Has anyone had micro fat grafting?
Comments
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hi ladies, I am new to this site . I am curious abt this fat grafting/micro fat grafting. i've had on a few occassions, the PS taking small amts of "fat" via a needle, & inserting it into my clevage area b/c one implant is more to the side & i have no clevage & the bones& have rubbed against the skin caused pain. it has helped a little...i am having another surgery to "fix" this for the last time...but id like to know abt this grafting to see how its done & if its what i had &/or if it may help w/ my divots & dimples..lol anyone that would be kind enuf to share exactly what this is & how its done & IF ITS HELPED U.
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I am thrilled that this topic is so active!I talked to Dr.Kishinevsky's office today about scheduling my first fat grafting. Looks like I may wait until fall as she wants me totally healed before starting.I did ask today about how she places the tiny strips of fat..she takes them from right above the pubic line and puts them in with the fat she has lipoed.The fat strips have a blood supply and help the lipoed fat survive.My understanding is that they have done this for quite a while when grafting fat to other parts of the body.I am going to talk to a woman that has had fat grafting with Dr.Kishinevsky,can't wait to hear what she has to say!
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sweetie, justagirl and pinkbutterfly- I am feeling the love! Thanks for the nice comments. I might have to print them out to read when I'm having a low day. You just made mine. I was reading a BC book (can't remember the title!) and she talked about why she was still hanging around support sites after she was all done. She said it was like coming home from a long and exhausting trip and having to circle the airport for hours. You finally get off the plane only to discover that your friends and family got tired of waiting and left. She wanted to make sure that whenever someone "landed" there would be someone there to greet them.
pink- I can understand the paranoia. In a lot of ways BC has robbed us of our innocence. We've been betrayed by our bodies and it's hard to trust it anymore. I thought this was a good article and there's a quote from Dr. Weiss, the woman who founded BCO-
Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Learning to Live with the UncertaintyKnow that your concerns are normalAfter months of worrying and waiting to find out whether your breast cancer treatment was successful, you've received the good news and joined the ever-growing ranks of breast cancer patients. While you're undoubtedly relieved, you may also find yourself fearful of recurrence. After all, you had breast cancer before—how can you be certain it won't come back? Well, you can't, which is why it is perfectly understandable for you to be concerned about recurrence. But while having some degree of fear about recurrence is a common experience for many cancer patients, these worries can sometimes become overwhelming, making it difficult for you to adjust to life after cancer. 1Don't let the whale in the living room take over!Learning to live with the fear of recurrence is one of the biggest challenges faced by breast cancer patients as they try to get on with their lives, experts say. 2. Dr. Marisa Weiss, a radiation oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University Health System in Philadelphia and the author of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, frequently shares with patients and colleagues a friend's observation that living with the continual fear of breast cancer "was like having a whale move into your living room."3. While this uninvited whale was always present, the friend noted, it seemed to grow or shrink, depending on what was happening at the time."Maybe, sometimes, it gets down to the size of a magazine rack," she explained, "and once in a while you bump into it. Sometimes, it swells up in your face again, like when you have a mammogram and they call you back for extra views."Dr. Weiss recommends identifying what makes your "whale" get bigger and what makes it shrink and keeps it small. One common trigger of anxiety about recurrence is a relative or friend receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. A study of 244 long-term breast cancer patients conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that hearing about someone else's cancer kindled fear in about eight out of every 10 subjects.4 Avoiding discussion of cancer is not a realistic option, but be aware that such discussions can trigger feelings of fear within you. If these feelings arise, you may want to excuse yourself or talk about these feelings openly.5-6Call for backupParticipating in a support group for cancer patients can provide a safe environment for sharing your concerns and the opportunity to see how other patients handle their fears. To find a support group, ask your health care team for suggestions, call a nearby cancer center or university hospital, contact the American Cancer Society or visit the CancerCare Web site at www.cancercare.org.7If the fear of recurrence becomes overwhelming, you may want to seek assistance from a professional therapist. Most cancer centers employ oncology social workers who are specially trained to assist cancer patients and their families; even if you aren't a patient at a cancer center, a center's oncology social worker may meet with you or refer you to someone else in the community. You can also find a therapist through the Association of Oncology Social Work (http://www.aosw.org)."Talk back" to the fear of recurrenceThe experts at breastcancer.org, a nonprofit organization for breast cancer education, suggest that you "talk back" to your fears instead of letting them overwhelm you. Recognize that the odds are in your favor. Drugs are now available that actually help many women stay cancer free. And remember how strong and brave you really are. You've successfully battled breast cancer before, and, if need be, you can do it again.
