ASPS Cautions Against Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation

March 2 , 2007

Patients who wish to enhance their breast size should not do so with fat grafting due the lack of safety data and its potential to disrupt accurate breast cancer detection, recommends the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Fat grafting—also called lipoinjection—is a cosmetic procedure that involves the transfer of fat cells from one area of the body to another to augment or enhance the area. Consumers are increasingly gaining interest in fat grafting procedures for breast augmentation. However, little clinical evidence proves the efficacy or safety of fat grafting over saline or silicone breast implants.

Interferes With Cancer Detection

Additionally, fat grafting for breast enhancement can lead to a number of long-term problems including tissue scarring and calcification, which can mimic or hide a tumor during breast cancer screenings.

“Fat grafting has been around for more than twenty years, but many plastic surgeons have been skeptical of using it for breast augmentation because of safety issues such as distinguishing calcifications caused by fat grafting as opposed to those associated with breast cancer,” said President Elect of ASAPS Foad Nahai, MD. “We advise caution to women seeking fat grafting for this purpose and strongly support the ongoing research efforts that will establish the safety and efficacy of the procedure.”

Considering Breast Implants? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a trusted board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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