Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants? (Photo)

Question

I am 32yo female who has undergone 10 operations on my breasts over the last 10 years. Earlier this year (over 6mo ago), I had my 7yo textured silicone implants removed and replaced w/Mentor Boost smooth silicone, along with a donut lift and GalaFlex for added support and also to help with rippling. I still have rippling on my left side. Would a fat transfer help with this? Also, do implants with GalaFlex still go thru the drop&fluff process, or do they settle differently? Thank you.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. To answer your question directly, yes, you can have fat grafting to the breast with an implant in place. Sometimes it is required to remove the implant, place the graft, and then replace the implant, so as to protect the implant during grafting. Usually with placement of soft tissue support mesh, there is much less settling with time and with proper use of the mesh, the position should be relatively stable over time. 
Also, not sure of the timeline of the photos you shared, but I would suggest that, depending on your goals, you probably need a more aggressive lift to achieve a more youthful appearance. A "donut lift" cannot remove significant tissue in the horizontal and vertical dimension and is often not adequate to shape the breast. Especially if an implant is used at the same time and the donut lift is over-used, it will lead to stretching of the scar and areola and a poor outcome. 
My suggestion is that if you have really had 10 breast operations in 10 years, then I would consider seeing someone with significant experience in revision breast surgery to have a detailed discussion about your goals and how to safely obtain them. 
Good luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

The most important question here is what do you want? Ten breast operations with unintended results deserves re-thinking. My opinion is your breasts are too large for your frame, you have asymmetry with some degree of ptosis and stretching of your tissues bilaterally. It may behoove you to remove the implants, let your tissues recover and then carefully consider what you want long term. Thank you for sharing.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yeah that a new thing that it seems everyone’s doing. Injecting fat around implants. Dies it work? Who knows. There will be the inevitable poorly thought out problems such as the occasional punctured implants. If you send a better photo I could tell you what needs to be done

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear libby850,
breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

Fat grafts are an excellent method for correcting  and enhancing the shape of the breast after breast augmentation

Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Revision surgery

Answer: Revision surgery

Answer: Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants?

Answer: Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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

Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Revision surgery

Answer: Revision surgery

Answer: Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants?

Answer: Can I get fat transfer to breasts even though I have implants?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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