Best donor sites for fat grafting (adjusting a DIEP recon)?

abigailj

I've arranged to have some fat grafting in November to fill a divot left by the loss of some fat that got necrosis and was expelled after an infection during the healing process after I had BMX with immediate DIEP recon in June 2020. I also want to have a little more fullness in some areas of the recon breasts to improve symmetry. I am 5' 3", around 25 pounds overweight, 63 years old and totally menopausal (was taking HRT before my diagnosis...). Since I had DIEP, I have no fat cells in the abdomen and my flanks do not seem to have much fat. All my fat is in my big behind and thighs. The PS talked about donor site being flanks or inner thighs (why inner and not outer I have no idea, and disappointed fat from my behind wouldn't work well according to him). So, all that said, I'd appreciate if anyone who had a similar fat grafting experience following initial DIEP could share where the donor fat came from and your results experience? Was the appearance smooth at the receiving site(s)? did you have necrosis? did the fat get reabsorbed into your body and not stay where it was supposed to? were you overall happy with the results of doing this? Thanks very much!

Abigail

OnTarget

I had fat taken from my outer thighs and belly, but mainly thighs.

I LOVE how it got rid of my weird saddle bags! The lipo created a few small divots that have filled in over the past year, and I am so much happier with my thigh shape now.

The lipo hurt like a bear for a week, but it was worth it.

abigailj

Thanks very much OnTarget - it's reassuring to hear you didn't experience any issues that didn't resolve and are happy with the results from outer thighs. I hope all is going well with your recon after the difficulties you've had to deal with!

Abigail

RatherBeSailing

I had fat taken from my inner thighs, and it worked out great.

abigailj

thanks RatherBeSailing - did your PS give you options for the donor site?

RatherBeSailing

No, it was his choice. And I trusted that, with his years of experience, he knew better than I. He is an excellent. surgeon.

abigailj

Thanks a