In recent years, many women have chosen to have their breast implants removed for various reasons such as health concerns, lifestyle changes, and to fit in with more natural beauty standards.
But many ask how they can still keep volume and shape for their desired look.
Enter fat transfer – a procedure that uses your own fat to restore and enhance breast volume, an alternative to implant augmentation. Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, can enhance many areas of your body.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits, considerations, and expected results of using fat transfer to compensate for breast implant removal.
Breast Implant Removal
Health concerns, lifestyle changes, and changing beauty standards are driving the trend of breast implant removal. Many women are moving towards a more natural and authentic approach. This is a big cultural shift towards more natural beauty and away from the idea that bigger is always better.
Many women choose to remove their breast implants for health reasons. Complications, discomfort, or a feeling of foreignness can all be reasons to remove their implants.
Lifestyle changes can also make it less desirable to have implants – whether it’s an active lifestyle, weight changes, or just wanting to feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Aesthetic preferences also play a big role in wanting change. The desire for a natural breast shape and the discomfort of having big breasts that feel out of proportion to the rest of the body can be the reason.
Ultimately the goal is to have a look and feel that’s uniquely you.
What is Fat Transfer?
Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that uses your own fat to enhance breast volume and shape. The process involves:
- Harvesting fat cells from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks
- Purifying these cells
- Injecting them into the breasts
Fat transfer aims to give breasts a natural enhancement and a refreshed look. Using your own fat tissue gives the augmented breasts a natural feel and appearance. It’s the preferred choice for those who want a subtle yet effective enhancement. The fat is autologous, meaning it’s from your own body, so the risk of complications is minimal.
How Fat Transfer Compensates for Breast Implant Removal
Fat transfer compensates for breast implant removal by reducing the saggy and deflated look that comes with removing the implants. When breast implants are removed, the skin that was once stretched to accommodate them doesn’t always bounce back right away. This lack of immediate skin elasticity is due to the skin and underlying tissues being stretched over time, which causes an unwanted loss of natural firmness. The fat grafts are injected into the mammary gland during the same surgery as the implant removal, so it’s a convenient, cost-effective, and quick process.
Using fat-based fillers means the enhanced breasts will look natural and feel natural to the touch. This is especially good for those who want to avoid the artificial feel and potential complications of synthetic implants.
But you do need to have enough body fat to harvest. In some cases, a second grafting procedure may be needed if you want more volume. This is a customizable and natural-looking solution for those who want to maintain their breast shape after implant removal.
Benefits of Fat Transfer After Implant Removal
Fat transfer after implant removal offers many benefits and advantages. You can expect natural curves, fullness, and feel with no extra incisions or scars, and there is a reduced risk of complications from synthetic implants.
Below, we’ll break down how you can benefit from fat transfer.
Natural Look and Feel
Synthetic implants can feel foreign to the touch.
Unlike synthetic implants or fillers, fat transfer uses your own natural tissue, so it provides a more authentic breast appearance. The skin around the breasts feels soft and natural, and it’s hard to tell the difference between natural breasts and breasts augmented with fat transfer. Plus, using natural tissue means the enhanced breasts will:
- Respond more naturally to changes in your body, weight fluctuations, or aging
- Allow you to live an active lifestyle without worrying about the complications that can come with synthetic implants
- Blend seamlessly with the rest of your body, giving you confidence and authenticity
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Breast fat transfer is a minimally invasive procedure with no extra incisions or scars.
The process involves harvesting fat through liposuction and injecting it into the breasts without the need for major surgery. This reduces the risk of complications and recovery time compared to more invasive flap procedures like DIEP flap reconstruction surgery.
Plus, fat transfer can be done in conjunction with implant removal, so it’s a convenient option for those who want to avoid multiple surgeries. This new technique means most patients can achieve their breast enhancement with minimal downtime and be back to normal activities sooner.
Using Your Own Tissue
Using your own tissue for fat transfer has many benefits. Autologous fat, fat from your own body, reduces the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. This makes fat transfer a safer and more reliable option for breast enhancement than synthetic implants.
The body also heals better when using its own tissue.
The transferred fat integrates with the existing breast tissue, improving blood flow and a more natural and longer-lasting result. This uses the body’s natural healing process, allowing for a smoother recovery and better outcomes.
Long Term Results
One of the many advantages of fat transfer is the longevity of your results. Results will vary on weight fluctuations and volume loss over time, but maintaining a stable weight will help ensure longevity.
Unlike traditional breast implants, you won’t need to worry about future surgeries just to maintain your results. Traditional implants typically require removal or replacement every 10 years. However, it’s important to note in fat transfer that not all of the transferred fat cells will survive the initial procedure. Because of this, achieving your desired aesthetic may require additional treatments as needed.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, fat transfer is not risk-free. As mentioned above, not all transferred fat cells will survive. This can lead to inconsistent results and partial fat absorption. Within the first few weeks, the body begins to absorb some of the fat cells, which will initially affect volume.
Over the next three to six months, the size and shape become apparent and eventually permanent, barring significant weight fluctuation.
At this point, you can expect long-term results from a fat-transfer breast augmentation.
