Breast implant conversion - switching/converting from implant to own fat

In this procedure, the breast implant is removed and the patient's own fat is inserted to fill in the space left after implant removal. The fat provides a natural fullness and feel and is a growing trend among those who no longer want implants but do not want to go back to a smaller size.

Some people want to remove implants as they feel that "the implants have done their job, or I'm done with them". Other increasing reasons for implant removal are ALCL (a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and silicone disease - so-called BII; Breast Implant Illness, with symptoms such as headaches, muscle and joint pain and autoimmune diseases. In this case, the prostheses can be removed with or without the entire capsule (depending on the thickness of the capsule).

The result is better by doing this at the same time. We use the PAL Micro Air vibrating machine for liposuction, which equalizes the pressure and donor site for fat. At the same time, unwanted fat accumulation is corrected by transplanting the fat to the breasts.

In breast augmentation with own fat tissue, small tunnels are prepared under the mammary gland, or alternatively in the pectoral muscle. The fat is removed and treated before it is injected with a cannula into the breast area, either with the so-called Coleman's technique or with a vibration technique with the MicroAire machine, which creates more space for fat in the breast and stimulates healing, leading to better retention of the fat and thus better results. The amount of fat needed for the procedure depends on the desired volume in the breasts. The technique leaves very small scars of 1-2mm. When removing the old implants, the same scars from before are used so that there are no new scars. Sometimes drains are inserted for 1-2 days (see info about Breast augmentation with own fat and fig shaping and Hybrid breast augmentation with implant and fat)

The result of this type of surgical technique depends on the resorption of the injected fat, i.e. the extent to which the body itself absorbs and gets rid of the fat. Usually the fat is incorporated (grows) well in the recipient area. It must be assumed that the body absorbs up to 40% of the amount of fat in the first few months, so you fill a little more than you need (overcorrect) to compensate for this loss. There is also no guarantee that more than 40% will be absorbed in some people.
The fat must be treated gently without causing major damage to the fat cells. A centrifugation process using a simple machine to separate the fat is considered to meet these requirements. It is not uncommon for a new injection to be required; in the event of resorption of more than 40%, a new fat injection is offered within the warranty period, provided that there is sufficient fat for injection for any increase in volume or in cases where asymmetry occurs. If the fat tissue is not sucked away from the body, so that the volume is not satisfactory, this remains a natural and long-lasting result.

Breastfeeding ability is not normally affected by the techniques we use. Nipple sensation can sometimes be lost or reduced, but it often returns. We usually close the wound with stitches that dissolve on their own. It may be necessary to insert a drain (tube) to remove blood and fluid from the wound area under the skin. These are usually removed after 1-2 days at the first check-up. The operation does not provide a basis for sick leave.
Since 2008, Oslo Plastic Surgery has performed breast augmentation with its own fat tissue, and we have operated on more than 250 women. We created this service as an alternative to breast augmentation with implants. Oslo Plastic Surgery therefore has a long follow-up period for these surgery patients, who have proven to be very satisfied with their procedure and that the fat volume in the breasts has remained stable.
Fat grafting from your own body is a well-established clinical method that has been around for many years. Although small fat injections for minor defects in the breasts have been performed for a long time, it is only recently that people have started using their own fat to recreate a completely new breast after cancer or for cosmetic reasons. Breast treatment with fat of various types and causes is the clinic's main area of focus.

There have been a number of technical advances in the procedure itself and developments have led to a more gentle method so that more of the fat survives after transplantation to the relevant area of the body. In addition, the indications for using fat in the breasts have expanded to include, in addition to small breasts, asymmetrical breasts, tuberous breasts, the Hybrid method (fat & implant) and Conversion (replacing the implant with fat). These indications/requests have partly come about due to the ALCL discovery and BII (a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and silicone disease - BII; Breast Implant Illness.
In addition, more and more people want a more natural shape and texture to their breasts (see Hybrid and ACL BII info).

We are proud to announce that we have presented our successful results at lectures and guest lectures from 2010 to so far 2018 in Oslo, Linköping, Karlstad, Helsinki, Berlin, Rome, London, Paris, Qatar, Las Vegas, Tunisia, Gothenburg, Marseilles, Paris, Cairo, Lebanon, Dubai, Manchester (UK), Italy and Copenhagen, EASAPS, IMCAS, SOFCEP and the prestigious Botti Beaitufull Breast Meeting, to name a few.
Dr. Kalaaji has also published an article on this in the medical journal "Kirurgen" and in the "Body Language journal" and in his upcoming book on fat grafting and regenerative surgery:
Plastic and Aesthetic Regenerative Surgery and Fat Grafting Clinical Application and Operative Techniques, published by Springer Nature by the chief editor of our clinic Dr. Amin Kalaaji, MD, MD, PhD.

Among our patients, the most common reason for choosing this procedure is to enlarge the breasts due to lack of volume, shape and to correct asymmetry (inequality).
It can also be women who have small and empty breasts after undergoing pregnancy and breastfeeding or women who have an underdeveloped bust.

Many people do not want to insert foreign objects such as silicone implants, but want something that feels natural. Some women already have implants but want more fullness in their breasts without having to change to larger implants. Some women, especially those who are slim and have a small layer of fat under the skin, can form small folds in the implants that can be seen and felt (so-called rippling). An alternative may then be to transplant fat.

Some choose to undergo a so-called hybrid treatment for the breast with both fat and implants. This may involve injecting/transplanting fat to the breasts at the same time as the implants are inserted or injecting fat at a later date for those who already have implants to increase volume, correct asymmetry or correct rippling caused by the implant in thin patients or for patients who have prostheses just below the mammary gland.

Other women have breast implants that they now want to remove completely and instead insert fat to replace the missing volume (conversion treatment = exchanging prostheses for fat grafting). Patients who experience capsule formation - and who initially want to remove the implants - can also benefit from this operation.

In addition, most people who want breast augmentation with their own fat tissue have an unfortunate fat distribution where they want to correct the amount of fat on, for example, the stomach, the outside or inside of the thighs, buttocks or waist/sides so that it becomes a win-win situation. Another benefit these patients seek is to avoid the scars left by implant surgery.

Breast augmentation with own fat tissue can be done as a combined procedure as in the so-called 'Mommy Makeover' with e.g. tummy tuck or buttock augmentation with own fat.