Newswise — After 20 years of debate and controversy over fat grafting to the breast finally it has gotten the seal of approval from the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). It was largely due to the contributions of the lead author, Dr. Roger K. Khouri, MD, FACS of the Miami Breast Center, a pioneer in breast reconstruction and natural breast enhancement.
The May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the ASPS, published a new study that "shows that Brava breast expansion enables the transfer of large volumes of fat in a single session safely and effectively while ensuring a very high survival rate, with augmentation volumes comparable to implants and the added benefit of a more natural appearance and feel."
Fat transfer to the breast has become increasingly popular in recent years and has been experimented with by several plastic surgeons only to find that the volume of fat that can be transferred is limited with low rates of fat surviving. The study noted that "preparation of the recipient breast by external expansion is the key missing ingredient."
Traditional Method
During a fat transfer to the breast procedure, fat is obtained by liposuction from one part of the body and transferred to the breast. On average only about 55 percent of the transplanted fat survives. The reason is simply that there is not enough room within the breast for the fat to survive and thrive.
The Key Missing Ingredient
In Dr. Khouri's procedure, BRAVA + AFT (autologous fat transfer), the patient first undergoes "pre-expansion" by wearing BRAVA, the special suction-pump bra, a few weeks before surgery. During this time BRAVA gradually expands the breast through gentle vacuum pressure creating extra room in the breast. This expansion also generates a matrix or fibrovascular scaffold internally that is an ideal recipient for the transplanted fat cells. BRAVA is also worn for at least one week after surgery. The results measured by MRI scans before and after surgery show an average fat survival of 80 percent.
Dr. Khouri also has a variation of this technique for breast reconstruction patients with amazing results.
The Comparison One Year Later
Furthermore, the study showed that after one year, women who underwent the BRAVA + AFT procedure, had their breast volume increased by an average of 230 cc. Fat transplantation alone without pre-expansion, according to previous studies, had an average breast volume increase of only 130 cc. Other plastic surgeons have reported similarly good results using the BRAVA external tissue expander.
They debate has been laid to rest. BRAVA provides the optimal conditions for successful fat transfer to the breast allowing greater augmentation than fat transfer alone.
If you're looking for natural breast augmentation or if you're a breast cancer patient looking for a natural breast reconstruction with fat transfer Dr. Khouri's breakthrough, proven technique is your answer. He has helped hundreds of women who don't want implants, nor major surgery, with his minimally invasive outpatient procedure. There are no cuts nor incisions, no scars, quick recovery (3-5 days), and you're left with natural sensate breasts without major surgery.
About the Miami Breast Center
Miami Breast Center is leading the way with a scientifically-proven third option for breast reconstruction and a more natural alternative for breast augmentation and correction. It was founded by Roger K. Khouri, MD, FACS, a world-renowned plastic surgeon and pioneer in fat transfer to breast and reconstructive microsurgery.
Dr. Khouri conducts fat grafting workshop courses where he trains plastic surgeons from around the world on his innovative breast techniques. He has the world's best documented experience on the subject. In 2010 he was awarded the best scientific presentation at the Annual Meeting of the European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS).