Fat Transfer After Breast Implant Removal in Raleigh North Carolina*

Breast enlargement using fat transfer has become a more popular procedure in the last 10-15 years. In the past this procedure was largely condemned by plastic surgeons because of concerns about interference with mammography or creating lumps in the breasts that could be mistaken for cancer. This is still a valid concern; however newer techniques have allowed for a safer procedure with less complications. It sounds so tempting to consider targeting areas of unwanted fat and using that fat to create a larger breast–but it is not so easy! For one thing, unlike a breast implant, fat is not transferred in one round large deposit into the breast tissue. To do so would cause a condition called fat necrosis where the fat would die and create a hard lump. Fat has to be deposited in small amounts throughout the entirety of the breast primarily into the subcutaneous tissue to create a size change and must be done in small particle sizes that have been harvested with minimal trauma. Special processing with filtering systems such as the PureGraft® or Viality™ devices help reduce impurities and improve fat retention. This 65-year-old woman had saline breast implants placed 15 years ago and developed a capsular contracture on the right side. She decided she no longer wanted the breast implants but was hopeful to have fat transfer to overcome the deformity. Dr. Lyle performed explantation with liposuction of her thighs with placement of over 250 cc of fat to each breast.