Is it possible to transfer fat to a breast with implant rippling while awake?

Question

Hi! I have had implants for around 15 years. I love them with only one minor flaw - on only ONE side, I have small breast implant rippling on the middle inner corner. It can't really be seen only felt. I don't want to get a full revision breast augmentation since I'm very happy; however, wondering if there are any surgeons who will transfer fat to the breast with an implant in it and do this while awake? Thanks.

Mert Demirel, MD · Answer

Yes, fat transfer can sometimes be used to camouflage minor implant rippling, even when the implant is staying in place. This is most useful when the rippling is due to thin tissue coverage over the implant.
If the rippling is only felt and not really visible, I would be conservative. Fat grafting may improve soft-tissue thickness, but it is still a procedure with swelling, bruising, fat absorption, possible oil cysts, calcifications, and the small risk of implant injury if not done carefully.
Some surgeons may perform small-volume fat grafting under local anesthesia or light sedation, depending on the amount of fat needed, the donor area, and the patient’s comfort. However, not every surgeon will do this awake, especially around an implant, because precise technique and patient stillness are important.
The fat must be placed in the tissue over the implant, not into the implant pocket. This requires an experienced breast revision surgeon who is comfortable with fat grafting in augmented breasts.
My advice would be to consult a surgeon experienced in implant rippling and fat grafting. If the issue is minor and only palpable, observation may be reasonable. If it bothers you enough, small-volume fat grafting can be considered, but I would prioritize safety and experience over trying to do it fully awake.

Richard Tyrell, MD · Answer

In general, after an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and a thorough evaluation of your specific anatomy and goals, yes&mdash;it is possible to perform liposuction paired with fat transfer to the breasts.
If you do not have sufficient body fat at a donor site to harvest for a traditional fat transfer, alternative options may include Alloclae, which can also be performed in the office.
Richard Tyrell, MD FACSRivé Plastic Surgery

Is it possible to transfer fat to a breast with implant rippling while awake?

Answers (2)

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