Breast implants are not permanent medical devices.  In fact it is suggested to remove or remove and replace your breast implants every 10 years.  There are many reasons women want to have their implants and breast implant capsules removed:

  • Capsular Contracture
  • Deflation/Rupture
  • Illness
  • Change in body image
  • Breast ptosis (sagging)
  • Normal aging process


A breast implant will have a layer of scar tissue around the implant which is known as a capsule.  Breast implant capsule are graded on a scale which is known as the Baker scale.

Baker Grade I
the breast is normally soft and appears natural in size and shape
Baker Grade II
the breast is a little firm, but appears normal
Baker Grade III
the breast is firm and appears abnormal
Baker Grade IV
the breast is hard, painful to the touch, and appears abnormal

 

Upon removal of a breast implant there will be an obvious and sometimes deforming decrease in breast size.  Additionally there is skin excess which causes the breast to look deflated and oftentimes saggy or droopy.  An excellent solution to this issue is to replace the volume with an autologous fat transfer.  

Fat transfer has become an increasingly popular method of breast enhancement.  For patients desiring breast volume without implants, fat transfer is the perfect solution.  Fat is harvested from areas where is is unwanted such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs.  Using specialized fat transfer specific equipment, the fat is purified and separated from nonviable components such as liposuction fluid and blood.  The purified fat is then washed with antibiotic solution and re-injected into the breast.  The majority of transplanted fat will re-vascularize and become stable over time.

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Patient Focus 1

Procedures: Breast Implant and Capsule Removal with Fat Transfer to the Breast to Replace Volume

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 2

Procedures: Patient with bilateral capsular contracture.  She had implant removal/explant and volume replacement with fat transfer from abdomen, flanks, thighs.

 

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Patient Focus 3

Procedures: Patient with bilateral capsular contracture.  She had implant removal/explant and volume replacement with fat transfer from abdomen, flanks, thighs.

*All Patients are Unique and Results May Vary

Expectations

Length: 1 - 3 hour depending on procedure

Anesthesia: General or local conscious sedation

In/Outpatient: Outpatient

Side Effects: Temporary swelling, mild bruising and some pain

Risks: Pain, bleeding, infection, asymmetry

Recovery: Back to work:  2 days to 1 week.  More strenuous activity:  1 - 3 weeks

Final Appearance:  2 - 3 months  for skin to retract and breasts to assume final shape

Duration of Results:  Implant removal is permanent.  Associated procedures such as breast lift or fat grafting will change over time.

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