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Implants Removed, and Fat Transfer - Charlotte, NC

I had my implants removed and fat...

  • 21 Apr 2013

I had my implants removed and fat grafting/transfer to my breasts. I chose this procedure because I wanted to feel natural. I also wanted my implants out forever. I am 59 years old and had my first implants at age 24. I researched the fat graft/transfer procedure, and plastic surgeons for several months. 

I am 5 weeks post surgery. I feel great, and look great too! I no longer have the round look of implants. Dr. Bedner was able to put the fat in the right places to give my a lovely feminine shape, including cleavage which I never had. Oh, then there is the side benefit of fat taken away from my stomach, saddlebags gone, thighs slimmer, and a cuter shape to my derrière. Oh my such a pleasing outcome!

Ok folks, can you tell how please this 59 year old patient is :) Yes I totally recommend this procedure, I must also say, CHOOSE YOUR DOCTOR WISELY!

I went bra shopping for the first time since...

  • 23 Apr 2013
I went bra shopping for the first time since surgery. Did not figure it out so bought none. Today tried on bras that I wore with implants... They fit! I was amazed that I look so much better and so natural that I also thought my size was smaller due to less projection. I am so soft and natural and still a c cup with out looking fake. I love this! Thank you Dr. Bednar. If I figure out how to add pictures I will. I might call Sylvia at office to help.

Fat transfer for breast augmentation, Love it! Update!

  • 9 Jun 2013
I am now 3 months post op., and I feel great! My breast have settled to a pretty B cup with a lovely shape, and cleavage. Perfect size for this 5'2" athletic frame, almost 60 year old body. The lipo Dr. B did gave me my premenopausal body back, even better actually! No more saddlebags, no big tummy, a shapely derrière , and a waist! So happy I did this!

Now almost 4 months.

  • 19 Jun 2013
Still very happy with results. Just upped my work out time doing Zumba. Used this sight to take photos, but not sure if it worked .

Yea!!! Photos up!

  • 19 Jun 2013
I added photos! Looks really good for someone my age ;)
Thank you Dr. Bednar!

overdue update

  • 14 Sep 2013
I am still so pleased with my decision to do implant removal, and lipo for fat grafting to the breasts. Some new folks need reassurance for whatever their decisions and I am here to support these ladies. I am adding new photos, and also want everyone to know that I am almost 60 years old. Age does not really matter in most things, but our body does age.

My new photos

  • 14 Sep 2013
rrrrr, having trouble doing this again. Will try again tomorrow!

Great review?

Edward J. Bednar, MD

My Doctor: Edward J. Bednar, MD

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
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The time I spent doing research was invaluable in helping me make the right decision. I chose Dr. Bednar in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Bednar has done this procedure hundreds of times, and has continued training and education in this procedure with Dr. Khoori from the U of Miami, Fl. I found Dr. Bednar while researching this procedure. Another benefit of choosing Dr. Bednar was his delightful, AND informed staff. In the front office was Sylvia. She was so well informed, friendly, and always open to many,many questions including more questions the night before my surgery. All the nurses were wonderful, and the anesthesia nurse just fabulous, and so reassuring and informative.

Comments (41)