Although rare, infections at the injection or liposuction sites can occur. Other potential complications are cyst formation, calcification in the transferred fat, and fat necrosis, where the fat cells die and form lumps. Make sure to talk to your surgeon to understand the full extent of the procedure.
Fat Transfer vs DIEP Flap
Fat transfer and DIEP flap are two of the most common options for breast reconstruction after implant removal. While both restore breast volume and shape, they are very different in terms of procedure, recovery time, and patient suitability. Implant reconstruction is another option, which has its own pros and cons.
Knowing the differences will help you make a more informed decision on what’s best for you.
DIEP Flap Surgery
DIEP flap surgery, or Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap, is a type of soft tissue-based breast reconstruction procedure that uses blood vessels, fat, and skin from the lower abdomen to rebuild the breast. The procedure involves:
- An incision is made in the lower abdomen to remove a section of skin, fat, and blood vessels.
- The tissue is then used to rebuild the breast.
- The blood vessels in the flap are connected to the blood vessels in the chest to ensure blood flow and integration with the existing tissue.
This is called the DIEP flap procedure and is ideal for people who have had breast cancer treatment and want immediate or delayed reconstruction. The diep flap reconstruction surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon who has trained in microvascular tissue transfer. An experienced reconstructive surgeon can achieve great cosmetic results with natural breast symmetry during DIEP flap surgery.
Relocating tissue from the lower abdomen means patients also get a tummy tuck effect as excess skin and fat are removed during the procedure. However, this surgery is more complex and requires a longer recovery time than fat transfer.
Fat Transfer vs DIEP Flap
Fat transfer and DIEP flap are different procedures in several ways. Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the breast, whereas DIEP flap involves transferring skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to the breast area. This difference affects the extent of reconstruction and recovery time.
One of the major perks of fat transfer is the quicker recovery time. Patients generally experience minimal downtime, with most resuming non-strenuous activities within a week. It’s minimally invasive, so you’ll have fewer scars and a shorter healing period.
DIEP flap surgery, however, is a bit more involved. Since it requires healing at two sites—the abdomen and the breast—you’re looking at a longer recovery period. After the procedure, you can expect to spend around eight weeks recovering and resting at home.
Each has its pros and cons, so discuss with your plastic surgeon which is best for you.
What to Choose
Choosing the right procedure for breast volume and shape after implant removal depends on:
- Body type
- Health
- Lifestyle
- Personal goals
Patients with low body fat may not be suitable for fat transfer, as there is not enough fat to harvest for the procedure. In this case, a DIEP flap may be a better option.
Before you decide, consider your overall health and lifestyle. Active people may prefer the quicker recovery of fat transfer, while those who need more reconstruction may opt for DIEP flap surgery.
Talk to a skilled plastic surgeon to get more information and explore all your options.
Choosing a Skilled Surgeon
Fat transfer and DIEP flap success depends on the surgeon. Fat grafting during implant removal requires a board-certified plastic surgeon with plenty of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This technique requires in-depth knowledge of breast anatomy and natural-looking results.
For DIEP flap surgery, choose a surgeon with microsurgical skills to preserve the abdominal muscles and reduce the risk of hernias and abdominal muscle weakness. An experienced reconstructive surgeon is key to breast sensation and great cosmetic results. Always choose board-certified plastic surgeons for the highest level of care and expertise.
Recovery for Fat Transfer
Recovery from fat transfer is relatively easy but requires some care to get the best results. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common in both the treated and fat donor areas for about a week. Many patients take time off work and social engagements to let their bodies heal.
Post-op care:
- No massaging of the treated area
- Sleep on your back for several days to let the fat cells settle
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain your weight to maximize fat survival and recovery
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Elevate the treated area
Your plastic surgeon may have additional post-op instructions, which are crucial for you to follow for the best recovery and the best surgery outcomes.
After surgery, be prepared for scarring, and changes in breast sensation and breast shape. Although recovery is usually smooth, follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
FAQs
Why are women removing their breast implants?
Many women are removing their breast implants due to health reasons, lifestyle changes, and natural beauty standards.
How does fat transfer replace breast volume after implant removal?
Fat transfer can replace breast volume after implant removal by using your own fat to restore natural breast volume and shape.
What are the risks?
Risks and complications of fat transfer include partial fat absorption, uneven results, infections, cyst formation, calcification, and fat necrosis. Talk to your doctor before the procedure.
What’s the difference between fat transfer and DIEP flap surgery?
Fat transfer involves injecting fat into the breast, DIEP flap transfers skin, fat and blood vessels from the lower abdomen to the breast area, different recovery time and extent of reconstruction.
Schedule a Consultation with Garza Surgery
At Garza Plastic Surgery we understand each patient’s journey is unique. We have designed our personalized consultation to match your aesthetic goals and provide you with all you need to make an informed decision. Whether you are considering fat transfer, DIEP flap surgery, or other options, our team is here to walk you through the process.
Dr. Robert Garza is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the cosmetic surgery space. Schedule a consultation with Garza Plastic Surgery today to take the first step towards achieving your aesthetic goals.
