Reverse lipofilling for breast reconstruction
The key facts
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About the treatment
Reverse lipofilling is a modern method of natural breast reconstruction using the patient's own fat, either alone or in combination with an implant.
In the first step, straight after the mastectomy, a tissue expander is inserted as a spacer. Over several stages, the body's own fat is then removed from other areas of the body (e.g. abdomen, thighs or flanks), processed and injected into the breast.
After each fat transfer, the expander is emptied slightly. This gradually creates a new breast consisting exclusively of the patient's own tissue. Once sufficient fat has been transferred and the desired shape has been achieved, the expander is removed.
For smaller breasts, this may be sufficient for an aesthetically harmonious result. In some cases, an implant is also used to achieve greater volume with the previous fat transfer providing excellent soft tissue coverage for a natural-looking shape.
Typical areas of application
- To balance out irregularities or indentations in the breast area following reconstruction surgery with implants or the patient’s own tissue
- To improve skin and tissue quality, e.g. after radiotherapy
- To correct the appearance of a scar
- Volume compensation for minor breast defects or partial reconstructions
- For breast augmentation or lifting to achieve symmetry. In some specific cases, this technique is used for complete breast reconstruction, usually for small breast volumes and when sufficient donor fat is available
When is it recommended?
- When improvement using natural tissue is preferred over an artificial or foreign material
- When a patient has preliminary operations or radiotherapy, to make the tissue softer and more elastic
- As a complementary method to other reconstruction techniques
- When patients have sufficient fat reserves in other areas of the body
- When only minor changes in volume are necessary and a minimally invasive solution is preferred
"For us, the focus of every reconstruction lies in restoring your quality of life – completely, precisely and individually."
FAQs
What will my breast(s) feel like afterwards?
A breast reconstructed with your own fat feels significantly softer and more natural than a breast reconstructed exclusively with implants.
The additional layer of fat provides better coverage for any implants that may have been inserted, resulting in a more harmonious and natural appearance.
If no implant is used at all, the breast feels particularly soft and natural – without any foreign body sensation.
How many operations can be expected?
If an implant is also to be inserted, four procedures are usually necessary:
- Mastectomy and insertion of the expander
- First fat transfer injection – the expander is emptied slightly during this procedure
- Second fat transfer injection – the expander is partially emptied again
- Third fat transfer injection during which the expander is also removed and the implant is inserted
If the breast is to be reconstructed exclusively with the patient's own fat, it may be necessary to perform more than three lipofilling treatments.
Please note that health insurance companies generally cover up to three sessions.
Is reverse lipofilling suitable for every breast?
Reverse lipofilling alone (without additional implants) is particularly suitable for women with smaller breasts, since larger breasts would require too many fat transplants.
When combined with an implant, however, this method is suitable for many patients and offers a particularly natural shape and feel.
Nevertheless, if radiotherapy is planned, we recommend reconstruction using the patient's own tissue, as this is usually the better option in such cases.
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