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Great results! you look fab. Very pleased I read your story. I'm 56, I had my implants out 6 months ago, had some fat grafting, but am very small. Am trying to decide whether to go for more fat grafting or implants, but am scared of more Capsular Contracture , an unnatural look and being too big. Your story and seeing your photos have really helped, particularly because you got those results without the Brava system. ( don't want to go that route, any case, my PS does not use it. Just curious, what were you told about fat retention and re-absorption rate and have you found that the fat grafting stayed now that you are several months postop?
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Hi Pink, I am still very pleased with my decision! I told Dr. Bednar that I did not want to have a large chest. My hope was for a nice B cup. The pictures that are up were taken a few months post surgery, and I was still a very full C cup. I was told that I would lose some of the fat from transfer and that loss would be gradual up to six months out. Well I am well past the 6 months, and I am very please. My breasts have settled into a 36 B cup, and shaped very nicely. I do not miss the round projectile look of implants at all! I love the shape, movement, softness, and cleavage of this wonderful natural look. For me, at this age, and my body size it all works together, and to be honest I do not miss the fat he had to " take" from my saddlebags, or waist, thighs, and hips :) Would do this operation again in a heartbeat!
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Thanks for reply, it is very encouraging. I'm meeting with my ps next week ( who is really in favourite of fat grafting) to find out more about other patients he has done and their results, the lipo method he uses etc. I know he has trained in the US. I do have some some spare fat on hips and thighs rhat I could do without so I don't have the skinny problem that some other people have. Plenty fat to harvest- it must just stay in the newly designated area.... Very grateful for this site and people like you who are willing to share their experiences. My local friends can't really relate to my issues around this.
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Your results look very good! I was considering fat transfer at the time of implant removal with Dr. Khouri, but could not afford all the necessary travel and time off of work. I am still considering future fat transfer, but really not liking the thought of using the Brava system first! At least I know fat transfer works with the right doc. There is a doctor who trained under Dr. Khouri in California, which would be closer to me.
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Hi tiff, I did not use Brava at all. Because I had implants there was already room for the fat, and the blood supply for the skin and tissue was already there. Not sure why you would need brava if you had implants. Remember, Dr. Khouri is the creator, so I would guess he is also financial beneficiary from the sale of brava.
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Dr. Khouri's office did tell me that if I had explant and fat graft at the same time, I would not need to use Brava, but since I will be doing it at a later time if I decide to do it, I would think my skin will have shrunk and I wont have the space left. So I am thinking I would have to use the Brava system, which really sounds unappealing.
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I came on RealSelf to find out about autologous fat transfers. I'm glad I did. I found Dr. Brent Moellekin in Beverly Hills, near where I live. I decided to just have the implants out, and maybe see about a fat transfer later. He took one look at my breast, sent me to Pink Lotus Breast Center immediately, where I was diagnosed with advanced, inflammatory breast cancer. My other doctor, who had put replaced the implants a year before, had seen my breast and had scheduled me for just removal. If I hadn't been looking on this site, I would be walking around now unknowingly with breast cancer that would probably have metastasized, if it hasn't already.
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OMG Janiecarol , I am so sorry to hear this news. Thank God Doctor M. saw something not right. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will be ok.
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Please keep us posted. Remember, Fight like a girl !
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janiecarol I pray everything was caught in time and that you're healthy.
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Amazing results, congratulations! I am considering possible fat grafting at some point in the future, so it is encouraging to hear about good outcomes with the procedure.
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Thanks, I am so happy I did this!
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How long will it last? I'm thinking about getting mine out too.
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Hi lynb, This procedure is great. The fat that I have in my breast at this point should now last my lifetime. Normal changes will occur with weight gain or loss, and aging....But since I am almost 60 no more aging allowed ! :) I am going to post new pictures soon.
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Hello again! Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.. It's very heartening to hear you speak so highly of Dr B... It certainly helps instil much confidence! I'm with you in terms of avoiding those docs against it.. There's such mounting evidence for it being so highly successful; I am very clear it's the way forward for me; just have to keep narrowing down. Dr B is definitely up there on the list, thanks to you & others! Best wishes, Lyssa
