Lipofilling (Fat Grafting)
Fat Grafting (Lipofilling) of the Breast
Fat grafting, also known as lipofilling, is an advanced reconstructive technique that uses a patient’s own fat tissue to improve breast shape, contour, symmetry, and volume. The procedure involves carefully harvesting fat from another area of the body using liposuction techniques, processing the fat, and then strategically injecting it into the breast or chest area.
Fat grafting is commonly used in both breast reconstruction and revision breast surgery to help improve contour irregularities, restore soft tissue volume, and enhance cosmetic outcomes following breast cancer treatment or reconstructive procedures.
A/Prof Farid Meybodi utilises modern reconstructive and oncoplastic techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy, surgical history, and treatment goals.
Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction
Fat grafting can play an important role in breast reconstruction following lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction surgery. It may be performed alone in selected situations or combined with implant-based or flap reconstruction techniques.
Lipofilling may help:
- improve breast contour and symmetry
- restore soft tissue volume
- soften areas affected by radiation therapy
- improve transitions between the chest wall and reconstructed breast
- enhance overall cosmetic outcomes
Because the procedure uses the patient’s own tissue, fat grafting can provide a natural look and feel while helping refine reconstructive results over time.
Contour Correction & Volume Enhancement
Following breast cancer surgery or reconstruction, some patients may experience contour irregularities, volume loss, indentation, or asymmetry. Fat grafting can help improve these areas by restoring volume and smoothing transitions within the breast or chest wall.
Common areas addressed may include:
- lumpectomy defects
- implant edges or rippling
- upper pole hollowing
- contour irregularities following reconstruction
- chest wall depressions or asymmetry
Treatment is highly individualised based on the amount of volume required, skin quality, prior surgery, and previous radiation treatment.
Post-Cancer Asymmetry
Breast cancer treatment can sometimes lead to changes in breast shape, size, or symmetry following surgery and radiation therapy. Fat grafting may be used to improve breast balance and restore a more natural appearance after treatment.
Lipofilling may be particularly beneficial for patients who experience:
- breast volume loss after lumpectomy
- asymmetry following reconstruction
- tissue tightness or thinning after radiation
- contour deformities after breast conservation surgery
The goal is to help optimise both aesthetic outcomes and overall confidence while maintaining a personalised and cancer-focused treatment approach.
Revision Breast Surgery
Fat grafting is commonly used in revision breast surgery to refine and improve previous reconstructive or cosmetic breast procedures. It may be performed as a staged procedure following reconstruction or implant surgery to enhance long-term outcomes.
Revision procedures may involve:
- correction of contour irregularities
- softening of reconstructed breasts
- improvement of implant visibility or rippling
- enhancement of symmetry
- restoration of volume deficiencies
Multiple treatment sessions may occasionally be recommended depending on the desired outcome and how much fat survives after transfer.
The Procedure
Fat grafting is typically performed under general anaesthesia or sedation depending on the extent of treatment. Fat is gently harvested using liposuction techniques from areas such as:
- abdomen
- thighs
- flanks
- hips
The fat is then processed and carefully injected into targeted areas of the breast or chest using specialised techniques designed to maximise fat survival and achieve smooth, natural contouring.
Because a portion of transferred fat may naturally be reabsorbed by the body over time, some patients may require more than one procedure to achieve the desired result.
Recovery After Fat Grafting
Recovery varies depending on the extent of liposuction and fat transfer performed. Patients may experience temporary:
- swelling
- bruising
- discomfort
- firmness within treated areas
Most patients are able to gradually return to normal activities over the following weeks, although recovery recommendations are tailored to the specific procedure performed.
Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care are provided to support healing and optimise long-term outcomes.
Personalised Reconstructive Care
Every patient’s reconstructive journey is unique. A/Prof Farid Meybodi provides personalised treatment planning with careful consideration given to cancer treatment, reconstruction goals, breast symmetry, body contour, and long-term wellbeing.
Modern fat grafting and reconstructive techniques can help improve both aesthetic and functional outcomes while supporting confidence and quality of life following breast cancer treatment and reconstruction.
