Breast Lipomodelling

This intervention consists in performing a Lipostructure^® of the breast to give the effect of increased volume.

Principle

As for other forms of lipostructuring, the fat is removed with the help of mini-cannulas from different parts of the body (belly, hips, knees, thighs, etc.) to be re-injected in the breast after purification via centrifugation.

Sometimes (if the skin is not very supple) the breast can be prepared one month in advance by placing a device (BRAVA – Breast Enhancement and Shaping System) that aspirates the breast in a suction cup to distend the skin and allow a larger quantity of fat to be implanted.

Some of the fat cells (about half) will “take”, the rest will be reabsorbed by the body.

Limitations of the intervention

Experimentally (in mice) it has been noticed that the fat can cause a more rapid development of existing cancerous cells (the procedure does not give one breast cancer but if the cancer exists it can develop faster).

Consequently, the SOFCPRE recommends reserving this operation for cases in which there is little chance of hiding breast cancer, i.e. in patients younger than 35 years of age and with no history of breast cancer and requesting a mammogram before and after the operation.

Another restriction on this operation; the increase in breast volume is very small (corresponding to a very small prosthesis) and patients with small breasts often have very little fat to give from other parts of their bodies.

The operation

• It is performed under general anaesthetic.
• Generally as day surgery.
• The operation lasts for two to four hours depending on the quantity and site of the fat to be removed.
• It often requires more than one operation (first on the belly then on the back).

After the operation

• The sequels are fairly simple with various aches and pains.
• Unlike prostheses there are no forbidden movements.
• This intervention may be repeated several times.