Breast Implant Removal with Fat Transfer
As aesthetic sensibilities have evolved over recent years, many women are choosing to remove their implants and instead achieve a natural breast augmentation with fat transfer. As an experienced, board-certified breast authority, Dr. Andres has the experience, skill, and artistic vision to deliver an elegant and personalized outcome.
Breast implant removal can be performed for many different reasons. Some women will experience a change in aesthetic tastes, while others may experience discomfort and complications from their implants, including implant rupture, capsular contracture, and BII (Breast Implant Illness.) In these cases, Dr. Andres can perform breast implant removal with fat transfer to restore not only your appearance but your peace of mind and quality of life as well.
What is breast implant removal surgery?
When a patient desires to have her implants removed, an explant procedure is performed. This is the opposite of breast augmentation with implants. However, the breast pocket can be approached through the same incisions as were used in the original enhancement procedure, reducing downtime and discomfort after surgery.
Removing the implants alone may leave the chest looking unnatural. Dr. Andres typically adds a fat transfer procedure to ensure that your chest looks rounded and feminine after your explant surgery. During fat transfer, donor fat is harvested from an area of the body where it is plentiful, typically the thighs, belly, or hips. The fat is then purified and injected into the chest to achieve a subtle enhancement of around one cup size. Fat transfer comes with a hidden benefit: it sculpts and reshapes the donor region, achieving two body contouring goals at once.
What are the most common reasons for explant surgery?
- A change in cup size – Some women may no longer wish to have larger breasts and want a more natural look. They may have experienced discomfort caused by large implants, including back pain, chafing, and irritation.
- Capsular contracture – When the scar tissue around the implants hardens, and the capsule tightens, it can distort the appearance of the chest while also causing the patient pain. The implants may look asymmetrical or lopsided.
- Implant rupture – While it is rare, both saline and silicone implants may rupture at some point. With saline, an immediate deflation will be obvious. With silicone, it may be more difficult to detect a leak or rupture, and the patient may need to undergo an ultrasound or MRI.
- Implant malposition – This condition occurs when the implants migrate too close together, too far apart, or too low or high on the chest wall. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor surgical technique, aging, pregnancy, menopause, and weight fluctuations.
- Implant rippling – Rippling can occur when the breast skin concealing the implants is too thin. It can happen with either saline or silicone implants. Women who chose very large implants can experience stretched-out skin that can result in rippling.
- BII and BIA-ALCL – Breast implant illness encompasses a range of symptoms from headaches to heart palpitations. BIA-ALCL stands for Breast Implants-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a condition that has been linked to textured implants. Implant removal with capsulectomy is typically the recommended course of action for both concerns.
What can I expect during the procedure?
Breast implant removal with fat transfer is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The surgical techniques required are complex and demand a high degree of technical precision and artistry. Dr. Andres has the meticulous training background and practice experience to ensure your utmost safety throughout the procedure as well as a beautiful and customized outcome.
Incisions are usually made at the same location as they were during your initial breast augmentation surgery, avoiding the need for additional scars. The implants are then removed. Dr. Andres will also remove any scar tissue that he deems to be a threat to your health or comfort. He may perform a capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or en bloc capsulectomy as needed.
Dr. Andres can then replace the lost breast volume with transferred fat, carefully sculpting natural-looking breast mounds that are rounded, elegant, and symmetrical. In addition, he may sometimes perform a breast lift to address excess sagging skin and reposition the nipples in a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing location.
What are the benefits of breast implant removal with fat transfer?
- More natural-looking physique
- Subtle, feminine breast enhancement
- Relief from implant complications
- Enhanced comfort
- Restored symmetry
- Optimized health and well-being
- Expanded wardrobe options
- Renewed stamina and energy
- Boosted self-confidence
Who is an ideal candidate?
Women who desire to return to their original breast appearance will make excellent candidates for breast implant removal, as will those who seek out the procedure to deal with implant complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, and implant malposition. In order for the fat transfer portion of the procedure to be viable, women will need to have sufficient fat available for harvesting in the thighs, belly, hips, or other regions. Dr. Andres will perform a detailed, in-depth consultation and evaluation and will assess your candidacy individually at that time.
In all cases, clients undergoing surgery should be:
- Of sound mind and body
- Non-smokers
- Free from any uncontrolled medical issues
- Realistic and reasonable in their expectations
- Willing to follow the doctor\'s instructions
What will my recovery entail?
After surgery, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home and help out for the first 24 hours. Dr. Andres will provide a thorough aftercare plan with instructions for wound care, bathing and showering, sleeping, resuming exercise, and restarting work. He will send you home with antibiotics, pain medications, and a compressive garment that will help reduce postoperative swelling. While you may experience bruising, tenderness, and swelling, these symptoms will be less dramatic than they were for breast augmentation, thanks to Dr. Andres’ advanced surgical techniques.
Most clients can expect to return to work within around 5 days. Strenuous activities should be postponed for 2-3 weeks, however.
Why choose us?
Dr. Andres is a leading board-certified breast surgeon who excels in addressing the complex, delicate issues presented during the explantation process. He is up-to-date on the newest, most advanced surgical techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and has been consistently honored with Top Doctor awards from a variety of industry-prominent publications and online resources.
Dr. Andres obtained graduate training in Neuroscience, receiving his medical degree from Harvard University Medical School/Michigan State University. He then pursued a demanding and competitive five-year residency in general and plastic surgery at the world-renowned Grand Rapids/MSU program, achieving the distinction of Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Andres also sought out an additional elite fellowship in Advanced Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery at the lauded Mayo Clinic, advancing his knowledge of breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and hand surgery.
