thanks so much, Eileen