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Silicone Breast Implant Removal with Fat Transfer Augmentation

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Breast augmentation is the most popular surgical procedure available for women who wish to enhance their breasts. However, once the breast implants are placed, there are many reasons a woman may desire to have them removed later. It may be because of a complication, such as an implant that has ruptured or slipped (which causes double bubble or bottoming out), or a change in lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.

Whether you want your implants removed for cosmetic or medical reasons, such as from a silent rupture, some women decide not to replace their implants with new ones. Dr. Ip provides fat grafting as an option for adding natural breast volume without implants.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients who are dissatisfied with their breast implants or have an issue that requires explantation (ruptures, capsular contracture, or another issue) can benefit from implant removal surgery in Beverly Hills. Patients with areas of localized fat cells, such as around the stomach, thighs, or buttocks, have the option of removing excess fat through liposuction and transferring the fat to their breasts for natural cleavage enhancement. Patients should be in good health and maintain realistic expectations for their outcome to ensure a safe, comfortable procedure.

What Is the Process?

Dr. Ip will discuss your anesthesia preferences during your consultation, and your selected sedation technique will be used for the procedure. After administering anesthesia, incisions are made on the breasts either along the lower crease (where the breast meets the body) or through the areolas (the darker skin that surrounds the nipple). The silicone breast implants are removed, sometimes along with the capsule (hardened scar tissue around the implants).

Fat is then harvested from specific locations using liposuction. A small incision is made in the treatment area, and a thin suctioning device (cannula) is inserted to gently remove the fatty tissue. A fat purification process is conducted, and the fat is injected into the breasts. All incisions are closed using sutures.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Long Is the Recovery?

    Your chest will be wrapped in surgical bandaging and gauze and may feel sore for a few days. Drainage tubes are sometimes used to collect excess fluids that can accumulate after surgery, but these are commonly removed within one week. The recuperation after silicone breast implant removal with fat transfer augmentation is typically similar to your initial breast augmentation, with mild swelling, bruising, and breast tenderness. Take it easy for a week and follow the post-operative care instructions provided. Exercise and more strenuous activities should be avoided until approximately six weeks after your surgery.

  • What Results Can I Expect?

    The breast implants are permanently removed, and your breasts should look and feel completely natural because they are composed of your own body fat. With fat transfer to the breast, some of the injected fat cells get absorbed by the body and are expelled naturally. The remaining fatty tissue will attach to the blood supply and remain in the chest, revealing more voluminous breasts. The size of your breasts after fat transfer is usually limited to one to two cup size improvement.