Replacement of breast implants with autologous fat and stem cells can be done after the silicone breast implants have been removed. In an outpatient procedure, the breasts are gently augmented with stem cell-enriched body fat under local anesthesia. The additional breast volume consists solely of the body’s own tissue and therefore looks and feels completely natural.
At a Glance
- Surgery duration: 3 to 4 hours (outpatient)
- Anesthesia: Exclusively local anesthesia (tumescent anesthesia)
- Sport: Microcannulas: After 1 week at the earliest (depending on the sport)
Regular cannulas: After 4 weeks at the earliest (depending on the sport) - Normal social activities: After a few days
- Preliminary examinations: Blood test and sonography/mammography/MRI, further examinations depending on the patient’s state of health
- Compression garments: Microcannulas: 1 week
Regular cannulas: 6 to 8 weeks - Incapacity to work: 1 to 2 days (may vary from case to case)
- Check-ups: To be arranged on an individual basis
We are regularly consulted by patients who are dissatisfied with their silicone implants and who are suffering discomfort. They find the feeling of having a foreign body implanted in them to be unpleasant or they suffer from complications (e.g., capsule fibrosis). Since the PIP scandal has been known about (low-grade industrial silicone was used for implants), an increasing number of patients are questioning the health risks associated with silicone and doubt whether silicone is completely safe.
These patients want breast augmentation with fillers made from their own body. Breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat after removal of breast implants is a natural alternative.
The Procedure
Some patients approach us after their silicone implants have been removed, whilst others consult us beforehand.
Most patients have their silicone implants removed and want breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat at a later date, when the healing process after implant removal is over. The recuperation stage usually lasts around 3 to 4 months.
Alternatively, and under very specific conditions, removal of the silicone implant and breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat can be carried out in one round of treatment.
Breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia in our specially equipped operating rooms. Surgery takes around 3 to 4 hours if the silicone implants were previously removed.
We use liposuction to harvest the autologous fat required for obtaining stem cells and the actual breast augmentation. Liposculpture is a special form of liposuction, whereby we extract fat from the body’s fat depots by suction. This is done by hand and is gentle on the tissue. We never use suction machines or scalpels.
Thin microcannulas with a diameter of 1.0 to 2.5 millimeters are used for liposuction or alternatively, conventional regular cannulas with a diameter of 3.0 millimeters upwards. Experience has shown that microcannulas have to be used on very slim women to harvest sufficient fat.
The after photo shows the result actually achieved by the treatment. To protect the anonymity of the depicted person individual physical characteristics (e.g., moles, tattoos) might have been removed. Results may vary from patient to patient. Please note that in medicine generally no guarantee for a certain treatment result can be given.
Your body’s own stem cells are obtained from a part of the autologous fat, which are processed with the remaining extracted autologous fat in clean room conditions and injected into your breasts. The looser the breast skin, the more volume can be introduced. Normally, the additional breast volume is retained for years. Results may vary from patient to patient. Please note that in medicine generally no guarantee for a certain treatment result can be given.
What Happens Afterwards?
Aftercare is relatively straightforward: You must wear a bandage overnight and afterwards you must wear compression garments. If regular cannulas were used for liposuction, you will need to wear the compression garments for 6 to 8 weeks; if liposuction was carried out with microcannulas, normally for 1 week. A sports bra should be worn for approx. 4 weeks.
You usually should be able to go back to work 1 to 2 days after breast augmentation with stem cell-enriched autologous fat. It is important not to move your upper body abruptly or lift heavy weights (e.g., fitness training, barbell training, tennis, climbing) during the first few weeks after surgery.
The type of sport and your individual healing process determine when you will be able to begin sports again. We will monitor your health during the healing process and will give you recommendations tailored to your needs.
The Result
The positive results of breast reconstruction with stem cell-enriched autologous fat can be seen by their naturalness. Since the additional volume consists exclusively of your body’s own “material”, the augmented breast feels absolutely “real” and looks natural in any posture, whether you are at rest or moving. Additionally, the local rejuvenating effect of the stem cells often gives the breasts a younger, firmer and more toned appearance.
Breast augmentation of approx. one half up to two cup sizes can be achieved. Augmentations of around one cup are typical. Results may vary from patient to patient. Please note that in medicine generally no guarantee for a certain treatment result can be given.The punctures on the breast made by injection needles almost always heal with scars invisible to the naked eye, just as when blood samples are taken.
After breast augmentation with stem cell-enriched autologous fat, a large part of the new breast volume is usually retained for years. Refreshments are therefore mostly unnecessary. Results may vary from patient to patient. Please note that in medicine generally no guarantee for a certain treatment result can be given.