Lipofilling breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently requested breast surgeries, to give the breasts more volume. The aim is to treat an acquired or constitutive volume defect, to gain in harmony or sensuality.

The principle of breast lipostructure or breast lipofilling is to first remove excess fat from another part of the body, through liposuction.

This fat is then reinjected into the breast tissue: this is also known as fat autografting.

There is therefore no risk of rejection. On the other hand, lipostructure does not allow for significant augmentation: the quantity of fat injected is limited to the risk of necrosis, and it can be resorbed up to 30% after the procedure. On average, this method allows you to gain one cup size.

However, it is possible to undergo several procedures to obtain larger breasts.

This technique is therefore indicated to treat moderate hypotrophy, moderate breast asymmetry or to perfect the result of breast augmentation with implants.

It has three main advantages:

• it is less invasive than breast augmentation with prostheses;
• it is accompanied by liposuction on a part of the body weighed down by fat, resulting in a 2-in-1 effect on the silhouette;
• the injected fat has a volumizing and trophic role, resulting in even more beautiful, rejuvenated skin on the breasts.

Before a breast lipofilling procedure, Dr Christelle Santini systematically sees the patient during an initial consultation, during which she performs a clinical examination with palpation of the breasts to ensure that there are no abnormalities and to assess the feasibility of the operation (sufficient fat reserve). She also takes the opportunity to ask you about your medical history and bra size, and listens carefully to your needs.

It is essential to have no personal or family history of breast cancer.

In France, breast lipofilling is highly regulated: the Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique et Esthétique (SOFCPRE) only authorizes the technique under certain conditions, to minimize the risk of coincidence with breast cancer. That's why Dr Santini will prescribe a breast ultrasound and mammogram to rule out any abnormality (ACR1 or ACR2).

It is strongly recommended to have a follow-up imaging check-up one year after the operation, preferably with the same radiologist, and to be regularly monitored by a physician.

So that you can make an informed decision, Dr. Santini takes the time to inform you about the procedure and its limitations, including the post-operative consequences and the main risks, which are very rare.

She will also prescribe a pre-operative check-up: patients must meet their anaesthetist no later than 48 hours before surgery, to enable her to carry out additional tests if necessary.
It is also recommended to :

• Do not take any medication containing aspirin for 10 days prior to surgery, with the cardiologist's agreement;
• Stop taking oral contraceptives 1 month before surgery to reduce the risk of thromboembolism;
• Stop smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after surgery to facilitate fat graft uptake.
• Fasting (diet, hydration and smoking) 6 hours before the operation.

Patients must remain under the supervision of medical staff for a full day. A 24-hour hospital stay is therefore required to monitor your post-operative state of health.

Breast lipofilling also requires general anesthesia.

Dr. Santini will begin the operation by removing fat from the chosen area (abdomen, thighs, saddlebags, etc.). Liposuction is performed using a micro cannula, in an area of the body where there is an excess of fat cells. The fat is then centrifuged for several minutes to remove all impurities.

Finally, Dr. Santini injects micro-particles of fat by making micro-incisions of 1 to 2 mm in the sub-breast fold. In this way, she will cover the volumes harmoniously, ensuring optimal contact between the fat graft and the underlying tissues.

Your breast lipofilling operation takes about 2 hours.

Sutures are not systematically used: a steristrip may suffice to keep the micro-incisions used for lipostructure closed.

Breast lipofilling sometimes causes side effects, such as edema or bruising, both in the breasts and in the areas where the fat has been removed. Bruising will fade within 2 weeks. Swelling may take longer (1 to 3 months).

Pain is usually moderate, however, and easily soothed by painkillers.

Patients will be able to see the final results between the 4th and 6th month, and will be delighted to observe a considerable improvement in the shape of their breasts, with a trophic effect on the skin.

It is very important to wear a prescribed compression bra or medical bodysuit for 6 weeks afterwards. This will limit the risk of tissue detachment, and optimize fat tissue uptake. It is estimated that ¼ to 1/3 of the fat injected can be resorbed: this is why the result on leaving the operating room should never be used as a reference.

• Natural result with no foreign bodies and no risk of rejection
• No visible scars
• Minimally invasive breast augmentation, suitable for moderate breast enlargement
• Technique reserved for women with no family history of breast cancer and normal breast imaging
• Combined liposuction for a 2-in-1 effect on the silhouette, but assuming sufficient fat reserve
• Follow-up every year after breast lipofilling

Lipofilling uses the patient's own fat to restore volume to the face, breasts or buttocks. Results are visible rapidly, as soon as post-operative swelling subsides, around 1 to 3 months after the procedure.

The effects are long-lasting, as some of the transferred fat remains permanently, although a small percentage is naturally reabsorbed.

What to do before breast augmentation with Lipofilling?

• 1 to 2 plastic surgery consultations with a quote and photographs. A 15-day cooling-off period is mandatory.
• Consultation with anaesthetist, blood test, mammogram +/- breast ultrasound obligatory
• Stop smoking at least 1 month before, stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs 10 days before breast lipofilling.

How is breast augmentation lipofilling performed?

• Breast lipofilling is performed under general anaesthetic
• Liposuction of donor areas and purification of fat to be reinjected
• 2 to 2.5 hours for breast augmentation by lipofilling
• Return home the next day or the same day.

What is the post-operative course of breast augmentation lipofilling?

• Follow-up consultation with your plastic surgeon 7 to 10 days after lipofilling
• No sutures to remove (steristrip or absorbable sutures)
• Allow 7 to 10 days' vacation (no CNAM sick leave)
• 4 to 6 weeks off sport
• Final result of breast lipofilling after 6 months
• Medical follow-up every year after breast augmentation by aesthetic lipofilling