Hybrid Breast Augmentation

Procedure

Hybrid Augmentation: Implants & Fat Grafting

Hybrid breast augmentation is an advanced technique in plastic surgery that uses a combination of both breast implants and fat grafting to augment the breasts. During this procedure, breast augmentation with implants is performed and fat is then precisely injected to enhance the cleavage area and add soft tissue coverage around the breast implant, resulting in a more natural augmentation with smooth edges and improved breast contour. This combination procedure not only improves the aesthetic results of augmentation but also long-term outcomes by increasing soft tissue coverage of the breast implant.

The number one reason for a poor result after breast augmentation is inadequate soft tissue, or fatty coverage, over the implant, not a failure to the breast implant itself. Improving soft tissue coverage over the implant improves overall outcomes of the breast augmentation. Dr. Spiegel regularly performs hybrid breast augmentation resulting in a more natural-looking and feeling breast augmentation.

Hybrid breast augmentation is suitable for women with all body types but is an ideal procedure for women who would like a substantial increase in breast volume but do not have enough excess fatty tissue to achieve desired results with fat grafting alone. Breast augmentation with combined implants and fat grafting is also ideal for thin patients with minimal breast tissue. In these patients, placing implants alone may lead to noticeable implant rippling or easily palpable implants. Fat grafting camouflages the implant by improving soft tissue coverage over the implant, resulting in a more natural-looking and feeling breast.

This technique may also be suitable for patients with asymmetrical breasts or those with a congenital chest wall deformity such as pectus excavatum, as fat grafting in combination with implant placement allows for a more tailored augmentation to address asymmetry.

Candidates

You may be a candidate for Hybrid breast augmentation if:

• You are dissatisfied with the size of your breasts
• You would like a natural breast augmentation with improved cleavage
• You would like to augment your breasts with fatty tissue but do not have enough excess fatty tissue to achieve the breast size you desire
• Your breasts are noticeably asymmetrical or have an elongated shape
• You feel your breasts are too small in proportion to your body
• You currently have implants with noticeable implant rippling or palpable implant edges
• You would like breast augmentation and have a thin body frame
• You would like a breast augmentation and desire liposuction to improve body contour

Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations about the results of their surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Spiegel will work with you to develop a personalized plan for your breast augmentation.

Benefits

BENEFITS OF HYBRID BREAST AUGMENTATION

• Improved soft tissue coverage of the breast implant resulting in a more natural-looking and feeling augmentation
• Decreased appearance of breast implant rippling
• Improved breast shape and cleavage
• Improved breast symmetry
• Improved self-confidence
• Breasts that are more proportionate to your body frame
• Improved body contour at the site of liposuction

RISKS

As with all surgical procedures, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and scarring with breast augmentation. Other complications specific to breast augmentation include implant leakage or rupture and capsular contracture (the formation of tight scar tissue around the implant). More than one stage of fat grafting may be required in order to achieve your desired results, as some fat will be reabsorbed by your body. Dr. Spiegel will give you detailed instructions on how to minimize any risks associated with the procedure.

Recovery

Following your surgery, a soft light support surgical bra will be placed. All sutures are absorbable and placed under your skin. You will not need to have any sutures removed. You will wear a compression garment over areas that had liposuction to help minimize swelling and aid in healing. Pain usually subsides in one to five days, but soreness and swelling may persist for a few weeks. Dr. Spiegel will give you specific post-operative instructions, including when you will be able to resume normal activities. You may be prescribed medication for pain and possibly antibiotics to help fight infection. It is important to follow Dr. Spiegel’s instructions to ensure you heal properly and get the results you desire.

Results

You will begin to see the final results of your hybrid breast augmentation once the swelling goes down and your implants settle into place, usually within a few weeks. Annual exams will help you monitor your implants and breast health.

Long term results of hybrid breast augmentation are excellent due to improved soft tissue coverage over the implant. In some patients, more than one session of fat grafting maybe desired to achieve optimal results, as the body will reabsorb a small percentage of the fat that is grafted.