More Women Are Choosing the Breast Explant Lipofilling Combo

Patients researching fat transfer breast augmentation in Beverly Hills can use this guide as background and then review our comprehensive surgical page for candidacy, safety, and consultation planning.

The breast explant lipofilling combo is one of the fastest-growing procedures in aesthetic breast surgery.

Step	What Happens
1. Implant Removal	Breast implants are surgically removed, with or without the surrounding scar capsule
2. Capsule Management	The scar tissue capsule is partially or fully removed depending on your situation
3. Fat Harvesting	Your own fat is liposuctioned from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs
4. Fat Purification	Harvested fat is processed to isolate healthy, viable fat cells
5. Lipofilling	Purified fat is injected into the breasts to restore natural volume and shape

This combination lets you say goodbye to synthetic implants and hello to natural-looking volume -- all in one surgery. In 2023 alone, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recorded more than 25,000 reconstructive implant removals, signaling a clear and growing trend away from implants.

I am Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky, MD, FRCSC -- a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained at McGill University with a USC cosmetic surgery fellowship.

Why Patients Choose the Breast Explant Lipofilling Combo

Breast Implant Illness (BII): Many women report systemic symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and rashes that they attribute to their implants. Many patients experience significant symptom relief after explantation.
Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant hardens, causing pain, tightness, and distortion of the breast shape.
Implant Rupture or Malfunction: Whether a silent rupture of a silicone shell or a visible deflation of a saline bag, a compromised implant needs to come out.
Aesthetic Shift: Many women simply outgrow the implant look as lifestyles change and the desire for a softer, more natural silhouette grows.

Surgical Techniques

For many patients, especially those concerned with BII or silicone leakage, we perform a breast explant en bloc capsulectomy. This technique involves removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue capsule as one single, unopened unit. Once the implants are out, we use gentle, low-pressure liposuction to harvest fat from areas where you have a surplus -- most commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. We then use specialized techniques like centrifugation or decantation to purify the fat, isolating the most robust, viable fat cells and regenerative stem cells.

Recovery Timeline

Surgery Day: The procedure typically takes 3-5 hours under general anesthesia. You will go home the same day.
Week 1: You will wear a surgical bra and a compression garment on your liposuction areas.
Weeks 2-4: Swelling begins to subside. You can usually return to desk work within 5-7 days.
Month 3-6: The fluffing phase. This is when the transferred fat settles and the final shape of your new, natural breasts emerges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much volume can I realistically gain from lipofilling?

Most patients can expect a gain of about one cup size per session. If you are looking to replace the volume of very large implants, you may need two or even three staged sessions of fat grafting.

Is the fat transfer permanent after implant removal?

Yes. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply (usually within the first 3 months), they are there to stay.

Will I have significant scarring?

We strive for a near-scarless result. For the explant, we typically use your original incision sites. The fat grafting itself is done through tiny poke holes about the size of a freckle, which usually fade until they are nearly invisible.

Conclusion

At Aura Aesthetica, we believe that surgery can be a transformative ritual. The breast explant lipofilling combo is more than just a cosmetic change; it is an opportunity to align your physical body with your health goals and personal values. If you are ready to explore a future without implants, we invite you to schedule your breast fat grafting consultation with us today.

For more information about breast explant surgery and fat grafting, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky at his Beverly Hills plastic surgery clinic. To book, call 310-773-4596.

Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky

This educational article was reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Kanevsky, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills specializing in fat transfer procedures, body contouring, breast surgery, and recovery-focused aesthetic planning.

Last updated: May 2026

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More Women Are Choosing the Breast Explant Lipofilling Combo - Here is Why