Todd K. Malan, M.D.
SmartLipoSurgery.com
Scottsdale, AZ
Jeffrey Caruth, M.D.
(972) 985-8080
PlanoAesthetics.com
Plano, TX
Victoria L. Falcone, D.O.
1-877-HDF-LIPO
PhysicianBodySolutions.com
Philadelphia, PA
Natural Breast Augmentation FAQs
Q: What is a Natural Breast Augmentation?Fat is the major component of the female breast which gives it shape and volume. The Natural Breast Augmentation is a procedure which utilizes a patients own fat to create a volume increase. This procedure is a natural alternative to a traditional augmentation which uses either a saline or silicone implant. This procedure is ideal for patients who are seeking a one to two cup size increase or looking to restore lost volume as a result of breast feeding, weight loss or normal aging.
This procedure first gained attention in the mid eighties but had limited success due to poor harvesting techniques and limited technology. Fat however, continued to gain attention and greater research due to it's abundance of adult stem cells and the potential it presents for regenerative therapies. Recent advances in fat harvesting technology coupled with greater knowledge have created new opportunities to once again use fat as the preferred method to permanently enlarge the breast.
Small tubes called cannulas are used to gently harvest fat from unwanted areas which are resistant to diet and exercise. The fat is cleaned and concentrated enabling the stem cells to be enriched for greater survival. The fat is meticulously injected into the breast creating a fuller natural looking result. Unlike implants, fat transfer requires no breast incisions, never ruptures or needs to be replaced and does not interfere with mammograms.
The Natural Breast Augmentation procedure has proven effective in multiple scientific studies. This procedure requires extensive training and a high level of expertise. There are few doctors currently in the United States trained to offer the Natural Breast Augmentation.
Tip: Breast Augmentation with either implants or fat transfer does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, any surgery on the breast can cause scar tissue which can make a mammogram more difficult to clearly interpret. You should always have a baseline mammogram done prior to any breast surgery as well as continuing to have annual mammograms after surgery regardless of your age.
Q: I have heard that this procedure is controversial?
For 20 years the major U.S. Plastic Surgery society denounced Fat Transfer to the Breast as a dangerous procedure. This decision was based on technology and techniques used 20 years ago. Recent developments and results from our patients prompted the recent lift on this ban in March 2009. Many Plastic Surgeons are unaware of the new and improved techniques or of the recent lifting of this ban and still advise patients against this procedure. The common myths you will hear from doctors who have not followed these recent changes are;
1. Myth: Most of the fat doesn't survive so more than one surgery is needed
Truth: New techniques have proven an 85-90% fat survival. Stem cell techniques have shown fat survival to be even higher. The alternative breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years and problems such as scarring and rupture are common.
2. Myth: Calcifications caused by the surgery can interfere with mammograms
Truth: Studies have proven that newer digital mammograms can easily evaluate calcifications in the breast whereas the alternative procedures, Breast Implants, block more than 1/2 of the breast from the view of mammograms.
Anyone who desires a permanent increase in breast size that is natural in appearance. The Natural Breast Augmentation is ideal for the person who has lost fullness in her breast due to age, weight fluctuations, and breast feeding. A 1-2 cup size increase and more fullness are expected from this procedure. However the person who would not be happy with anything less that a 2-3 cup size increase should consider Breast Implants.
Q: Is this similar to the Stem Cell Breast Augmentations being used in Japan?Yes, we offer stem cell enhanced fat transfer to improve fat survival.
Q: Can any cosmetic surgeon perform this procedure?
Following the recent lifting of the ban on this procedure many doctors have begun offering fat transfer to the breast surgery. The lift on the ban was due in part to Dr. Malan's technique and Dr. Malan trains doctors world wide in his procedure. In fact Dr. Malan is the first and only certified training course for doctors in the U.S. Unless the doctor has been trained by Dr. Malan they are likely using the old techniques that caused the ban 20 years ago. Doctors trained by Dr. Malan are listed on NaturalAugmentation.com
These doctors have been trained in the newer techniques but Dr. Malan is the only doctor in the U.S. to also utilize the stem cell techniques at this time.
Q: What if I don't really need liposuction but still want a Natural Breast Augmentation?New advances in Stem Cell Therapy allows women with very little fat to still benefit from this procedure.
