Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

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  • debsie1
    debsie1 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2010

    Thank you so much MiamBreastCenter......

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2010

    MiamiBreastCenter,

    I hope you'll answer my question, which I posted above--can a breast be restored using the Brava technique if the skin has been previously radiated?

    Thanks.

  • MiamiBreastCenter
    MiamiBreastCenter Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2010

    Bayyy,

    One really needs to understand Dr.Khouri's technique is different from all other fat grafting procedures. Other plastic surgeons use fat transfer to "fill in" a small void or "correct" a problem. Dr.Khouri uses fat transfer to create an entire breast, not to correct or fill.

    The entire procedure performed at the Miami Breast Center is incision less, no cutting. Only needles and syringes are used. Traditionally fat was injected into a tight space in the breast area. This resulted in problems and a high ratio of fat loss. Our procedure involves the Brava suction device which creates a new breast mound and the "scaffold" needed for the fat grafts. It creates the space needed for the fat to survive.

     This suction device creates new tissue and blood vessels which allow for a high ratio of fat survival and the ability of sensation which you do not get with a flap procedure. For further explanation check our site: Breast Reconstruction

  • MiamiBreastCenter
    MiamiBreastCenter Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2010

    Erica,

    I am waiting on Dr. Khouri's response. Will follow up as soon as he replies to me. Thanks for your patience.

    MBC Team

  • mradf
    mradf Member Posts: 398
    edited February 2010

    Although interesting and informative, I believe that the postings by MiamiBreastCenter violate the Community Rules for this website.  If anyone has questions for Dr. Khouri, they should contact him or his staff directly. Maybe they can get booked for an interview on GMA or Oprah. 

    With all the postings about prominent surgeons and surgical centers on this website, I have never seen one join and post in response to our discussions. 

    It feels a bit invasive, no?

    Needless to say, I felt compelled to report the post.

  • KKDM
    KKDM Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2010

    No, It does not feel invasive, it feels informed!!!  They are not trying to get business, but I feel trying to get accurate info out.  Breast ca patients need knowledge, knowledge is power.  Just because they are taking part doesnt mean we should stop seeking and researching.  Thanks a lot.  Your view is extremely narrow minded.

  • KKDM
    KKDM Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2010

    Have you read anything about Dr. Khouri's experience and education,  Who  would not want information from him???

  • debsie1
    debsie1 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2010

    I whole heartily agree with KKDM......I think that it is wonderful if we can have some of our questions answered  here by professionals.It is heplful...it is informative  and it is most welcomed.B.t.w. INVASIVE to me was the cancer that I had...certainly not this!!!!!

  • Meece
    Meece Member Posts: 19,483
    edited February 2010

    At the risk of making some of you ladies unhappy, I agree with mradf.  I have seen people pose as something that they are not on these boards and the moderators have taken care of it.  In this case, I was ready to remove this thread from my favorites until I read what mradf posted.  I feel like this has been hi-jacked into a forum of advertising one doctor's procedure and it feels (in my humble opinion) wrong.  Please take this opinion as just that, my opinion.

  • cbm
    cbm Member Posts: 475
    edited February 2010

    JMHO but I'd appreciate the thread staying up.  It's interesting and specific, and I plan to take the info to my plastic surgeon and ask more informed questions now that I've seen it.

    It's just information, like everything else on the board, but I appreciate that it's been attributed and the reason for the Center joining was explained right up front.  

    I see that as different from a commercial enterprise advertising services.  

    Cathy 

  • mradf
    mradf Member Posts: 398
    edited February 2010

    Let me be clear that Dr. Khouri appears to be as educated, experienced, and qualified as my own PS.  That is not my point, nor is my point meant to be taken as anything but what I actually said.  This is not the forum for a doctor.  Period.  The president and founder of this website is a highly qualified, educated, and experienced doctor, but you don't see her chiming in.  If you go to the homepage of this website, you can find mountains of information and research; But, if you "google" any variety of words to find total breast reconstruction using fat transfer/grafting only, Dr. Khouri's is the only website that endorses it.  Our posts do come up, which I'm sure is how they found us.  It smacks of advertising and it's a bit creepy.  The last people I would want to have "trolling" here are my surgeons, let alone posting in reply. 

    KKDM, I don't know much about you from your 4 posts and lack of biography, but I do quite a bit of research, and I am not the least bit narrow minded.  I truly hope you get the surgical health and reconstructive outcomes you desire. 

    Be well,

    Maria

  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited February 2010

    There are 2 Different Topics being discussed here.

    Micro Fat grafting - Reconstructing a Whole Breast with Fat Grafts.

    Vs filling in a Small area on the Flap or Implant Breast with Fat Grafting.

    They are not the same thing.

