I can feel one of my implants, is a fat transfer to one breast the best solution for this issue?

Fat transfer to the breasts can be used to correct asymmetry, improve asymmetry, augment overall breast size, and also correct rippling from breast implants.  Some of the success will depend upon existing tissue available for receiving the fat. Some of the retention rate will depend upon the amount of fat transferred, as smaller volumes will likely have a higher survival.  Occasionally, a patient can resorb a great deal of the fat despite optimal transfer procedures. I typically transfer from 250 cc to 400 cc or so per breast, as only 50% of the fat typically survives.  Thinner patients are outstanding candidates in my opinion, because the fat transferred is extremely resistant. 

Bonnie I appreciate your concern, however it is quite common for breast augmentation patients like yourself to have similar findings and concerns after this procedure. The lower areas of your breast can become compressed because the implants are sitting directly on them. It is usually much more noticeable to the patient than anyone else. However fat grafting to this region is certainly an option if the issue is bothersome for you. Discuss your concerns with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck.

Dear bonnie5555,
fat transfer is a great option to correct rippling or if you can feel your implant. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the breasts as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area. 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

An implant can be palpated when the soft tissue cover is thin. If the breast was small and the implant sits below the fold under the breast it is palpable on the bottom. Without at least the before and after pictures, and additional information about you and the implant size, it is hard to tell you if fat grafting is the solution. Fat grafting can add thickness to the soft tissues, but is can change the breast contour. If the implant comes a bit lower it can create a double bubble. You have to make sure you don’t sleep on your stomach or apply unusual pressure on your breasts. You best bet is to discuss all of this with your surgeon or obtain a second opinion from un experience plastic surgeon. The Ideal Implant is a good choice and not the cause of this problem. 

The two options to treat palpability are fat transfer and adding a graft. Fat transfer is generally less expensive. Recovery from fat transfer involves a little breast soreness, but usually more soreness from where you take the fat. If it’s a small amount, and you’re not super sensitive, you may have complete recovery over a weekend. Other patients will need up to a few weeks to feel fully functional. As to whether it’s worth it, that is totally dependent on each patient. Most of my patients just live with it since it’s not uncommon. 

Yes, fat could be added to help give you more fullness. However, you still might be able to feel your implants.

If you do not have adequate tissue coverage, fat transfer is the simplest and least invasive option. The recovery is quite easy and you will lose a bit of fat where you need it least.  I think this is preferable to a graft which is more involved.