Episode 49: Fat Necrosis: What to Know and Look for in Breast Reconstruction

With any type of surgery there are risks and possible complications. We are tackling a topic on this episode of the DiepCJourney podcast that is frequently discussed in the community served at DiepCFoundation. I reached out to an expert in the field for our discussion on fat grafting in breast reconstruction.

Dr. Emily A. Williamson founded Plastic Surgery Northwest in Spokane Washington in 2010 after completing her surgical training at the prestigious University of Washington Plastic Surgery Residency. She works with a group of five other surgeons performing various aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures including autologous breast reconstruction like DIEP flap.

Preoperative patient education and counseling is imperative to minimize fears about fat grafting. Dr. Williams discusses how a skilled surgeon minimizes the occurrence of fat necrosis for both implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction. She describes how fat is utilized to achieve symmetry but also signs and symptoms of fat necrosis and what can be done for patients who develop this after a fat grafting procedure.

Recent study from France: Oncological Safety of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Cancer: A Case-control Study

Article from the Cleveland Clinic: Autologous Fat Grafting For Breast Reconstruction: Safe but Worrisome to Patients

Social Media Links for Dr. Emily A. Williamson:

Facebook: Plastic Surgery Northwest

Instagram: emilywilliamsmd