Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

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  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2011

    Sweetie,

    I had my last fat grafting with Dr. Khouri in Jan 09, so it's benn almost three years since I've been done!!  I have not noticed any absorption after the first few months past Brava wear...my bras fit the same...still really loving the results!  I think the 85% retention rate seems about right to me.

    In hindsight, I may have had more fat necrosis than some women since I was so active so soon after my surgery.  I probably should have cooled my jets a bit more!  At that time, the 24/7 wear was just for 48 hrs. post surgery, so I went right back to work and was just using Brava 10 to 12 hours.  In light of that, I think you are wise, Eileen to take your time after surgery for good recovery.

    I found it reassuring that I didn't need to tell my radiologists anything (except that I had fat grafting).  They both felt it was very clear to discern the calcifications from fat necrosis on my mammogram as benign.

    HopefulFuture (what a lovely name!) - I think the important thing in terms of whether it is called micro fat grafting or fat grafting is that you get a clear picture of what that means to the MD.  For some "fat grafting" might refer to when they used to just inject a glob of fat, versus the droplet into a prepared scaffold with nurturing blood supply surrounding it.  It is sometimes called autologous fat grafting (the clinical trial used that term), just meaning it is your own fat. 

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  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited November 2011
    oops!  I see Lee had already explained this much better than I did! Smile
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  • jessicav
    jessicav Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies-

    Really wanted to get your feedback. Is this possible as follows?

    Remove 530cc implants asap because they hurt hurt hurt. Leave skin. Then after I feel normal again hopefully without pain (if that is possible) do microfat fatgrafting to Size A to fill in space. And so, that's no new implants. Size A FG would be just fine. Need implants OUT.  I'm very thin though. Only a size zero..(eating tough when in pain all the time)  Concerned about FG because of only being 100 pds. Yes, I know they say they will find fat but concerned about being a human pin cushion with little bits taken from everywhere all over. 

    Is this a pipe dream or possible? 

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  • HopefulFuture
    HopefulFuture Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2011

    Leeinfl and Wisconsinrandi, thanks for the descriptions.



    I believe my PS does micro grafting but just doesn't call it that. The way he described what he does is in line with the droplets of fat rather than a lot at the same time. I also discovered hat he and his office PS partner are both starting to employ the BRAVA system.



    I just had my exchange 6 days ago and am already seeing some rippling under the swelling. :(

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  • jessicav
    jessicav Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2011
    Hi Ladies- re-posting here- help pls!  (:Really wanted to get your feedback. Is this possible as follows?Remove 530cc implants asap because they hurt hurt hurt. Leave skin. Then after I feel normal again hopefully without pain (if that is possible) do microfat fatgrafting to Size A to fill in space. And so, that's no new implants. Size A FG would be just fine. Need implants OUT.  I'm very thin though. Only a size zero..(eating tough when in pain all the time)  Concerned about FG because of only being 100 pds. Yes, I know they say they will find fat but concerned about being a human pin cushion with little bits taken from everywhere all over. Is this a pipe dream or possible? 
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  • bher
    bher Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2011

    Hi jessicav - I was in terrible pain also with implants and had them removed and fatgrafting done.  I am so sorry you are going through this ordeal.  I think it may be possible to have the implants removed and at a later date have fat grafting done with the assistance of Brava but I believe it is better to have some fatgrafting done at the time the implants are removed. More than one surgery may be necessary with only fatgrafting done and no implants.  I am not sure about the part of having enough fat to do the fat grafting to the breast since I have plenty of fat for several procedures. Maybe someone else here might know that answer.

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited November 2011

    Regarding the amount of fat, I don't know...they say it can be done on super skinny people, but I don't know exactly how thin.  I'm thin, but still have plenty of fat stores in my hips and legs.  I wear a size 8, so that is no comparison to a size 0.  You may need to actually go for a consult to find out.  Maybe someone else with more FG experience will have some input.  

    I can't speak to the implants, since I've never had them.  

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  • slinky
    slinky Member Posts: 397
    edited November 2011

    Jessicav, I am pretty thin but PS was able to get fat from several areas.  The amount needed is so small that if you have any tiny areas of fat, this can be used.  After FG, the donor sites were more contoured.  I probably don't have enough fat on my entire body to replace one implant, or even to make a B cup on one side, but I have enough to fill in divots, ripples, etc.

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  • bher
    bher Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2011

    robo47 - I was a uni-mx/implant and also had an implant and lift for symmetry reasons on the non-cancer side. Lots of pain so had them removed with fat-grafting done in July on both sides. My second round of fat-grafting was done in September only on the mx side. The augmented side is done.   I am so much happier now even though I have 2-3 more procedures left to go. I had radiation so it is a much slower process for me. That is a good question about the pec muscle and I really need to ask Dr. K about it.  My augmented side seems very normal to me.  The mx side is still tight but the tightness is getting better. The procedures have been relatively easy for me.  It is the Brava wear that I struggle with and maybe it is because my skin is so sensitive from the radiation.

    Good luck with your consult this week with Dr. K. I am sure he will be able to help you. Please let us know how it goes.

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited November 2011

    Bher - I wonder how much of the pec tightness is due to the rads vs the implant at this point? No one can answer that question, but my guess is that if it is due to the rads, I would hold out hope that the fat grafting will help with that just the way it helps with skin/other soft tissue stiffness.  Totally conjecture, on my part, FWIW.  

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  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 469
    edited November 2011

    wisconsinrandi-thanks for the advice.  eileen

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  • bher
    bher Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2011

    dancetrancer- I have had tightness since my mx/te surgery.  It got worse during the radiation and then even worse after my exchange surgery.   I think it may be a combination of both.  Since I had the implant removed in July it has gotten slowly better.  I have full range of mobility and the pain is gone but it has a tight feel. Yes, I have hope that the fat grafting is working.  Even with this persistent tightness, I am so much more comfortable without the implants.

