- Aesthetic Breast Augmentation
- Congenital Breast Deformity
- Breast Implant Removal
- Post Radiation Deformity
- Mastectomy Reconstruction
- Lumpectomy Reconstruction
Fat has been successfully injected in small volumes for many years. Common indications have included improving scars, small contour irregularities from trauma or surgery and for aesthetic augmentation to areas such as the lips, cheeks or chin. In order to inject larger volumes of fat into areas such as the breast, there are two requirements:
Capacity – adequate space in which to inject the required volume of fat
Matrix – a healthy recipient site with adequate blood supply to allow the injected fat to “take”, or survive the expansion device has been developed to prepare the breast for fat transfer. Consistent negative pressure induces changes to the breast that result in both increased capacity and the development of a healthy fertile matrix. It is typically worn for three weeks prior to surgery. Most commonly, patients wear the expansion device for six consecutive hours a day.
The expansion device consists of two polyurethane domes that fit comfortably over each breast. The domes are attached to a suction pump that produces negative pressure within the domes.
Tension-Induced Tissue Growth Using the AFT System
The negative pressure results in a slow and gentle expansion of the tissues to create a larger and more receptive matrix in which the fat can be injected. The system is held in place by a comfortable sports bra. Successful fat transfer cannot occur without successful expansion of the breast. The progress of breast expansion may be followed clinically or with the use of three dimensional volume images. Once external expansion is complete, you will be ready to proceed with surgery. Fat transfer to the breast is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthesia. Liposuctioning is performed to areas of unwanted fat. The fat is prepared in syringes for injection into the breast. Injections are performed using small needles, so there are no scars placed on the breast. Following surgery, you will be placed into a sports bra and a compression garment will be applied to the areas where liposuction was performed. Swelling may be present for several weeks following surgery. The final result should be apparent after 2-3 months. Fat injection can typically produce an augmentation of approximately one cup size. If larger volumes are desired, then breast implants should be considered.
AFT Advantages
- Minimally invasive
- Outpatient procedure
- Uses your own tissue
- May be able to avoid use of implants
- Minimal or no scars
- Total body reshaping
