Fat Grafting / Lypo area question

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Dogsneverlie
Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
edited October 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi!  I am scheduled for fat grafting in November and was wondering about something - what was the lypo area like after you healed?  Was it as if you went in for lypo or no real / noticeable difference because they only took enough for the fat grafting?  Unfortunately I am 40 lbs overweight (5'1" at 180 lbs); having the fat transfer from my abdominal area.

Can you let me know what your results were like?

Thank you!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited October 2014

    dogs - they can only remove enough fat for the procedure, otherwise your insurance company can deny payment and classify the lipo as "cosmetic" and they get the surgical report so they know the amounts.  There are some docs who will risk the denial and remove more during lipo, but they charge for the cosmetic portion of the surgery.  You open the door to denial for the revision portion by doing that.  I had fat grafting and my abdomen was the donor site. The fat grafting was put in the upper pole only so not a great deal of fat was removed.  I don't think there is much of a discernible difference in the donor area, but a lot of difference in the grafted area - it was a good decision and made a much nicer aesthetic for my recon.

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  • Jayaytea
    Jayaytea Member Posts: 63
    edited October 2014

    It has been 10 months since I had fat grafting done to fill a "divot" in my breast that has an implant now.  The PS removed the fat from below my navel, where I had the most fat in my belly.  Now my belly is flat there, but I have an unsightly bulge above my navel.  He said it is tissue, not fat and is the way I healed.  I am more self-conscience about my belly's appearance now that I have ever been in my life.  He wants to do more, but I am very hesitant to "rob Peter to pay Paul" and possibly not be satisfied with the results.  He said I could have a tummy tuck now to fix the overall appearance of my stomach, for $9000.  

    The healing from the lypo was bad enough that I would never do it again unless I was sure it would be a huge improvement.  Tummy tuck, no thank you.  He told me I would not be able to stand upright for the first 3 weeks.  After 10 months since my last surgery, I am finally starting to get strong and fit.  I'm done with this.  I am 58 and I know my appearance is only going to change for the worse, I need to accept that this is as good as it's going to get, and move on.

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  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
    edited October 2014

    Thank you very much for feedback!

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  • romyles
    romyles Member Posts: 36
    edited October 2014

    I'm scheduled in November as well for nipples and fat grafting. I'm your size as well and my abdomen is so much more noticeable since the mastectomy. Being short it has always been an issue but now I'm constantly  being asked when my baby is due and other pregnancy related questions. My PS agreed to lower the price to do a tummy tuck and threw in the flank lipo free during the recon procedure. In my previous pre cancer life I had thoughts of a tummy tuck but would never really do it.  I feel like now I'm never going to be happy with my recon if I don't. I'm concerned that I'm wrong for wanting to do this and keep second guessing the choice...I'm hoping I can find others to offer advice.  

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  • Frostecat
    Frostecat Member Posts: 447
    edited October 2014

    My PS encouraged me to have additional lipo done during my exchange/lift (I'm a UNI).  He wanted me to do my abs and flanks, but that was quite pricey, so I just opted for the abdomen, upper and lower, and I have to pay that expense out of pocket.  (Actually they offer credit a 0% interest for a period of time).

    Since reaching menopause I have what I call the "meno-pop" the bump right under your breasts along with the "gut" that I've always had in my lower abdomen.  My breasts were going to be smaller, so therefore my stomach would have only looked that much bigger.  The girls in the PS office did mention to me that sometimes when you take the smaller amount from an area for the fat grafting it can leave some lumps and bumps in the area.  I think my PS was just trying to get the best overall outcome that he could.

    I had the lipo and when I came out, the DH said I was so black and blue that I looked like I went 10 rounds with Ali, Tyson and Frazier all at once.  But honestly, it was nothing compared to what we've been through.  The bruising was gone within in a week, and I am happy with the results of the lipo.  I can actually wear clothes without seeing "my gut" sticking out.  They say it takes 3 months to see the final results, and in the meantime I wear compression garments when I can.  I asked my PS before the surgery "if it were you, would you do it?" his answer was "absolutely".  I can honestly say that I am glad that I had it done, my figure looks more like it did 15 years ago.  Now to pay for it  . . . .

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  • Dogsneverlie
    Dogsneverlie Member Posts: 278
    edited October 2014

    Thank you so much for your responses.  My PS office just called and BC/BS DECLINED my FG procedure.  They have appealed the process and I have had to move out my POTENTIAL procedure into December.  I am upset of course - I don't need implants, just some fill so I can look/feel as normal as possible.  So frustrating...............everything we experience and go through and then.....so now I am in the waiting game.

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