Can I have an explant with breast lift and possible fat transfer?

Question

What is the recommendation for time to have fat transfer to breasts after explant and breast lift/

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Without photos, it is difficult to tell if you need a lift at the time of explantation. Fat can be transferred during implant removal, but the implant cannot be removed going through the breast tissue. I approach this from a small lateral chest wall incision. Then I can place my fingers into the pocket and place the fat into the muscle and breast fat, avoiding fat placement into the implant pocket. It is very likely, that you will need further grafting at a later date (when the implant pocket closes) to further augment the breasts. If you do need a breast lift at the time of explantation, I would do the fat grafting as a separate procedure once you heal. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in these procedures. Good luck.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Yes, you can even have some fat transferred at the time of the explantation. It will take more than one procedure for most. The cost is based on many factors: where surgery performed, length, type of anesthesia, how much fat is being used and from what areas, if a lift is required, geographical issues and experience of the surgeon. See the following links to learn more about this procedure.

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without a photo, it is difficult to tell the shape, dimensions and appearance of your breasts.  It is very common to need a breast lift after removal of an implant.  Fat can be added at the time, but it is difficult to know exactly how the breast will settle and where you will need the fat.  Usually for the best results, the fat transfer is done several months after the explantation and lift.Best of luck.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

some fat can be transferred at the same time as the explant and lift.  It depends on your goals and current breast size.  I would ask your PS about options

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I usually perform the explant and lift first.  The fat grafting I typically perform in about 3 months. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Matthew G. Stanwix, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer to the breasts is one of the most common procedures I perform after breast explanation because of how well it works. Fat transfer involves liposuction from one or more areas of the body and transferring that fat to the breasts. It can be done anytime during the explant process or anytime after. It depends on how much of a lift that you need and how much volume you want to add to the breast. Having a full examination and consultation with a bc plastic surgeon who performs this often would be the best way to see if fat transfer is right for you at the time of explant. Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

I would avoid fat grafting at the same time as your explant/lift because you will have large open areas that the fat could end up being grafted to that would result in failure, cysts, and the need for your body to resorb all that nonviable fat.  Best to do the lift and explant then the grafting 3-6 months after.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Three basic forms of breast reconstruction exist.  You can use your own tissue, implants or a
combination of the previous two techniques. 
Your own tissue can be used in the form of the DIEP flap, PAP flap, SGAP
flap or fat grafting.  Implants can be
done in one stage or two stage.  Two
stage reconstructions are started by placing expanders at the time of
mastectomy.  Once they expanders are
placed they are able to be inflated as determined by wound healing. The final
time consists of combining any of the above techniques.

Lisa Lynn Sowder, MD (retired) - Account Suspended · Answer

I do a lot of implant removal with breast lift for old implants or in cases where a woman if just "done" having implants.  In many, many cases, the breasts are a decent size and look nice after a lift.  If some more volume is desired, I ask patients to wait 2 - 3 months after the removal and lift before fat transfer is done.  This allows the large pocket that held the implant to heal down and also allows for the lift to settle.  The fat transfer is usually icing the cake of the awesome procedure of implant removal and breast lift.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The answer is yes breast lift and fat transfer to replace volume after removal of breast implants can certainly be done.Your breast lift can certainly be done at the time of explantation but many would recommend that she wait to see how you'll look after your lift before deciding to do the fat transfer.  Be sure to find a plastic surgeon who has experience and expertise in fat transfer.

Can I have an explant with breast lift and possible fat transfer?

Answers (10)

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