Can you have fat transfer to breasts with existing implants?

Question

I had my breast implants 6 months ago and as I don't have a lot of my own breast tissue I can feel the implants. I have read that fat transfer can help with this and rippling. My question is can it be done over the implants I have or could it potentially rupture them when injecting the fat? I am planning on liposuction to my waist and stomach anyway, so if this could be done at the same time I would be pleased.

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 implants.

Benjamin Baker, BMBS MBA FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. Yes, fat can be transferred over your breast implants without rupturing them providing meticulous surgical technique is used. The technique is commonly used to disguise implant palpability and rippling, as well as increase the overall volume and improve the shape of the breast. Combining this with liposuction to your torso may well be a good option in your case. Seek a surgeon who is a specialist in both aesthetic breast surgery and body contouring.

Omar Tillo, MD, MS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Yes, fat transfer works very well with or after breast augmentation with implants and can be done at the same time with liposuction to the abdomen or more areas. The chances of damaging the implants are minimal when done by a qualified experienced plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear arabellamay,
Generally speaking, it can be done. 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

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Hello!  Yes, you absolutely can transfer your fat into your breasts if you have implants.  Damage to the implants is a definite concern and your surgeon will have to be quite careful about this possibility but it can be done safely.  If you are already planning liposuction than the timing is perfect.  Better to use your own fat if you have a use for it than to throw it away.  Best of luck to you!G. Robert Meger MD

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

This surgery is known as “hybrid breast augmentation “ and indeed can be done whilst keeping the existing implants. In fact it is often used to address rippling following a breast augmentation with implants. The fat transferred will add some padding to the breast to conceal the ripples. A thorough consultation will answer all of your very valid safety concerns.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, a fat transfer can be done with implants in place in many women. The amount of fat that can be transferred is dependent upon the amount of actual breast tissue, and not the size of the breast with implants. I would suggest meeting with your surgeon and discussing your options.

Alexandra Schmidt, MD · Answer

Fat transfer can be a very nice adjunct to breast augmentation, especially in patients who are thinner or have little breast tissue. This technique can be used to add more volume to the breasts or produce a more natural-appearing augmentation.  The fat helps camouflage the edges of the implant and hide any rippling. First, liposuction is used to harvest the fat so you get the added benefit of contouring any areas of stubborn fat pockets. Then the fat is placed within the breast tissue using a blunt cannula. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the risk of damaging the implant is extremely low.

Can you have fat transfer to breasts with existing implants?

Answers (8)

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