What is breast implant removal with lipofilling and how does the procedure proceed?

Removal of breast implants with lipofilling is a surgical procedure that combines two elements - removal of previously implanted breast prostheses and transplantation of fat from other parts of the patient's body (such as the abdomen, thighs or hips) to improve the shape of the breasts. Lipofilling, the transplantation of the patient's own fat, produces a natural result without the need for new implants.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The first step is to remove the implants, and then the surgeon performs liposuction from the selected area of the body to extract fat. The resulting material is properly cleaned and injected into the areas that need filling to achieve a natural breast shape. The whole procedure ends with the placement of sutures and dressings.

How to prepare for breast implant removal with lipofilling?

A number of diagnostic tests, such as blood count, clotting tests (APTT, INR), ECG and chest X-ray, must be performed before the procedure. A hepatitis B vaccination is also required.

A week before surgery, blood clotting-lowering drugs should be discontinued, and the patient should be fasting on the day of surgery. It is also important to avoid infections before the scheduled surgery date. During the consultation, the surgeon discusses in detail the surgery plan and the patient's expectations.

Recovery from breast implant removal with lipofilling

After the procedure, there may be swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness around the breasts and the areas from which the fat was taken. For several weeks, it is necessary to wear a specialized compression bra to promote healing and molding of the breasts. In addition, intense exercise and excessive sunbathing and sauna use should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

The first effects are visible after just a few weeks, but the full result of the procedure can be assessed after 3-6 months. The transplanted fat may be partially absorbed, so sometimes minor touch-ups are necessary.

What are the contraindications to the procedure?

The treatment is not recommended in cases of: pregnancy and breastfeeding, active infections, unregulated diabetes, hypertension, coagulation disorders, autoimmune diseases or cancer.

The final decision on the feasibility of surgery is made by the doctor based on the results of the tests and a detailed history.