An Exciting New Development in Breast Augmentation
Lots of women dream about having larger, fuller breasts, but not everyone likes the idea of breast implants.
One solution is breast fat grafting, which allows fat to be transferred from one part of the body and into the breasts. Now, a new technology promises to make this procedure even more effective, with incredible results.
The technology involves 3D printed ‘breast implants’ that are specially tailored to each woman’s body.
How do 3D printed breast implants work?
Well, first off, these aren’t breast implants in the traditional sense. They act more like scaffolding, around which to build the breasts. The implants are made out of bioabsorbable polymers and can be printed in various sizes and shapes to suit patients’ anatomies and needs. The polymers dissolve after a year meaning there’s no need to have surgery to remove the implants.
But what do they actually do? The 3D printed implants provide a structure, with a defined shape, which surgeons can use to guide fat grafting. The implants have a lattice design, meaning there are thousands of tiny grooves and holes into which fat can be deposited.
This is a more efficient way of grafting fat because it provides a precise roadmap for where the fat should be added. Currently when fat is grafted to the breast, it’s put into multiple planes so that it’s evenly distributed, but it’s harder to shape.
The new possibilities with 3D breast implants
What’s really exciting about this new technology is that it will allow women to achieve larger breasts through natural fat grafting than is possible at the moment. That’s because the implant acts as a tissue expander and can be used to create a bigger pocket into which fat can be transplanted.
Patients who have thick or tight skin on their breasts have previously been limited to how big they can go - it all depends on how much fat the surgeon can get into the breast. And if the skin is too taught, it cuts off circulation and the fat doesn’t survive.
However, by placing the 3D printed breast implant on top of the muscles, it can stretch the skin. And there are more blood vessels and better blood circulation here, which helps the fat to survive.
3D printed breast implants aren’t only useful for breast augmentations, they can also be used for breast reconstruction surgery. If a patient has undergone a mastectomy and had a breast removed, the implant can be inserted under the skin to both stretch it and create a scaffold for transplanting fat. The implant can be printed to replicate the shape and size of the remaining breast.
What are the results with 3D printed breast implants?
The big benefit of 3D printed breast implants is that they can be produced to exact specifications, meaning you can choose the ideal shape and volume. With traditional silicone implants, although there is a big range, you’re limited to what’s available ‘off the shelf’.
Being able to print the implant to your requirements means you can really customise the end result. And not only do you get the perfect breast outline, you get it without the firmer tone that comes with standard implants.
Once the 3D printed breast implant has dissolved, all you’re left with is the grafted fat, which looks, feels and behaves totally naturally.
Another plus point of the technology is that it encourages the growth of new tissue and collagen, further enhancing your results.
When will 3D printed breast implants be available?
Not just yet. The first clinical trials of the ‘Senella scaffold’ developed by BellaSeno are scheduled to begin in Germany before the end of the year. They are yet to be clinically approved, however, according to the company, preclinical studies have had promising results.
“Preclinical studies have shown that the scaffolds slowly get absorbed by the body while the patient’s own tissue forms synchronously. After the scaffold has been fully resorbed, the preclinical trials show that the end-result is natural breast tissue with no foreign body remnants,” they say.
Looks like we’ll just have to watch this space. But until then, we can still create amazing results with fat grafting. Ocean Clinic’s Head Surgeon Dr. Kaye is an expert in the field and is highly skilled at sculpting beautiful, shapely breasts with transplanted fat.
The procedure is especially effective in women who have lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss or just ageing. Learn more about our all-natural breast augmentation or contact Ocean Clinic for a consultation.