Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

Geewhiz, I did not address this the the last time you posted, accusing me of "lecturing" you on insurance, but if you are going to badmouth me or my forum, please do so with accuracy.

The "nonsense" that I "blasted" you with was in part this post -  (any registered members are free to read the complete exchange at that link):

Geewhiz: "...I went to lunch with Cindy the other day and she mentioned that a number of insurances are changing. She mentioned knowing there were some major changes with United Healthcare...one was that these patients would have to pay for their own implants...I think I remember that to mean the physical implant, not the surgery...."

Alexandra: "...With all due respect to Cindy, and perhaps even to Marguerite, please, please, please, check all insurance details with your own insurance company. No insurance company's benefits can fall below Federal and State mandates...."

My response to you was in regard to implant reconstruction. I have NEVER stated that fat grafting was covered, in fact elsewhere on the forum, I quoted my own policy (Aetna) which added a clause specifically denying fat grafting as experimental.

My reply was posted to HELP women receive the benefits that their insurance providers MUST cover as per federal and state laws.

I then linked to "1998 Federal Breast Reconstruction Law", as well as "State Laws on Breast Reconstruction"

I never was clear why you didn't come back, or asked to have your profile deleted (which as explained in the "Forum Rules and Guidelines", which all members agree to when registering, is not done). In fact, throughout your topic/story, you were treated with respect and given support, information and enouragement from myself and many other members. But I guess this post explains things.....

Alexandra

lalisa- very interesting to hear about your consult with Dr. A.  Very exciting that you might get to go on TV as a case study!!  Will you be part of the clinical trial?  I seem to remember you had to be five years out from Dx.?  I see you are almost at that point!  Does he still take women if they don't meet the five year out and wouldn't be part of the clinical trial?  I'm just asking out of curiosity.  I'm a "done deal" and extremely happy with the FG I had done for recon.

All this inusrance "stuff" is concerning.  I agree with Alexandra that you absolutely must check with your own insurance.  Sorry to see the tension that has arisen...hope it can be laid to rest.  I love the postivie tone that usually characterizes this site and also fatgraftpatients.com. 

I believe Mina1 also reported something with Cigna denying it and calling it experimental.  Tha is SO sad.  I believe FGing offers an uncomparable outcome that I would hate to see denied to women.   I wonder if some of this relates to the stem cell approach and the Brava approach gets linked in.  Wonder if that could be clarified with insurnace companies?

So is fat grafting what I would need to get rid of this "dent" I have above my left foob?

I asked my PS about Fat Grafting since I have a big dent in my upper breast area. He said that he does not recommend doing it because then it is hard to see on a mamogram and that it increases the chances of reacurrance. Anyone else hear this?

I asked my BS about the recurrence issue. She said no, you're just filling in fat, it's not breast tissue. Last year, when I asked her about FG, she was more negative. Talked about the possiblity of developing necrosis, how it would look like a recurrence. This time, however, a year later, she was more positive. She said that if there's a lump at all, she'd have to remove it to test for recurrence, but otherwise she was fine with FG.

Hi fluffqueen,

I checked your account - it was activated about an hour after you registered, so you should have access to most of the forum. But it looks like you haven't logged in after that. If you have and still don't have access, try logging out then back in.

While most of the ladies have used BRAVA at some point, there are also a number who have not - particularly ladies who had recon with implants. Many of those have had them swapped out for smaller implants with fat grafting to improve not just appearance, but radiated and/or thin skin.

Let me know if you have any more problems with the forum (there is a "Contact Board Administrator" link at the bottom of each page).

Alexandra

LOL, sure! It's FatGraftPatients.com

(Quickest way to find members' stories that you're looking for would be in the "Patient Database" forum/topic - there's a list of all members who have posted their stories and a brief description of their situation.)

Alexandra

Thanks hopefulhealing for the input.  Will be having my first round of fatgrafting in May--using fat from my thigh area.  Sounds as though you are healing quite well. 

My PS wants the second round after 6 months. 

Eileen

hopfulhealing--I respect your opinion--but I prefer to wait--as I think it will give my PS a better idea of how my retention is doing--and exactly where to place the additional fatgrafting.

that's my thought.  Eileen

I just met with my PS about this and he says I am a good candidate for this in about three months. I have only a mild distortion from lumpectomy on one side and have small breasts.

I'm kind of excited. Any advice?

Kate33, excellent point about making sure the surgeon has plenty of experience, and yes, that goes for the area from where the fat is taken.  I know two women who got poor results from lipo, one got lumps on one side of her knee and one ended up with thighs that were smaller, but really lumpy looking.  

Ok I was thinking more about this and my PS recommendation that I not do it. I did a little research and then started thinking that the fat grafting couldnt possibly increase your chances of reoccurance because it is not Breast tissue. There are no milk ducts and stuff in it right? (ok maybe a more technical way to say this). Also if doing the fat grafting is dangerous then there would be an even higher risk of danger if you did the flap, which is even more tissue. Am I on the right track here. 

Also does anyone have any recommendations in the Kansas City area?

I agree. It is not breast tissue.

truebff- Only you can decide if your issue is worth another procedure.  I think if it bothers you on a daily basis then it's worth it.  

amom- You could try googling fat grafting + breast reconstruction + Kansas City and see what comes up.  If you find some doctors make sure to "vet" them first.  Make sure they are a board certified PS, check online reviews, etc.  A lot of PS's now have their own website and there is usually a link where you can email them questions.  I would ask about their level of experience particularly.  If everything checks out go for a consult.   

amom- I would wait until at least 6 months after exchange.  It can take several months for the implants to settle into place.  You may decide you don't need fat grafting at all or that you just need it in certain places.  When I say vetting I just mean checking them out making sure there aren't any serious complaints against them with the medical board, looking at online reviews from other patients, checking to make sure they are board certified, etc.  And, of course, finding out their level of experience.  There's a lot of surgeons jumping on the fat grafting band wagon and they may or may not tell their patients that they'll be one of their first patients with this procedure.