Are there complications in breast augmentation with fat grafting?

In this article, let’s explore some of the study-based complications that occur when patients undergo cosmetic breast augmentation with fat grafting. Note that breast augmentation with fat grafting is used as an alternative to breast implants. But evaluating risk rates of fat transfer breast augmentation complications can always help dispel doubts. All you need is the skill of a trusted surgeon. Let’s read more. 

1 – Risk of infection

Although the use of fat grafts is minimally invasive because it requires on-spot injections rather than surgical incisions, there may be some potential complications. But these are limited to the local site. These include lack of structural integrity, formation of lumps, infection, development of fat or oil cysts, fat emboli, and mammogram interference.

Many of these complications result from injection and placement techniques used by plastic surgeons; that is why it is vital to choose a highly qualified, experienced doctor.

2 – Formation of knots

By knots, it means that you may feel some lumps in places. A lump in breast enlargement is another common complication after a fat graft. Many factors can cause it, and its occurrence should be taken seriously. During this procedure, fat cells are collected from a donor site and processed as living tissue before being injected into the breasts.

If this procedure is performed incorrectly, the fat cells cannot survive, resulting in necrotic adipose tissue leading to uneven contouring on the breasts. It is an eminent surgeon who can perform the job effectively to cause minimum risks to patients. 

3 – Entry of fat droplets

This is an extremely rare complication resulting from breast augmentation with a fat graft, that is, growth. A fat embolism occurs when large amounts of fat droplets enter the bloodstream, potentially traveling to different areas of the body. This is rare and is only caused by superficial syringe liposuction during a breast augmentation procedure. 

The best thing to do when you need to avoid any complications is – choose the right doctor. An experienced surgeon will perform an operation that results in minimum risks. 

4 – There is a feeling of heaviness 

Your fat-transfer breast augmentation procedure may have some additional risks. For example, this procedure will probably be done using local anesthesia. It is like any other operation. But for most people, local anesthesia is very low-risk and considered very safe.

However, later side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, numbness, and heaviness may occur.

It is, therefore, smart to speak to a plastic surgeon before the procedure and make sure you have a clear understanding of each step. Tell them about your medical history and any concerns you have.

Final word

After reading this article, you may know that the complication rate after breast augmentation with fat grafting is low and supports fat grafting as an alternative to breast augmentation with implants. Though the rate of radiologic changes is high after fat grafting, these changes have no clinical consequences for patients.