Ran Stark, M.D., a Philadelphia area native, is a plastic surgeon practicing locally. He is board certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Stark completed over 10 years of training after graduating from medical school prior to starting his practice. Haute Beauty sits down with Dr. Stark to learn more about “SIEF” or Simultaneous Implant Exchange. 

 

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HB: How does the Simultaneous Implant Exchange with Fat Grafting procedure work?

After having breast implants for a number of years, women at a certain age decide to have their implants removed. I generally see this in the age range between 55-65 years old.

Women present with complaints that they feel matronly and heavy. Their biggest concern with removing their implants is that they will look deflated. However, with the advances of fat grafting and improved techniques the option of fat grafting the breast after removal of implants is an option. There are two types of breast. The first type of breast requires just an implant removal and immediate fat grafting. However, the other type of breast which is more common in the age group requires an implant removal with a breast lift and fat grafting.

The goal in this procedure is to restore breast shape and maintain the upper pole fullness of the breast with fat grafting.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HB: Who is a good candidate for the SIEF procedure?

Women that are ready to have their implants removed and may need a breast lift.

HB: How does this treatment compare to others of the same nature?

The benefit of this treatment is that you can avoid having implants and still maintain fullness of the breast with a natural feeling and look. A key to remember is that generally on 50-60% of the fat that is grafted will survive.

HB: What does recovery look like?

Overall recovery is benign. The part that is uncomfortable is the areas that are liposuctioned, the flanks, abdomen or back. If the breast require just fat grafting they may be sore for a few days but most people are back to daily living within a few days. When a breast lift is needed there is a little bit more downtime but most patients are back to daily living and work by a week.