Fat grafting question

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LBG10
LBG10 Member Posts: 34
edited January 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Iam scheduled for my first round of fat grafting next month! I was wondering if someone could tell me about their experience!

Was the grafting just done at the upper portion of the breast to fix contour defects, or was it done to the entire breast to "plump" them up to hide rippling?

How painful is the recovery? My PS plans to harvest from my flank and lower abdomen!


Any information would be greatly app

Comments

  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited December 2018

    Hi LBG! I had fat grafting along with my exchange in August. Most of my fat was taken from flank and belly also. I was really bruised and sore to be honest. I didnt have a lot of extra fat is probably why I was so bruised. I wore spanx day and night as instructed for a month. I think most of the fat is placed around to smooth out the edges.

    PS told me it may take a second fat grafting to get the results. I wavered a bit because I look pretty good but I have a dent above my implant on non cancer side. He is using a special device for "small volume fills" and said it will be minimal recovery this time. I was diagnosed in Jan so I'm covered 100% and having it on 12/20. Decided to see this through!

    If your PS recommends compression garments I liked the ones that were just for the abdomen. It's actually more comfortable to wear them especially after I went back to work. I ate alot of pineapple too lol. It helps with bruising! Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

  • ABeautifulSunset
    ABeautifulSunset Member Posts: 990
    edited December 2018

    the areas where you have lipo will be very sore for 3-5 days. Your breasts probably won't hurt too much. Your doctor will determine the best place to put the fat to get the desired result. Could be anywhere. My experience has been most of it has been on the upper portion of the breast.

    Good luck!

  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited December 2018

    I was bruised and sore more actual discomfort than the DIEP. The compression garment helps. I did go back to work right awsy though.

  • shelabela
    shelabela Member Posts: 584
    edited December 2018

    i just had my 3rd lipo-fat grafting. I agree the pain is more in the donor site. But so far I love the results.

    Msg me if you would like to see before and afterwards

    Shellie

  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited December 2018

    I had fat grafting about 4 weeks ago. Lots of bruising at lipo site, mine was from flanks and I looked slimmer right away. It was sore but not horrible.Mine was injected at top and side but I agree they will put it where you need it. I had to wear compression garments for four weeks.

  • Samnjb
    Samnjb Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2018

    ocdamy

    I am due to have my te out and silicones ones put in as well as fat grafting. How bad was the pain? Why did you I have to wear compression garments?

    Thanks

  • shelabela
    shelabela Member Posts: 584
    edited December 2018

    Samnjb, the compression is to help the body reabsorb the fat that is left. When that took from my legs I had to wear spandex 24/7 for 4 weeks.

  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited December 2018

    Yes the compression is where you had the lipo to help with the healing. I had to wear mine for four weeks as well. the bruising is pretty bad but the pain is nothing compared to MX!

  • Marlena17
    Marlena17 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2019

    Hi from Nj. I am having fat grafting for my upper area as well on the 9th. I think I am happy with the volume. I don't want to be to full up top. I guess he will just puta little where I might be a little hollow? I weigh 128 lbs. If my doc takes it from my flanks will my waist be slimmer? I was wondering if he would take more fat than he will need and contour as he takes it and how long was the procedure? I'am feeling a little anxious. My masctomy was Jan 25th 2017. Any info would be great. Marlena from Nj

  • DebAL
    DebAL Member Posts: 877
    edited January 2019

    mariena, yes the PS can fill in those areas that may be a little hollow. My understanding is that the PS needs to take more as the fat that is injected needs to be filtered fat. I have had 2 rounds of fat grafting. The last one less than 2 weeks ago. Once the swelling goes down I think you would notice slimming in the flank area, I did the first time. You will be sore especially the first few weeks. Best of luck

  • Marlena17
    Marlena17 Member Posts: 64
    edited January 2019

    good morning. Just saw your response. So I realize everyone has different breasts. After the transfer,we’re your breasts NOTICIBLLY fuller/fatter/bigger? I was assuming yes,he,the doc. Will take more fat and place it bc as you said it might take multiple sessions but I guess the fat re-absorbs so that is why multiple times might be needed. I think I am mentor ultra high profile 320 cc’s and they look GREAT but bc they are under my muscle if I move or lift a certain way it’s hollow in my upper poles/chest. I don’t want monster cleavage. And how long did the surgery take? I am going for my pre-op check today. This time/day next week I’ll be getting done. Thank you very much for your input. What a journey,right!!!!🙂 Marlen

  • alicia63017
    alicia63017 Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2019

    Hi, I have a different fat grafting question. Did anyone (who had a preference) NOT get to choose from where the donor fat was taken? All along I was told I could choose then shortly before surgery the chief resident came in and said they would take it from the abdomen because I "had plenty there" and "positional convenience over the thighs." I wasn't going to cancel the surgery at that point but I was really disappointed. I had dieted and exercised over the last few months and lost 4 inches off my waist and 1/4 inch off each thigh. Those things are genetic and aren't going anywhere without outside help. I know it's not that big of a deal, and I'm lucky overall, but I feel kind of betrayed by my doctor. Anyone else have a similar experience?

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