  • MiamiBreastCenter2
    MiamiBreastCenter2 Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2010

    To all readers,

    We first want to apologize for offending or seeming invasive to any readers. We checked the community rules before signing up. It prohibits one selling a service. Our intention is not to sell but provide information to the community that is valuable and factual. When we read this thread, it was full of incorrect information regarding fat transfer. At no point have we offered a consultation or offered a phone number to anyone.

    Our only intentions is to better inform the community since fat grafting is not what it used to be 5, 10, 20 years ago. We have provided valuable information to this community that would other wise only be obtained with an appointment which cost time and money. If this community service is still in violation we have no problem removing our selfs from the forum. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

    MBC Team

  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited February 2010

    I found it informative, and have learned a great deal from the MBC team and from this thread in general. I didn't know this option even existed, and am grateful to know about it. Travelling to Miami is out of the question, so they haven't earned my business, but they have enlightened me, and this gives me hope for another alternative down the road.

    I didn't feel they were soliciting business, but that's just my two cents worth - which means nothing, I know :)

    blessings.

  • makingway
    makingway Member Posts: 799
    edited February 2010

    I am glad MBC posted this 'new, cutting edge technique'. Regardless if they're tooting their own horn or not. At the very least, we now know this technogogy exists! I knew this should be possible, and I wondered why it wasn't. If I could have this procedure I would do it in a heartbeat. I hate my implant and what they did severing my pectoralis muscle to 'create a pocket' has left me in constant pain. I have a proposition for MBC. If, what you say is, that you're posting here to share this new technology with us breast cancer patients because you 'care'. Why don't you offer a couple of free surgeries to some of us in need-like myself.

  • Mouse6
    Mouse6 Member Posts: 246
    edited February 2010

    I started this post in an effor to gather information, so that I and others that are facing this decision are able to explore another option that is not mainstream. I intend to take this information (accurate or not) and extract some questions that I might not have thought of on my own otherwise that I may bring to my own plastic surgeon. In my opinion, the more info the better to gain a broader perspective and basis for questions. I would hate to have MBC's participation disallowed because I think there are valid points being raised. Yes, perhaps it is a bit of advertising, but to tell you the truth, the information is valuable, and I can handle a little sales pitch to get the info I need.

  • molly52
    molly52 Member Posts: 389
    edited February 2010

    Hi Mouse,

    I am from Toronto.  I had heard a little about this procedure, but thought it was in "experimental" stage.  That's great that doctors here are actually doing this procedure.  Do you mind telling me your doctor's name who is doing the procedure?  If you don't want to put it on the boards, you could PM me.

  • happy29
    happy29 Member Posts: 296
    edited February 2010

    yes do tell his name, please....

     these forums are Filled with women advertising for their doctors.

  • mradf
    mradf Member Posts: 398
    edited February 2010

    There are many, many resources available from which to get information.  Seek and you shall find.  If we allow a doctor to post because the: "intention is not to sell but provide information to the community that is valuable and factual",  then we might as well let our insurers post in response to our conversations about coverage.  Would it be good or bad for us if they read here about who is covering what?  Let them find out on their own, outside of our forum.  What about medical malpractice lawyers?  Don't you think they would want to "provide information" to those of us who did not file suit after a hospital infection or failed reconstruction?  The list goes on.  If we allow this, precedent is set.  The genie never goes back in the bottle. 

    Be well,

    Maria

  • makingway
    makingway Member Posts: 799
    edited February 2010
    mradf-Your slippery slope theory is way overboard. This is a new technogology. I've read a lot about what we have available to us, as far as reconstruction goes. And, in all my seeking, I never once came across this technology. I'm glad I now have the knowledge. You're attitude reminds me of my doctors. They won't tell me what exactly what was done to my body that causes my pain. It's the 'I know better than you attitude'. It stinks!
  • debsie1
    debsie1 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2010

    I agree with makingway 100%......I was just thinking today that I could have done what 2 PS's recommended. Had implants put in both healthy and radiated side, most probably would have had capsular contraction,most probably would have needed a second surgery to try and correct, most probably have to have a third surgery to remove them . Add all the pain,discomfort and disappointment into the mix.  BUT  I found out about the possibility of fat grafts and found a PS here in Montreal who can and does do this procedure. Although it is all covered under our medicare sysytem the consultations are not FREE. So happy am I  to have the MiamBreast Center on here willing to answer all my questions!!!! I am a Canadian and obviously not going to Miami to have this done................