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Lee and kareenie- Dr. K did tell me he could get me to a point of not having implants, too. He said it would take 2 more procedures and would do the same thing he advised for you, kareenie. I think for you, Lee, he didn't offer it because you are, shall we say, rather voluptuous?! I had considered it but for many reasons I'm not going to pursue it right now. It would be nice to be implant free, though!
pink- If you need referrals for having the nips done our resident expert on here is named FACECRAFTER. She knows a lot about it and could probably recommend someone if you PM her.
tinkerbell- You can see more information on how this is done at miamibreastcenter.com. I've never heard of anyone using the technique your PS did. I just had micro fat grafting done and it's basically having lipo done and then they use the removed fat and inject it into another area. (In this case the breasts.) Some will do it just over the implants (kind of like yours did) but most of the fat ends up being reabsorbed into the body. With another method they create a space first using either TE's, removing implants or using the BRAVA system. The fat is injected drop by drop. This method retains more fat and there is less chance the fat will calcify and harden. There's more information at fatgraftpatients.com, too.
pandazankar- That sounds interesting. It's good to see other doctors trying new methods with fat grafting. Just curious- does taking the fat strip require an incision at the pubic line? So glad you will be able to get fat grafting done!
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Kate,
Thanks for that article. So thoughtful of you to take the time to put it in.
(hugs). -
Hello Ladies,
I've been lurking on this thread for some time now. I had my exchange surgery in February following a LMX last May. Now that I am a few months out from exchange, I am still not happy with the results - both the look and how that they feel. I have that iron bra feeling again and my left side doesn't move at all. My PS just told me that I don't even have enough skin to do a nipple reconstruction and he went immediately to a lat flap. I can't even fathom taking on an operation like that, so I have started researching the fat grafting. I've emailed dr. Khouri and received a semi-generic email from his assistant. I'd love to find someone local to chicago but would go to Miami if that were my only option. I am really interested in the success stories becasue I feel like a lot of the PS on realself and other places rate this as kind of 'junk science' but I am hopeful reading your posts.
Looking forward to hearing all of your experiences!
Amanda
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Kate - you really make me Laugh Out Loud!
Judy at facecrafter.com is absolutely AMAZING! A perfectionist and artist (and fellow BC sister!).
Tinkerbell - I'm another "graduate" and Kate explained it very well. Traditional fat grafting injects a glob of fat into what is sometimes a limited space - not exactly a viable environment for it to survive. That's why you hear of up to 50% reabsorbtion or worse, necrosis. With what Dr. K has pioneered, externally placed domes (Brava) "creates an adequate vascular matrix into which the liposuctioned fat is later injected" droplet at a time. Like Kate suggested, visit his as well as the fatgraftpatients.com websites for loads of info on this. To answer your question, if it has helped...I feel normal again and no longer obsess about my boobs. I am very happy!
Pinkbutterfly - My fipples are really just a bunch of skin pulled together and sutured, so I'll never have anything near the sensation of a normal nipple - but....just like the rest of my breast, I've started to get feeling there as well. As a matter of fact, you know how sensitive and uncomfortable it would be when (before MX) the water spray in the shower would hit your nipple? Believe it or not, lately I have that same "sting" on my left fipple. Weird...obviously it's just sensitive skin, BUT - I didn't feel anything at all before! This whole fat grafting experience is kind of like a gift that keeps on giving....feeling comes back gradually and unexpectedly and takes me by surprise because I will realize that I have sensation where I didn't have it before.
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Amanda - my photos and story are on the photo site and more in detail on fatgraftpatients.com My only regret is not finding out about this sooner!
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Lee,
Really exciting to have ANY sensation in the 'fipple'! I used to hate touching my breasts because they always felt tender/sore, but, now, any feeling would be welcome!
Amanda,
When you say 'junk science' do you mean that PS don't believe it's possible, or don't think it should be done fir other reasons? -
Pinkbutterfly - I have my first step scheduled for August 5.
Email - I sent pictures to Cindy and then she had me send them to an @aol.com email account she gave me. That is the one I've been using but hesitate to give it out.
"Junk science" - I think all PS are biased in favor of the procedure they do best. (To a guy with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.) The DIEP surgeons say oh no don't get implants. The implant guys say oh no you don't want that big horrible surgery. The guys who use Alloderm swear by it, etc..... Anyone who doesn't do what Dr. K does and has not seen it will pooh-pooh it. Just wait a few years I really think this will become the future gold standard.
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Regarding "junk science" - Remember that Dr. K has done breast reconstruction for a very long time. He did the tram, DIEP and implant surgeries for many years, but felt that there had to be a better way. He developed and pioneered it and is the world renowned expert at it. Like Kareenie posted, the PS who don't know about this or are not able to do it aren't exactly going to be enthusiastic about it. However, forward thinking surgeons, who have their patients best interest at heart will (at the very least) listen and take note of it. My BS was amazed at Dr. K's work and intrigued by the procedure. He took all the information I had and shared it with his entire surgical and breast cancer team. I see him again at the end of the year - I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he attended a workshop by Dr. Khouri!
