Lipofilling for breast reconstruction is essentially a four-stage process:

1. The area of the body with excess fat is identified and prepared for surgery
2. A thin tube (or cannula) is inserted underneath the skin, allowing fatty tissue to be extracted and stored. The surgery is generally performed under general anaesthetic
3. The extracted fat is spun in a centrifuge which separates the fat cells from any other liquid mass that has been extracted along with the fat
4. The pure fat is then injected into the area where greater volume, mass or structure is required

Lipofilling: risks to be aware of

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and limitations. The key to success with a lipofilling operation is ensuring that there is sufficient blood flow to the implanted fat cells. They need blood to survive so there must be a plentiful supply of blood vessels in the host area, and not too much fat implanted otherwise it will just be absorbed by the body.

Lipofilling represents a large part of my reconstructive work at the Royal Marsden Hospital. Although it is very rare to be able to produce a total breast reconstruction just using fat, it is often performed in combination with implants or a DIEP or TMG Flap procedure to smooth out the edges and add more volume as required.

My cosmetic breast surgery practice requires a high degree of aesthetic expertise which I deploy in my reconstructive work to ensure the very best possible results for my patients.