Fat that has been removed from your body during liposuction can be safely and effectively used to increase the size of the breasts for cosmetic purposes, a study shows. This contradicts previous findings which led to the banning of breast augmentation with fat injection over a decade ago, as it was deemed unsafe with unpredictable results.
Surgeons are already using liposuctioned fat for women who have undergone a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breasts usually as a treatment for breast cancer). However, this is for reconstructive, rather than cosmetic purposes. For cosmetic purposes, fat injection is believed to be dangerous since the fat may contribute to the production of cancer cells in existing breast tissue. However, the 50-women study, led by a Florida-based plastic surgeon, disproves this as long as a specially designed device to promote natural breast tissue growth is used.
This device, called the BRAVA Breast Enhancement and Shaping System, is sort of like a suction pump that’s worn on the breasts. The suctioning capability boosts volume by facilitating blood vessels growth in the area. The device was worn by the participants and it was considered key in achieving the successful results (and yes, it was invented by the same plastic surgeon who conducted the study).
More research is required before breast augmentation with fat can be approved as safe and effective.