Is fat transfer a good option to fix asymmetry after removing saline implants?

There are two options in front of you. The first of these is either fat injection after the implant and capsule are removed. If you do not want a very large breast, this asymmetry can be solved with an injection of 300-400 CC. The other option is to put a new generation implant after the implant and capsule are removed if you do not want to lose fullness. A better result can be achieved if a light fat injection is added.

Great question! The majority of our procedures at Ideal Face and Body are Breast Fat Transfers and they're done under Local Anesthesia! Fat grafting can be a great tool for soft, natural contouring, especially when trying to correct asymmetry. A 100–125cc difference can often be improved with fat transfer—depending on how much viable fat you have available. It may not give you the same fullness as an implant, but it can soften the asymmetry and restore some shape without introducing a foreign body.

Without photos or an exam, based off your prompt - having implants for 12 years has likely created some atrophy of the breast tissue as well as some skin stretch leading to some decent from gravity over those years; which means removing the implants only would lead to deflated, more saggy breasts. This would mean you would need some type of lift to restore position and maybe move some remaining volume around to rebuild your breast mound - and yes, fat grafting is a great adjunct to creating more symmetry (but no two breasts are the same in anyone, so getting to be exactly symmetrical is not possible). And the amount to transfer depends on surgeon experience, the fat harvest (is it healthy good fat?), how you heal while the fat graft is trying to regrow into the areas its been grafted to (typically see around 30-50% survival in my experience) - so a lot of variables to assess to know how much to graft (usually you want to put more than less, even if you think the other breast is only 100-125 cc more in volume). Overall, this method you want to try is a good one since you want to remove your implants and capsule, and the likelihood of fat transfer causing capsular contracture in the future is very little to none. Fat necrosis, fat cysts, failure of fat graft survival are more common. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your query. Asymmetric breast augmentation with autologous fat transfer will be a great way of improving the asymmetry of your breasts after the implants are removed. Please discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with making a decision. All the best!

Dear Phoebe McGee,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.It can be difficult to predict how your breasts will look once the implants are removed, particularly if they have been in for an extended period of time. One of the advantages of saline implants is that they can be deflated prior to complete removal. This is a procedure that is easily done in the office under local anesthesia. I would typically then wait at least 4 to 6 weeks to allow the breast tissue to contract. This will give you a better idea of how your breasts will look with the implants removed. At the time of implant removal, your plastic surgeon would then have a better idea of areas that need to be fat grafted, which I think is an excellent option to correct breast asymmetry. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information provided , for a detailed and personalized plan please consult with your plastic surgeon.
It is hard to tell how your breasts will look like after explant , it will all depend on how much tissue you have already and the quality of that tissue. Some people might require a lift after explant. The thing that is in your favor is that your implants are not massive.Fat grafting can definitely help with asymmetry especially when the difference is reasonable , and 100 ml difference is relatively reasonable. your surgeon will likely end up adding more that 100 cc of fat since not all of it survives.I hope this helps, best of luck!

Yes, fat transfers can be done. Certainly, the difference of about 100 cc's could be achieved easily. However, not all of the fat survives so you will need 150 cc's for 100 cc's to survive. You may also need a lift at the same time. I would need photographs to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Weight loss will probably do little for the asymmetry since not all women have equal sized breasts. Fat could be added to help balance out the difference. You may need more than one transfer. Do not try to lose weight after the transfer.