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

Question

I have had saline implants for going on 12 years (150 and 250 cc respectively to treat asymmetry) that have contracture. I would like to get them removed and I’m afraid of contracture happening again (and them looking strange as I age), but am nervous as to how they’ll look when I remove them. I was around a 34B going to a 34C. I also have the asymmetry issue to resolve. Would fat transfer on one side resolve a 100-125 cc volume difference? Will weight loss restore the asymmetry?

Cagdas Orman, MD · Answer

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.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Oliver Chang, MD · Answer

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.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

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!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

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

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Answer: Fat transfrer to fix asymmetry following removal of breast implants

Answer: Fat transfrer to fix asymmetry following removal of breast implants

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Answer: Fat transfer

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Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Fat transfrer to fix asymmetry following removal of breast implants

Answer: Fat transfrer to fix asymmetry following removal of breast implants

Answer: Fat transfer

Answer: Fat transfer

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Fat Transfer

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