The concept of “natural” breast augmentation (breast augmentation with fat grafting) is commonly met with applause by both the media and many women who love the idea of taking unwanted fat from their buttocks and belly and putting it in their breasts. In reality, though, many questions remain about the possibility of breast augmentation using fat grafting, not the least of which is whether the augmentation process would result in too many suspicious lesions that may lead to unnecessary biopsies or may conceal breast cancer, leading to delayed diagnosis. Research published this month in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery seems to reassure on this point. In the article, researchers compare the number of suspicious lesions in breasts augmented with fat grafting to breasts after breast reduction. Radiologists in this study were asked to look at 50 mammograms, 27 after fat transfer, 23 after breast reduction. Overall, radiologists identified more suspicious lesions in breast reduction patients, including significantly more scarring and masses requiring biopsy in post breast reduction patients. BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting And Data System) scores were significantly higher and recommended follow-up time was significantly shorter for breast reduction patients. This important comparison with a breast procedure recognized as safe and effective, may help win approval for fat grafting breast augmentation. Results still remain an issue, as breast augmentation with fat grafting cannot yet match the results given using breast implants. To learn more about the best breast augmentation options for you, please schedule a consultation with Philadelphia board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David A. Bottger.