$Unique_ID{BRK01900}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Breast Enlargement with My Own Fat Tissue Safe?}
$Subject{operate operation operations silicone implant implant surgery
surgeries breast breasts fat tissue tissues cell cells enlarge enlargement
liposuction mammography cancer cancers cancerous safe safety hazard hazards
danger dangers}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Breast*0002601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Breast Enlargement with My Own Fat Tissue Safe?


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QUESTION:  I have heard of a new operation that was invented to replace the
silicone implant surgery to create a bigger breast.  It uses the patient's own
extra fat tissue, of which I have more than enough, taken from one part of the
body and then placed in the breast to add shape.  Would you recommend this
operation to your patients who requested it?

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ANSWER:  I am afraid not, for the preliminary information I have about this
procedure doesn't come up to standards.  It certainly looks good on paper, but
turns out to be less than desirable in actual practice.  The idea is to take
those extra unwanted fats cells, from the thighs, hips or buttocks, using a
surgical technique called liposuction.  After a process of purification, the
cells are injected into the natural fatty layer that lies between the breast
tissue, and the underlying layer of muscle.  The problem is that without
their own blood supply, not enough of these cells survive to achieve the
desired results.  In some cases, the cells are transformed into a scar or
become calcified, which can then interfere with mammography tests that are
used to screen for breast cancer.  The procedure is still considered to be in
its experimental stages, and I would not recommend it for patients under my
care.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.