Use Fat to Improve Flexure Deformity in Implant Reconstruction?

asked 1 year ago by Autodidact in Half Moon Bay
Latest answer by Peter E. Johnson, MD
Question viewed 412 times
Tags: breasts, upper pole

I had a skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy with silicone implant reconstruction. My result is generally beautiful--except when I flex my chest muscles or bend over. Then, there is lack of fullness in the "upper pole" and ugly rippling. I'm 58, my breasts were reduced from DD to medium C during the procedure, and my implants are moderate profile, just under 300 cc. Do you think fat could improve my result? Thanks for your replies.

6 answers to Use Fat to Improve Flexure Deformity in Implant Reconstruction?

Fat grafts to improve breast implant reconstruction

When the breast tissue and fat under the skin flap is removed to treat breast cancer or an at risk breast, the implant is now closer to the skin surface and ripples and flexion deformities are more easily seen as the implant shows through. Fat grafts are very helpful in filling the upper portion of the breast, and improving the cover over the implant. In order to properly fill and disperse the grafts it may take more than one session but the results can be rewarding. Best of luck... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Fat injections not first choice for muscle flexion deformity with implant

The problem you are describing has a specific cause, which is the muscle pulling on the scar capsule around the implants. If it was purely a shape or contour problem without any distortion from flexing the muscle, fat grafts might be a very good choice. When there is a muscle flexion distortion the most effective technique for reconstruction patients is the use of an acellular dermal matrix such as Alloderm. This would also provide better coverage and support so there should be less... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Fat injections for contour irregularity after breast reconstruction

You may get a good cosmetic improvement from fat injections to improve a depression. See a board-certified plastic surgeon whose specialty is breast reconstruction, in consultation, to determine if this is safe for you and what the risks are in terms of ongoing ability to follow you for oncologic reasons.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Fat grafting and breast reconstruction

Fat grafting is quickly becoming a go to procedure to be able to improve the cosmesis of reconstructive operations. The upper pole (upper breast) is often deficient after most breast reconstructions and fat grafting is an excellent method to improve this issue.

Delio Ortegon, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction

The use of fat fraft in correcting minor and major deformities of the breast after breast reconstruction is very commonly used and is an effective method to fill the upper pole of the reconstructed breast.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Ugly rippling of Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy

Regarding: "Use Fat to Improve Flexure Deformity in Implant Reconstruction? I had a skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy with silicone implant reconstruction. My result is generally beautiful--except when I flex my chest muscles or bend over. Then, there is lack of fullness in the "upper pole" and ugly rippling. I'm 58, my breasts were reduced from DD to medium C during the procedure, and my implants are moderate profile, just under 300 cc. Do you think fat could... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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