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited November 2011

    That is so wonderful to hear bher and so encouraging for others!  

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  • jessicav
    jessicav Member Posts: 161
    edited November 2011

    Just have to say how wonderful it is to come here. i would still know "nothing" if it wasn't for you sharing. It is so encouraging...thank you for responses to my post on doing only FG and be implant-free.

    I am wondering if the pec muscles become atrophied or never repair themselves. Does that mean pain is forever? Wondering if they have to be "tacked" down if de-constructing and doing only FG. Think the FG goes over muscle but not sure. I will say I did not have rads but recon is very very tight...like an iron bra..it's probably one or both..

    (: (:

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited November 2011

    Thought you all might find this radio interview with Dr's Khouri, Coleman, and Khoobehi interesting!

    http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/57715/fat-transfer-the-skinny-on-fat

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  • leeinfl
    leeinfl Member Posts: 317
    edited November 2011

    Thanks for posting here too DT - ladies, excellent interview with great info!

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  • DanielleR
    DanielleR Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2011

    Help Ladies!  Am new here and need some advice.  Am bilateral mastectomy pt who had saline textured implants 550 ccs put in 5 years ago. First one deflated at 18 months, second one 2 weeks ago UGGH.  I am lean, athletic and have had lots of rippling from day one (didn't really care about that).  I am thinking about seeing Dr. K this week (time is running out since the deflated implant has been in there for 2 weeks and it's down to about 1/3 original size).  I live in GA and have young children so it's a hike -- is he the guy?  Also, does anyone know if I will even need the BRAVA since I have such big pockets already?  Thanks!

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  • leeinfl
    leeinfl Member Posts: 317
    edited November 2011

    DanielleR - As a former patient, I would definately say "he's the guy!" - however, to help you make your decision, you may want to hop on over and register at fatgraftpatients.com for lots of information regarding micro fat grafting.  There are several ladies (myself included) who have had implant exchange surgeries.  I did not need the Brava domes. 

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  • DanielleR
    DanielleR Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2011

    Am trying to get on to fatgrafting.com with difficulty.  Am curious about the subsequent procedures to harvest and transfer the fat -- is that under general anaesthesia too?  Is it painful?  How long do they recommend you stay in town for?  Sorry, I just am coming from afar and trying to wrap my head around this as a better long-term option for which I will endure several rounds of more pain and recovery and NOT in my own bed =P 

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited November 2011

    Danielle - it's fatgraftpatients.com.   If you are trying to see pics, you can't access them until approved by the site adminstrator Alexandra.  PM her to request permission.  

    As far as I have heard, yes, all subsequent procedures are under general anesthesia.  I'm from out of town, too.  For follow-up procedures, I am staying 3 to 4 days.   For my BMX with immediate graft, I stayed 8 days after the surgery.  Yes, it's a challenge with the travel, but if you can swing it financially and time-wise, it is worth it to have a great surgeon, IMO.  

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  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 469
    edited November 2011

    Hi--I have an appointment with Dr. Christina Ahn on December 8. Consultation is regarding implants with fatgrafting.  If anyone has any information regarding Dr. Ahn's results, please let me know.  Would so appreciate it.  Eileen

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  • mormor1
    mormor1 Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2011

    Wondering how your appointment with Dr. Ahn went Eileen?

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited December 2011

    I did not use Dr. Ahn but i do know she is highly experienced and her reputation is impeccable. She primarily performs flap procedures and works with Dr. Robert Allen alot.

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  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 469
    edited December 2011

    My appointment was switched to January 6.  Will let you know.  Eileen

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited January 2012

    FYI, my pics of full fat grafting after BMX are now on the picture forum for those who may be interested. 

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  • makingway
    makingway Member Posts: 799
    edited January 2012

    I finally remembered my password for the fatgrafting website, but the photo forum shows that I don't have access. What am I doing wrong?

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited January 2012

    Oh, I'm not talking about the fat grafting website (although my photos are there, and yes, access is restricted until you post your own photos.)  I also posted my photos on the picture forum that is run by a few members from here at bc.org.  You have to PM them and they will get you registered.   I believe nowheregirl is someone who can help you get on the forum.  You will have to PM her.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    I believe you can also PM Timtam, Estepp, Lilah, whippetmom or MBJ and request access.  They do look at everyone's post count here, to ensure you're a legitimate poster and to protect the privacy of the women who have posted photos, so make sure your count is up before requesting access.  They will PM back with instructions.  

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  • hopefulhealing
    hopefulhealing Member Posts: 722
    edited January 2012

    Kate how long did it take after the lipo for the fat grafting to not be sore at the lipo site?  And for the oozing to stop?  I have it done Feb. 13 and a huge formal charity event five days later.  I can wear a long evening dress to cover any bruising but wondered about soreness etc and oozong. Thanks,

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Hope- Just realized you asked me this in a PM and I forgot to answer!  Sorry!  Most of my lipo sites stopped after about 4 days but I flew home on day 5 and had some oozing on the plane and for a few days afterwards from a few spots.  For some reason, those sites seemed like they had a larger scab afterwards and are the only spots I ended up with a small scar the size of a freckle.  Not sure if they used a larger cannula for those spots or what.  Both were on my inner thighs.  I was still very sore 5 days later.  It was always worse after sitting, or laying down, and then getting up and moving.  Nothing unbearable, though, so you'd probably be o.k. painwise.  (Just don't know if you're going to feel like dancing or anything!)  You may have to bandage up a few spots, though.  Remember, you'll still need to be wearing your compression garments so keep that in mind when dress shopping.  (Of course, wearing Spanx in an evening gown could be a good thing- at least for me!)

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