Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Fat and Stem Cells

The after photo shows the result actually achieved by the treatment. To protect the anonymity of the depicted person individual physical characteristics (e.g., moles, tattoos) might have been removed.

If a tumor in the breast is detected the most important step to do is to determine whether it is a benign or malignant growth. The focus then is on tumor removal and lifesaving medical treatment steps.

The removal of a breast tumor frequently results in a breast deformation or deviation in shape, meaning additional suffering for women affected. The psychological strain should not be underestimated: An unequal or uneven breast, dents on the breast surface, sometimes also the removal of a nipple or an asymmetric breast – all those things traumatize and remind affected women day by day of the incurred fears and the overcome exceptional situation.

Many women pose the question: What can I do to get a natural breast shape after tumor removal again? Many patients concerned strictly object to silicone implants, because they are an unnatural foreign body. The patient’s own (autologous) fat and stem cells offer a gentle, natural alternative to breast reconstruction with silicone and complex flap transplants (e.g., DIEP flap and TRAM flap) performed in general anesthesia.

Procedure of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction with autologous fat and stem cells is carried out on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia and take approx. 2 to 4 hours. The autologous fat required for reconstruction is extracted by hand using liposuction in a way that is gentle to the tissue. Afterwards the fat is injected into the breast either untreated or optionally after enrichment with autologous stem cells.

Depending on the condition of the breast after partial or complete breast removal its reconstruction has to be carried out in several surgical steps. The question “How much fat can be injected into my breast in one surgery session?” is often raised. Due to medical history it is important in breast reconstructions to adopt a cautious approach. The quantity of fat inserted may be only as huge as the remaining breast is able to absorb because the pressure must not get too high. In the scope of a removal of breast tissue in tumor resections breast tissue is reduced surgically. As a consequence the breast’s volumetric capacity is smaller than those of an untreated breast. Thus in breast reconstructions with autologous fat it is necessary to undergo several treatment sessions because the breast formation happens step by step.

It can be useful to wear a pre-stretching/post-stretching mechanical suction bra (BRAVA Suction Bra, but also available from other manufacturers) between the surgery appointments. In each treatment session only the amount of fat is implanted that the breast operated on is capable of accommodating. The condition aimed for is usually achieved after one to three surgical interventions.

Natural Breast Volume

I was particularly impressed by the caring and calming presence of the team. This was very important for me to get through the procedure.

Mrs. K.

After breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat normally a large part of the new breast volume is retained for years. After reaching the target volume refreshments are therefore mostly unnecessary. Does stem cell-enrichment constitute the better option compared to a standard lipotransfer? According to recent scientific research the implantation of additional stem cells promotes the development of small blood vessels and thus improves the durability of the injected fat.

The results of breast reconstruction with autologous fat and stem cells impress with their naturalness. Since the additional volume consists exclusively of your body’s own “material”, the augmented breast feels absolutely “real” and looks natural in any posture. This is a great advantage compared to silicone, and this is exactly why more and more women worldwide decide for autologous fat.