Should I do a lift and replace the implant with fat transfer? (Photos)

The technique I recommend is explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello @suz1, thank you for your question. In case of an explantation with capsulostomy, the surgical procedure would imply a breast reconstruction, because taking out the volume that the prosthesis gave will require repositioning of the tissues. In this way, you would achieve an aesthetic result you would be happy with. If what you want is to do an explantation with capsulostomy is not convenient to have fat transfer to breasts in the same procedure, it is advisable to wait 3 to 4 months to avoid the fat to die or risk of infection. In this case the incision would be periareolar in a L shaped to avoid making a T. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

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. In general, 50% of the fat transferred survives. Multiple transfers would be required to reach the 360cc breast implant. In general, the abdomen and thighs are preferred donor sites, but fat from other areas can be used. I use one small incision under each breast to make the scar as minimal as possible and then inject the fat wherever it is needed. Consult via email or Skype with a board certified PS to gather more information regarding the results you are seeking.

Dear suz1,
implant removal and fat grafting can be an option in your case. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Thank you for sharing your question. It is possible to perform a fat transfer with a lift but the best treatment recommendations can only be offered after a thorough discussion of your goals. Realize that a single transfer is unlikely to replace the same amount of volume provided by your implants, but it would be an option to add volume without the need for implants. Hope this helps.

You could have some fat transferred after the removal, but you won't be able to achieve the volume you have with implants with just one fat transfer.

You can elect to have your implants removed and a breast lift done at any time. An examination and discussion of your goals is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for fat transfer or if there is a better option more suited to you. We welcome you to visit our Houston office for a consultation!