  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited February 2010

    Micro fat grafting is the transfer of tiny bits of fat from another part of your body to help fill in a hollow area after reconstruction.  After a unilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction I had an indented or hollow area above the implant. PS wanted to lippo fat from my thighs to fill in the area.  PS said the procedure is only 30-50% successful despite some PS claiming a 70% success rate.  My PS siaid he has had better success transferring only a few small bits at a time.  He said it would take 3-4 procedures to hopefully fill in my hollow spot.  Each procedure would require anesthesia and compression bandages.  Some of the transferred fat will die and may be picked up on mammograms etc as suspicious spots.   Radiologist said to alert them ahead of mammo etc so they know about the fat transfers.

    Due to the marginal success rate, I decided not to do the fat transfer. 

  • Mouse6
    Mouse6 Member Posts: 246
    edited February 2010

    Mradf,

    While I do understand your point about advertising, however, I think in this case where we are discussing a procedure where intricacies are not well known, I feel it would be a disservice to all of the members to exclude information solely because of the source. My goal is to gather all the information I can find, and take it to my own PS for discussion to determine whether the procedure and PS are right for me. And this was my goal for everyone in the forum. Out of respect for others who share mradf's viewpoint, I will PM people who are interested in knowing which surgeon I will be consulting with in Toronto, but will not post it on the boards. I will, however, post the information I gather from my consult on Mar.9th because I think it would be helpful for others to bring to their own PS. Again, I would like to say that based on the conversation I had with another patient of this particular surgeon in Toronto, I'm optimistic about the success rate of the full breast reconstruction using this method, as she is two years post-procedure and very happy with her results. I'm excited to find out more, and I hope I'm able to provide information that can give others more discussion points for their own surgeons.

    Take care all!

    PS - Lets keep this information gathering in good spirits, folks. The whole premise of a discussion board is just that...to discuss. I haven't seen anything here yet that leads me to believe that anyone is providing information for their own benefit only.

  • Erica3681
    Erica3681 Member Posts: 1,916
    edited February 2010

    Mouse6,

    You are absolutely within the norms of this site to mention the name of your plastic surgeon. That's done all the time here. Women's raves about their surgeons in NOLA has probably increased their business enormously and that's fine. I think mradf's point was that the surgeons themselves (or their staffs) shouldn't be participating directly in the forums here. So, please feel free to mention your PS by name. Women come here seeking to learn from the experience of others. While I haven't had reconstruction, I've recommended by name the PS with whom I consulted because I was very impressed with him, and I've recommended my breast surgeon on numerous occasions.

    Regarding mradf's issue, I agree that normally practitioners aren't supposed to post, but like a lot of you, I was so curious about this new technique that I was willing to waive the rules a bit in order to learn more about it. I've noticed that women who have had surgery with Drs. Sullivan and Dellacroce in NOLA sometimes reprint answers given by the doctors to questions women here are concerned about. I'm happy to read those answers as they often clarify issues.  

    I can see why Dr. Khouri and his staff felt the need to clarify misperceptions here. For example, mawhinney just posted above that micro fat grafting is to help fill in a hollow area after reconstruction. While it's true that fat grafting is used for that purpose, that's not at all what's being discussed here. Dr. Khouri and other doctors (in Canada and Europe) are offering micro fat grafting as a means of reconstruction--no implants, no flaps.

    Bottom line--1) Mouse, please feel free to mention your PS by name. Many women do that.  2) I suspect that the Miami Breast Center has decided not to continue posting here (they didn't post at all yesterday), as they probably don't want to generate negative feelings. 3) I plan to continue looking into this technique and will post anything more that I learn about it.

    Barbara

  • mradf
    mradf Member Posts: 398
    edited February 2010

    Mouse6 and Erica:

    Thank you both for well thought out posts. 

    After my fat transfer procedure next Friday, I will post about my experiences.  If our conversation should lead to the advances made in using fat for full breast reconstruction, I will share that, as well.

    Be well,

    Maria

  • KKDM
    KKDM Member Posts: 13
    edited February 2010

    Maria,  Best wishes for your procedure next Friday, Please post and let us know about your experience and the outcome.  I had a lumpectomy last June, followed by radiation.  I have an ugly dent, I have seen two PS, both very reputable and they have very different ideas on how to fix this.  I just want accurate info.  I did not mean that you were narrow minded, just that particular view point.  Good health to you and to all of us.    KM

  • mradf
    mradf Member Posts: 398
    edited February 2010

    Thank you, KKDM.
    I am grateful for the good wishes.

    Be well,

    Maria

  • debsie1
    debsie1 Member Posts: 74
    edited February 2010

    Hi Maria;

    Just want to wish you great health and great results.....

    Debbie

  • happy29
    happy29 Member Posts: 296
    edited February 2010

    me too, Maria! Good Luck and keep us posted!!

  • Mouse6
    Mouse6 Member Posts: 246
    edited February 2010

    Maria,

    Best of luck for your procedure. Please check in to let us know how you're doing.

    take care.

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