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Lee - Thanks so much for your quick reply! What is the photo site? Is that part of fatgraftpatients.com? (Sorry if that is a stupid question)
PinkButterfly - The PS's I have spoken to basically say that you don't get the results from Brava and they ‘frequently' end up doing traditional recon or augmentation for patients who try it. I feel like the caveat to that is that you wouldn't end up seeing a happy brava patient so their view is skewed.
Kareenie - I think you hit the nail on the head (no pun intended). My plastic surgeon was basically like it was lat flap or nothing for me. He briefly discussed alloderm but didn't think it was a good bet for me.
I wasn't terribly excited by the look of my recon as it is now but not being able to get a nipple recon pretty much sealed the deal for me. I am more determined than ever to find a solution that works for me. I signed up for fatgraftpaitents.com. . .can't wait to get in and start learning more.
Thanks for "listening"!
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Chicago1080
I just saw the website--I have had pain from uncomfortable implant recon. for the last 14 years. The photo's of leeinf are amazing, just gorgeous. Implants without fatgrafting--look as though they are stretching the skin. These photo's look great, looks comfortable.
I certainly will be having fatgrafting in the future.
Thanks leeinf for giving me hopes for a pain-free future.
Your fellow BC survivor, EileenKaye1
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Chicago1080 - I have before and after photos on a website run by several members on here. To get access you have to PM one of the "gatekeepers" who will tell you where to go and how to log on. You can PM MBJ, whippetmom, LIlah, Estepp or Timtam and ask for entrance. (Kate, I copied and pasted that from your post - thanks!) My name is the same and the thread is called fat grafting recon
I also posted more on the fatgraftpatients.com website that show the progression better.
EileenKaye1 - thank you! It's not just how they look, I feel normal, my boobs are warm and soft and move the way normal breasts should. I hope you can have this done. I was lucky that I didn't have the pain that so many ladies do, so my heart certainly goes out to you!
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Leeinfl:
For the first time--I feel confidant about possible improvements in reconstruction results.
Thanks, Eileen
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Hi All,
Boy this thread has been busy since I was on the plane back from Miami! @ Eileen, I 2nd your thoughts completely. I feel strongly that this is the beginning of the end of the barbaric procedures that women have gone through for recon. I work in Science but as a patient have always been slack jawed at how poor the options are for women and post BC recon. Dr Khouri considers this the beginning of real life tissue engineering. I agree with him and what I can tell you is that the good MD's will be curious about the whole hoo-haa. My Oncologist from Dana Farber told me to report back to him so there you go. I do have a question for our Micro Graft Queens though.....any long term numbness from the lipo? As far as I can see that would be he only downside of this route..that and necrosis which also happens with DIEP's as well. Thoughts?How long after your procedure did it take you to go back to work? To do exercise?
I know that everyone is different ! Post MX all I needed was Advil and my poor husband after my first Lx was not prepared for me to wake up once we were home and demand that he run out to get me a frozen Trader Joes Pizza. He had just finished one and I could smell it and the poor guy had been told by the nurse that all I would want would be toast and bland food. He was like "But the nurse said all you would would be SALTINES!!!!!!" It was quite funny!
Cheers~Listening the Bruins get the first GOAAAAAAL!!
kd
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Climbergirl,
Read your post about your visit with the 'recon rockstar.' lol. I don't think he could pay for advertising as good as this thread.
Please share your thoughts on the Brava and what you decide...and anything your doc at Dana Farber told/tells you.
I go next month...
Thanks. -
Chicago- I had that iron bra feeling, too. I kept thinking I needed to give it more time but it never got any better. Now after hearing that Eileen has had pain for 14 years I'm glad I didn't wait any longer. I think what helped for me was swapping out to smaller implants so the pec muscles weren't being stretched as much and then have the softer fat put on the top. But Dr. Khouri can also do several procedures and get you to where you don't have any implants if that's what you want, too.
climbergirl- I'm no expert since I'm only about 5 weeks out but the numbest part was my inner thighs and each week I am getting more and more sensation back. There are just a few small spots where it still feels a little numb. As far as exercise, Dr. K said I could start walking/running at 2 weeks out and then said to give it about 4 weeks for the upper body but that was just because I had new incisions from the implant swap I think. You're very sore after the procedure but it seems to heal pretty quickly- even the bruising did for me. I'd say I was feeling pretty good at about 2 weeks out though still dragging from the aftereffects of the anesthesia which is common for me. BTW- LMAO- Loved the saltines story!!!!
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Kate33
Thanks for allowing me to view your photo's. Your are gorgeous. Quite an inspiration.
I know, I am confident that smaller implants will relieve the discomfort.
