Has anyone had this done in the last few years? There are some older threads about it, but advances are being made all the time & I’m interested in hearing some recent-ish experiences. How did it turn out for you at the donor site & the goal of smoothing lines or increasing volume in the breast?
Following my lumpectomy & partial breast radiotherapy, what was already my smaller side, is now ever so slightly less ‘full’ when I bend forward. Not really noticeable at any other time at present, but I’d like to learn about the impact of fat transfer, both good side & any unwanted after effects. I’d love to plump out the treated boob, if it needs it later, but does it come at the expense of more scars, uneven areas at the donor site, lumpiness, hardening etc.?
Your experiences please…
I’m a slightly built, Size 8-10, with a ‘C’ cup.
Xx
I have recently had lipo grafting/modelling, my last operation was last August.
I want to be honest with you but also remind you that everyone’s situation is different.
Some background information first, I had 2 lumpectomy’s, the second one due to unclear margins. By the time they had operated on me a second time and radiotherapy I was about 2 cup sizes smaller than my healthy breast and it was the breast care nurse that suggested I look into reconstruction.
First I had a perforated flap operation, taking fat from under my armpit, twisting it and inserting it into my breast, unfortunately that failed and the fat died. It was then suggested I had lipo grafting. Like you I wasn’t sure what it entailed etc. I have had 3 lipo grafting operations but they haven’t worked for me, the fat which was inserted into my breast from just below my stomach had also died.
As for the operations, I found them to be fine. They took some fat from 2 of my sides, level with my belly button. It was painful from the donor site but not as bad as I had already read. My breast was fine, hardly any pain. If it had worked for me I would have definitely said go ahead etc. Unfortunately, they didn’t work and I’m left with a breast which is still small but now has fat necrosis and cysts so it’s hard for me to know what’s what when checking for lumps.
Saying all that, I don’t want to put you off giving it a go. You should have a better outcome because you have got less to fill.
Sorry it’s not more positive for you but like I said, mine was a different situation to yours.
I hope whatever you choose it works for you. Take care xx
Thank you so much for lending me your experience. I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you. You are right in saying I would need much less, a really small amount I think, because the difference is maybe half a cup size or less, but your experience means I will discuss the possible outcomes in great detail. What are people’s experiences of the scarring at the donor site like? I have heard some people talk about being lumpy and uneven afterwards and I really don’t want any more parts of me I’m conscious of. The difference between my breasts so far, I think is only noticeable to me, and only when I bend forward, and I would like to improve it but not at any cost. xx
I think it’s a good idea to discuss it with your team. My experience won’t be your experience and if someone was in my situation I would advise against it but that’s just because it hasn’t worked for me.
My donor sites are a bit lumpy but I guess it depends where they are talking the fat from, mine was from just above the hip, under my knicker line and it is absolutely fine, doesn’t bother me at all.
My problem has been my breast and the fat dieing causing fat necrosis and cysts. For me it’s been hard telling what’s a lump I need to worry about or just fat necrosis, even the breast care staff couldn’t tell so had a few biopsys already and thankfully they have been fine but I already have a new lump that I’m unsure about.
Saying all that, it’s just my experience and maybe I’ve been unlucky. Again, you have less to fill so yours might be a lot better.
It’s a tough decision I think so make sure you do speak to your team, you are more then welcome to explain what’s happened to me and your concerns but I really do want you to remember I was in a different position to what your in.
Thank you, yes I understand we are all totally different so, I suppose that’s why I would like to gather as many experiences as I can here, from people in lots of different positions. Thank you so much for sharing yours. xx