Has anyone had micro fat grafting?

Thanks. I could probably live with the implant I have if the fat grafting soften the edges of it. Right now it's just uncomfortable. Did any of you go home after the fg or stay in the hospital for a night. At this point I am scheduled to spend one night in the hospital. I just want to make sure the pain thing is under control. Also how many of you had a reconstructed nipple? How long did it take to heal? I fear it won't take.

From what I read about fat grafting there is the grid micro drop fg and then there is inserting fg where ever. I read that when fg is just inserted (without the grip approach) that there is likely of it gumping together and microcalifications. I just hope the surgeon I have is the one who does the micro. I asked and he said with a note of scarcasm, I know everything. I didn't think he liked me questioning him. He just wants me to trust him. I hear he is a artist when it comes to breast reconstruction. But, I want to know before hand what exactly they are doing. I want some say in it.

I would be concerned that he replied the way he did, too, evebarry.  I do not like arrogant docs.  I mean, they can be confident - that's great!  But if you poo-poo me and do not answer my questions and try to make me feel bad for asking questions, well....NEXT!  

Evebarry- No overnight stay for me, either.  They pretty much shoved me out the door the second I woke up in Recovery.  As far as your PS he needs to remember that you are the customer and he should be willing to answer ALL of your questions with as much detail as you need to be comfortable.  You're turning over your body to him after all!  I'm sure he asks more questions when he turns his sports car over to his mechanic.  Grrrrrr!

I don't know of any ps who does a fully reconstructed breast using fat grafting. If there is one in Toronto I would like to know as well. Every ps I have checked with - in 3 hospitals - have said "no" although they are aware of the procedure. So far they only use fg to fill in small spots.

Faithhopenlov, are you saying women in Toronto are getting the full recon using fat grafting? So far I have been unable to find a ps in Toronto who will do it. ...or even anywhere in Ontario?

hrf,

The OP posted about consulting with a surgeon in Ontario who could do the grafting over a course of a few surgeries but I believe there was a greater out of pocket cost compared to other methods of recon. She posted towards the beginning, first few pages?, of this thread.

In Ontario all reconstruction is covered by the provincial government health plan. It would be an exorbitant cost to go outside the province if fat grafting is not part of what is approved. But thanks for the leads and I will check. I do know the 3 main breast centres that specialize do not yet offer full fat grafting.......yet. Thanks everyone.

No tummy yet, Eileen.

I'd like to add to Eileen's question since we have the same doc. She recommends saving the abdominal fat in case you ever need it for a later proceedure. (I'm a uni.) I've love to use my stomach fat now. Has anyone else considered the pros and cons with their doctors?

I had abdominal lipo in November and was very happy with the flat tummy results. I have gained a few pounds since then but it still looks pretty good.

My apologies, Eileen. I have not had stomach lipo yet.

Sherry,

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis.  Sounds like you've been through a lot in the past two months.

I would recommend that you check out the DIEP topic on the discussion board to get some great information about the process and what recovery is like.  YOu can also check out DIEP II where there are postings from people undergoing DIEP stage II.

Your surgeon can explain the process much better than me, but basically the first stage involves the removal of a flap made of tissue and fat from the abdominal area, and disconnects one of the arteries, and then transplants the flap to the chest area, reconnected the artery to enable blood supply to the flap.  It is a major procedure with a substantial recovery time. 

The second stage is different for everyone.  Some women are able to have nipples done in the second stage and minor corrections with lipo, others need to have more major corrections and need to have a third surgery for the nipple procedure.

I could be wrong, but I think that more women are satisfied with their DIEP reconstruction than with implants, since you are left with your own tissue rather an object that could rupture and move.

Good luck with your big decision.

sherryh16, microfat grafting is done during one surgery but it might takes 2 or 3 surgeries the breasts. I understand the doctors at U of W do BRAVA fat grafting

Sherryh16,



Yes, a Dr. Said at UofW. The best way to find out if the procedure would be covered is to call the office, not your insurance provider. Fat grafting does not need to be approved by the FDA, only
the BRAVA external expander which is in clinical trial so therefore not approved.

Discussion by the Seattle cancer care alliance: http://www.seattlecca.org/diseases/breast-cancer-reconstruction.cfm#fattransfer


My doctor billed my fat grafting as "Breast Reconstruction" other and it was covered.

SherriH16



Contact jseda. I believe she is doing BRAVA at U of W. Also member cascader had a consult, may also be doing grafting?