I did not act sooner--because I did not see a viable solution.
Diep Flap, Tram, etc--were just too much surgery for me. Extensive down-time from work and from my other activities.
Reconstruction alternatives for BC survivors--are changing rapidly. We are luck to have this opportunity for a better, pain-free future.
Eileen
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Yeah,
The punchline is of course "But the nurse said all you would want would be SALTINES!!!!!!" Between that and my need of Buffalo Wings during chemo I am truly a certified weirdo.
I really love, love the fact that women are getting rid of implants and getting some physical relief from what he is doing!!! That's make so much sense to me! I took one look at tissue expanders on display when I went in for a DIEP consult and I was like. "UM-NO. Thanks, really. A breast does not mean that much to me." I like my pec muscles to be able to contract, y'all. And radiation makes things even worse with that.
It looks like I may start with the BRAVA after my vacation in July...so maybe some time in August and 1st go round in Sept. It is a huge time commitment and I worry about how it will effect my sleep somewhat but it seems like it should be doable. I have to admit that as I was wearing the BRAVA on my left that I was super aware of my heart beating. A bit odd but not that bad. Added bonus is that he will lit the other breast with no big cuts but with webbing? Not clear on that at all or how he does it but will find out and do some research. I think that without telling him he got that fact that I am a less is more person.
Oh by the way I came upon this sight which I just love, I guess there is a book too:
http://www.thescarproject.org/
Be Well,
kd
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Just reviewed photo's of Reconstuction--implants with fatgrafting. This is extremely exciting.
They look just like natural breasts with implants--stunning both with and without being fully dressed.
I will be pursuing two PS in my area.
Dr. Christina Ahn--wants to do total fatgrafting.
Dr. Nolan Karp wants to redo my Reconstruction with implant and fatgrafting.
As I stated before--things are changing rapidly--and with mega-improvements.
This is an exciting time for all of us.
Eileen
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Eileen- Thank you for your nice comments. I hope you don't think I was putting you down for waiting 14 years. You're absolutely right- there weren't any good solutions. I have nothing but empathy for what you have gone through. I said it more in thinking that I'm glad I didn't keep waiting, after learning about this, because I believed it would some day get better. Your story shows that a lot of times it doesn't. I really wonder how many women there are out there who dislike the look of their recon and, more importantly, are in discomfort because of it. I am so sorry you have had to endure this for so long. It's not right and it needs to stop. Women need to demand more.
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Kate33--I so agree with all that you have stated.
But--at that time--the solutions were not logical for me.
There was no point in going thru another Sx proceedure--when --I just knew that it was not a
solution. I am thankful--that I have been healthy thru these years--and that hopefully will
be able to have fatgrafting when the situation is appropriate for me.
Kate--you have been terrific in sharing with other BC reconstruction survivors.
Eileen
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climbergirl wrote:.
It looks like I may start with the BRAVA after my vacation in July...so maybe some time in August and 1st go round in Sept.
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Hi Climbergirl, am I correct in assuming you have had no prior reconstruction? I am also a left unilateral but I had an implant put in 16 years ago...big mistake but that was all that was available at the time. So now I have to do the backward reconstruction with smaller implant, add fat around it etc. Wish I could start from gound zero like you. I start August 5 with Dr K.
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Whenever I see new threads about someone about to undergo another type of reconstruction than this one I am so tempted to tell them not to do it. I think how hard it would be, though, to learn about this and not be able to have it if there's no way to get to Dr. Khouri or someone trained in his procedure. It would be almost better to not know about it at all. It's heart breaking to see someone have their pec muscles altered or their bodies scarred, though, for no good reason. I just don't want someone to go through all that. I absolutely believe in the future this procedure will be standard because we are all on the cusp of that. I just feel for the women in the here and now.
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Kate - I feel the same way.......
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When I had to have the tissue expanders removed and thought I could not have the fat grafting,I decided to research flap surgery a little more.All it took was looking at some of the photos,I knew I just could not do it,my mind and body have been through enough.Then I read of all the revision surgeries that are often needed.I am just hoping the fat grafting will work for me.The incision by the pubic line is very small,completely covered by even a bikini.She showed me a photo,so I would know what to expect.Can any of you tell me what you wore for a compression garment and for how long? I was told I can wear Spanx if they are more comfortable for me and will need them for two weeks.I may be able to have this done before fall,I am getting excited!
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pandazankar- Are you on the fat graft forum? (fatgraftpatients.com) There is a thread on there with recommendations for compression garments. I wore Spanx and they were very comfortable. They're much softer than the one they send you home in. The ones I bought went from just below the breasts to mid thigh. I wore it for 2 weeks 24/7 and then a week or so after that if I was exercising.
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Lee what is your username on the fatgraft site? I can't seem to find you.
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Sorry - I'm hphlee there
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