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Hi Doreen Congratulations on your procedure.. You look fabulous, and I'm do glad you're happy with the results. I live in Australia where there's only one (very lovely) doc that does this, so I've committed to going to the US for BA fat transfer for several reasons. You mentioned having done serious research.. I've also been considering Dr Hartog in Fl, not just bc of track record but bc he 'fat banks' and uses the new HydraSolve technology for lipo. If it has to hurt, then I'll do what it takes, but this new system sounds like I may even be saved a lot of that trauma! So my qn is, which other docs did you deem worthy of serious consideration? I'm making contact w Dr Bednar based on yours & Colleen3000's amazing results to date (hi Colleen!), but if you're willing to share your thoughts on other possibilities & experiences of any initial consults you may have had as well, I'd so appreciate it. Thanks, and all the best, Lyssa :)
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Lyssa, I started my research just planning on getting implants removed. That is when I learned of this procedure. Dr. Khouri was my starting point, then a doctor in Louisiana, leading me to Dr. Bednar. Dr. B is a great proponent of the procedure, and aligns closely with Dr. K. Dr. B has done this procedure often including in the teaching theater. I live in North Carolina so I made an appt. for a consult. Was very comfortable with doctor, and staff, so scheduled my surgery at that time. Many plastic surgeons speak against the procedure saying it does not work. Those are to be avoided. Also, doctors with little experience, or little training need to be avoided. I love the idea of fat banking. Did not know that was an option. Be sure you research outcomes etc. I will see what I can find too. Good luck, wishing you all the best!
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Hi green55! I replied to your comment on my post which lead me here, and this is exciting news! I have to look into fat banking, I am hoping it is for skinny women like me who have some fat to give, but not much. I know that having my explant will leave me less than flat, I was always a 32AA, at least they make bras that size now, I used to just go without one or need pads to fill out an A cup. So glad I see who your doctor is, you have great results!! Always nice to hear women who feel great about their body regardless of age. We are meant to revel in our true selves, even if we wanted a little help to do so :)
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Hi Doreen and GodMadeMRS! Re Fat banking, just so you know... Dr Hartog has his own FDA approved on-site bank called LiquidGold, and then BioCellLife have a US-wide service that any PS can use. They have their own website and there's a link on the bottom of Dr Bednar's Fat transfer to Breast page to this. I don't know enough about them to be able to tell you differences in terms of storage system technologies etc, but there is basic info on both sites. All the best - please keep us posted on your decisions!
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Janiecarol, Getting the implants out, and fat put in is much less pain in the breast area. Implants and scar tissue is removed then that area gets put back together. I did have small drain tubes :( for a week just to stop any fluid build up in chest. Now about that lipo pain.... The worst part for me was my back, above the derrière in the waist/ lower rib area. The anesthetist said that would be the worst and she was soooo right. The first two days not very comfy. Each day after was so much better. By day 4, or 5 I was fairly human and using very little pain meds, mostly at night. I am sure for each person it is very different. I think the pressure garments really helped to support body and stop pain. Also, I did not do BRAVA. Do to implants the breasts had space and good shape. The brava does not look comfy at all. I also understand wanting to get implants out. That is why I did this. To sum up for you; yes the darn lipo hurt, but to me it was worth it. As far as flying I am sure you will not be able to to that right after the procedure. Ask the doctor. If you are using Dr. Bednar he frequently has out of town patience and will guide you medically for your safety. Best of luck. Will look forward to an update.
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Oh Colleen, I'm so happy for you. I had saline implants put in 19 years ago, going from a tiny A to a full C. I want them out! I want real ones too :) I may have to start saving and come down there from NY to see this Doctor. I would give anything to get rid of these deformed old implants and have real ones with cleavage too :)
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Hello my fellow Bednar alum! It's great to hear you are still pleased with the procedure and happy with results! I'm thrilled too but still anxious to see what I look like after all settles but so far I'm feeling and looking great thanks to Dr. B. please keep us posted especially if anything changes regarding results. Take care!
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Hi there, Congrats on being 3 months out.  I wish we could see your photos and it would keep your review closer to the top so we can follow your story.  Are you satisfied with a B cup?   How long did the shrinking continue for? I am 2 mths post op and very happy w/my results as well! Amelia
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Hi Amelia, I am doing very well, thanks for asking. Wth implants I was a very large C, and of course had that upper lobe fullness that really looks somewhat unnatural. My bra size now is a B cup with a very pretty shape and not droopy. I am 5'2", and almost 60 years old. When I had this procedure I told Dr. Bednar that I did not want to be as large as with implants. This chest so fits my body and age, and my height. Large enough to be sexy, not so large as to look ridiculous on me. I am just now getting into regular workouts of short duration. I do not want to burn the fat off Bednars masterpiece ;) I will try to do photos if I can figure out how to do them! I sure wish they had this procedure when I was younger !!!
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Photos up!
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