Case Studies - Breast Implant Removal + Lift + Fat Transfer

The goal of breast implant removal surgery is to remove breast implants and the entire scar capsule from patients experiencing BII symptoms. During explant surgery Dr. Whitfield sometimes has to remove silicone material from implants that have ruptured, degraded or leaked outside of the scar capsule.

The scar tissue that forms after the placement of an implant can be either paper thin or very thick and calcified which is common in more severe capsular contractures or silicone ruptures. During removal of the breast implant the goal is to remove the entire scar capsule intact or en bloc. This decreases risk of further contamination or if there are any biofilms or infections within the capsule. This also decreases the chance of spreading cancer cells in the rare case of breast implant associated cancers such as ALCL and SCC.

Breast implants are not lifelong devices and it is important to have them evaluated annually.

Dr. Whitfield performs breast implant removal for patients who wish to permanently remove their breast implants and he does not perform any breast augmentations using breast implants. Removal can be a standalone procedure; however, many patients experience breast laxity after the breast implants are removed. A breast lift (mastopexy) can be performed during the explant surgery to ensure that the breasts are elevated and retain a more youthful shape.

Many women are concerned about the loss of breast volume after breast implant removal. Dr. Whitfield specializes in fat transfer to the breast as a way to restore volume in a natural way. He is able to perform explant and fat transfer, all in one surgery, for the right candidates. If you are looking to replace volume and prevent breast irregularities at the time of explant surgery then fat transfer may be right for you.

Fat transfer to the breast starts by using liposuction to harvest fat from one or more parts of the body. The fat is then processed for transfer and then strategically injected into the breast to create fullness and a pleasing aesthetic shape. Enhancing the breasts with fat transfer during explant surgery is the perfect complement for patients who want to restore breast volume without implants. In some cases, this scarless technique can also eliminate the need for breast lift surgery.

Women who have their breast implants removed, in many cases, greatly benefit from a breast lift (mastopexy) to reduce the appearance of skin that has been stretched over time from the implants. While a breast lift will ensure the appearance of the breast is elevated, it does not address the size or fullness of the breast. A breast lift combined with a fat transfer can be performed during explant surgery to ensure that the breasts appear youthful, elevated and full.

Breast implant removal with simultaneous fat transfer might be right for you if any of the following points apply:

You’re ready to downsize, but you don’t want to return to your original breast size.
Fat transfer will increase your breast size by about one cup. Liposuction can remove 5 to 8 pounds of fat. Some of the fat that is transferred breaks down after injection into the breasts. If your breasts were originally an A cup, for example, fat transfer will probably give you a full B cup.

You have certain areas that hold on to weight.
Before transferring fat to your breasts, Dr. Whitfield will need to remove unwanted fat from selected sites on your body. Prior to arranging a consultation for this procedure, it is encouraged for patients to choose an area they would like to use for fat harvesting. Most women elect to have fat removed from their stomach, thighs and hips while other options may include the back and waist. However, if you have a very low body fat percentage (BMI) fat transfer, while still possible, may be a much smaller amount and breast size increase.

You don’t like the way breast implants look or feel.
Modern silicone gel implants closely mimic the consistency of human breast tissue, but they’re not right for everyone. Many patients don’t like the denseness of their implants or they experience complications, like Breast Implant Illness (BII), ruptures, implant shifting or capsular contracture. Fat transfer avoids these possible complications while still enhancing your breast size.

Fat transfer, fat grafting, lipofilling: You’re looking for volume replacement and permanent results at the time of explant (breast implant removal) or after healing yourself.

Injected fat can last a lifetime. When Dr. Whitfield carefully harvests and prepares the fat for transfer, the cells survive in their new location and establish themselves permanently. For patients who would like to avoid the possibility of revision surgeries, fat transfer can offer a long-term solution to enhancing the breast. Fat transfers are safe and effective. Fat is the original filler. Careful attention is paid to diet, hormone balance, gut function and personal genetics to enhance fat transfer results.