Fat Transfer | 5 minute read
Women who decide to remove their breast implants frequently voice concerns about what their breasts will look like after the explant procedure. The concerns are often valid, as breasts can appear deflated and droopy once the implants are gone. Fat transfer to the breasts allows surgeons to restore natural volume, using the patient’s own fat from other areas of the body. This blog covers breast implant removal and explains how fat transfer can create a natural breast contour without replacing implants.
Table of Contents
- Who Is a Candidate for an Explant With Fat Transfer?
- How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?
- Timing of Fat Transfer to the Breast
- Fat Transfer: A Three-Step Process for Natural Results
- Recovery After an Explant With Fat Transfer
Who Is a Candidate for an Explant With Fat Transfer?
Women may decide to remove their breast implants for various reasons, including:
- Desire to change breast size
- Implant age (implants typically last 10+ years)
- Implant complications like capsular contracture
- Breast changes due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or age
- Discomfort caused by large implants
Patients who undergo an explant with fat transfer should be in good health, maintain a stable body weight, and have sufficient donor fat elsewhere on the body. It is an excellent choice for women prioritizing a natural appearance over a significant size increase.
How Is Breast Implant Removal Performed?
Dr. Kamran Khoobehi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast enhancement procedures. He performs explant surgery while the patient is comfortably asleep. He will make an incision around the areola or in the crease underneath the breast to remove the implants and breast capsule.
In some cases, Dr. Khoobehi may add a breast lift to remove excess skin and restore the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest. This additional procedure can be done through the same incisions as the explant, so patients don’t have additional scarring.
Timing of Fat Transfer to the Breast
Fat transfer to the breast can be done at the same time as the explant surgery or later, depending on the patient’s preference. Performing it simultaneously offers some advantages. The breast skin and tissue are already in the shape of the implant, making it easy for Dr. Khoobehi to see where to place the fat to create the most aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
Delaying the fat grafting process also necessitates a second procedure and extends the time before the patient can enjoy their full results. Dr. Khoobehi may also have to work around scar tissue left behind after explant surgery, which could lead to a misshapen appearance.
Fat Transfer: A Three-Step Process for Natural Results
Fat transfer begins with the extraction of fat from another area of the body, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen. Dr. Khoobehi performs liposuction, which uses a narrow tube, or cannula, to gently suction out fat cells. Tiny incisions in discreet locations allow the cannula to be inserted without leaving noticeable scarring.
The next step is to purify the extracted fat, using a centrifuge and advanced processing techniques. This process ensures only the highest-quality fat is used for the transfer. High-quality fat is essential for maximizing the survival of the fat graft and producing symmetrical, natural-looking results.
Finally, the purified fat is placed into syringes so Dr. Khoobehi can inject it into strategic areas of the breasts. He layers the fat droplets to achieve natural symmetry and fullness. His technique also ensures the transferred fat develops a robust blood supply, allowing it to integrate naturally into your breast tissue.
Recovery After an Explant With Fat Transfer
You will go home from your surgery with a compression bra to reduce postoperative swelling. You may also have small drains in your incisions to prevent fluid from building up at the surgical site. Patients usually return to work and other activities within one week or less, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to three weeks.
Results of an explant with fat transfer are usually very long lasting, and patients are typically delighted with their results. They enjoy natural breast enhancement without the worry of monitoring implants regularly for potential issues. Because the fat is from the patient’s own tissue, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection of the grafts.
Considering an Explant With Fat Transfer in New Orleans, LA?
Removing breast implants and replacing them with a fat transfer can produce natural results without worry about possible complications later on. Dr. Khoobehi has extensive experience with fat transfer procedures and uses advanced techniques to ensure the most beautiful results for his patients. To find out if an explant with fat transfer in New Orleans is right for you, call our office at (504) 779-5538, book an appointment online, or complete our online contact form today.
