Explant and Breast Fat Transfer - one procedure or two?

Question

I'm consternated about whether to do the explant and BFT together or wait several months between procedures. It seems if the capsule stays in, there would be minimal trauma to the breast therefor providing a backdrop for the BFT to prevent fat from leaking into the empty space. I do have capsular contracture from 235 overs (2 yrs ago) and concerns that not removing part of the capsule will leave irregularities. It would be nice to not go through 2 surgeries and a long wait since I am 65.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Calcific capsules or capsules that are distorting anatomy should probably be removed during the implant removal procedure. Leaving a capsule behind is preferred if it is thin and pliable. Removing a capsule unnecessarily could result in bleeding and slight tissue loss. If your implants are silicone, your PS may suggest that both the capsule and implant be removed en bloc.
I usually perform the explant and lift first. The fat grafting I typically perform in about 3 months. Some of the success will depend upon existing tissue available for receiving the fat. Fat grafts should always be optimized with the best blood supply available. Fat is injected through multiple planes in small amounts to the tissue through one tiny incision under each breast. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites. The fat grafting will likely take several sessions to produce a similar result unless the breast implants were extremely small

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your description, the capsules should be removed at the time of implant removal. If capsules are thin, they can remain behind.  If they are thickened or causing issues, they should be removed.  Due to the trauma to the breast of removing the implant and capsules it may be recommended to have the fat transfer done in a separate stage.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you, as an examination and discussion of your goals will enable the most accurate opinion.

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

Hi!  Based on your story, it sounds like a capsulectomy will likely be needed if you have capsular contracture. Although it is nice to have the anterior capsule to sandwich the fat grafting between the skin and the capsule, it is still very possible to fat graft without the capsule, especially if you have a decent amount of soft tissue under the skin. I would generally recommend a one stage explant, capsulectomy (if needed) and fat grafting, understanding that the amount of fat that will be safe to graft might be more limited than in a 2 stage repair or a 1 stage with the capsules left in. With a potential lift (again, if needed), this one stage repair would probably get you a very nice result. If more volume is eventually desired, you could consider a second round of fat grafting in the future once you have fully healed from the first surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear orbis,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

For best fat survival, I would suggest first having your implants and capsules removed, and then doing the fat transfer at a second surgery once healed and the swelling has subsided. You might decide that you don't want any fat grafting.

Explant and Breast Fat Transfer - one procedure or two?

Answers (5)

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Explant and Breast Fat Transfer - one procedure or two?

Answers (5)

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.