Doctor says Liposuction and fat transfer can't be done on my breast because the needle can break the implant - is this true?

Question

Hello,I’m 24, 161cm and 52 kg. I had a liposuction and fat grafting consultation and the doctor turned me down for both. She said I need to have lipolisis instead and for the fat transfer it can’t be done on my breast since I have implants and the needle can break the implant. Are any of this true? My BMI is 22 and since i have fat on my thighs knees and calves that I want to remove I don’t get why I can’t have lipo and the fat grafting I’ve seen people combining with implants all the time?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it’s possible to do liposuction and fat transfer to the breast with breast implants. One is to understand the history of fat grafting to the breast. Fat grafting to the breast was initially done for breast cancer survivors. Small amounts of fat were injected into the breast to create optimal breasts after breast cancer removal. Many breast cancer survivors have breast implants, so plastic surgeons are skilled at placing fat in the breast and around the breast implants. Therefore, it is not impossible to put fat in the breast even though you have breast implants. It does require a very skilled plastic surgeon with the right instruments. The instrument used to insert fat into the breast is not a needle but a blunt cannula that is not sharp. All in all, the procedure can be done. This just requires an experienced plastic surgeon with the right instruments. Thank you for your question regarding fat transfer to the breast in a patient with breast implants.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. Consult another physician who specializes in this. Best, Dr. Emer

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.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

Autologous fat grafting around implants has become a relatively common procedure.  Of course the cannulas can damage the implants if not done correctly, however this risk is low in experienced hands.  If you have very little breast tissue and the implants take up most of your breast volume, it does make the procedure more challenging.  There may be other reasons that your doctor thought that you might not be a good candidate for the procedure.  My recommendation would be to get a second opinion. Best wishes.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Charming6581,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, it is probably not the best option to do liposuction of breasts with implants inside. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Doctor says Liposuction and fat transfer can't be done on my breast because the needle can break the implant - is this true?

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Answer: Fat grafting around implants

Answer: Fat grafting around implants

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

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Doctor says Liposuction and fat transfer can't be done on my breast because the needle can break the implant - is this true?

Answers (8)

Answer: Fat grafting around implants

Answer: Fat grafting around implants

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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