Can I get a fat transfer on top of implants?

Question

Hi! I received 375cc high profile implants and as everyone woman says, I wish I had gone bigger! Would a breast fat transfer be an option for going one cup size bigger?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Terrific227246, thank you for your question. Yes, you can have lipoinjections to the breast if you have implants. Depending on where the implants are placed, fat seeding can be accomplished. The surgical plan would depend on what you want to improve. It would also depend on whether this procedure or another will help you achieve greater harmony in the body as part of your surgical plan. The most appropriate course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeons. This will allow you to get more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez, MD FACS.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

It is much more reliable to increase the size of an implant than it is to add fat.

Fat transfer in the setting of an implant can be effective at better concealing the implant. If that is not an issue the simplest thing to increase size, is to just open up the pocket and replace it with a larger implant. Typically when patients exchange implants there is little discomfort. It is a generally straightforward procedure. The value of a plastic surgery consultation cannot be overstated.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Fat grafting can be successful after breast implants to improve shape and size discrepancies. Some of the success will depend upon existing tissue available for receiving the fat. In general, 200 cc per breast is typically the upper limit of fat injection recommended by most plastic surgeons. It is not that more cannot be injected; but on average, this has been determined to be the most that can be expected to live during one transfer. Multiple transfers would be required for additional cc s. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites but fat from other areas can be used. Lipo and fat transfer to the breast can be performed during the same surgery. A board-certified PS should know where to inject the fat to prevent rupturing the implant.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Yes, fat transfer can be added to implants to add more volume to the breast after the fact. The real question is how thick the breast tissue over your implants is (you need the tissue space to add fat grafting), and what your goals for shape are. If you want your breasts to project more, that is typically better accomplished with a bigger implant. If you want more cleavage or volume in the upper pole of your breasts, that is better accomplished with fat grafting.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Adding fat to your breast augmentation may make your breasts bigger, but I do have a problem with that procedure.  First of all, injecting fat while you already have breast implants in place may injure the implant or contaminate the area and thus get the breast implant infected.  Also, I doubt that fat grafting will be able to get you a full cup size bigger because fat does get absorbed by the body.  In addition, I am a proponent of fat grafting to the superficial layer of the skin when it comes to enhancing a breast's top fullness and cleavage.  I do not like to inject fat directly into the breast because of the fear that dead fat cells may appear on mammogram similar to breast cancer.  In my opinion, if you want to go a size bigger and you want the results to be predictable and long standing, I would recommend upsizing your implant.  The surgery is easier to recover from because the pocket has already formed.  You could go from 375 cc to 500 cc.  A surgeon can control a breast implant replacement than fat grafting and giving you a nicer overall result and longevity of your surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Terrific227246,
fat transfer breast augmentation is a viable alternative for women who desire larger breasts without the use of implants. Fat transfer is also widely used in reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can also be very effective in correcting the size and shape of the breasts due to genetic problems such as tuberous breast or Poland Syndrome, two conditions that look like misshapen or underdeveloped breasts.In addition, the following scenarios are also reason to consider breast fat grafting:• If you have chest areas that appear creased and sunken• If you desire more permanent correction than is provided by temporary fillers• If you wish to improve your body contour, revise scars, fill bodily depressions and rejuvenate the natural curve of your breasts• To fill in contour irregularities or hide obvious signs of breast implantsYou should discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon and make sure your surgeon understands your concerns and your breast augmentation goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
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 grafting is an excellent way to increase volume after a breast augmentation,provided that you have sufficient fat to graft.

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

This would really depend on her desired breast shape and the amount of extra fat that you have. Fat grafting is best used as an adjunct to shaping the breast. He can increase the size but the amount of fat graft that remains is variable. It may require multiple procedures to get the desired result. Depending on your personal body shape, you may require, fat grafting alone, an increase in implant size, or a combination.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need an examination to see how much actual breast tissue you have. Implants have stretched and thinned your own breast tissue. Your breasts no may not be able to hold much fat. Usually, it is easier and more consistent to go up in implant size.

Kelly Killeen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello!  Fat grafting is a great way to add some extra volume.  It also can have the welcome side effect of improving areas on your body that have a little extra fat when it is removed for the grafting.  How much grafting is possible really depends on how much fat you have to donate from elsewhere on your body and how much room is there to put in your breast.  The average patient can typically achieve that level of increase, but to be sure you need to see a plastic surgeon for an exam.  Good luck!

Can I get a fat transfer on top of implants?

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