Hybrid Breast Augmentation
Hybrid breast augmentation involves breast implants combined with fat transfer to the breast to increase volume and sculpt shape, for women seeking a more natural result.
Hybrid breast augmentation, also known as composite breast augmentation, is a modified technique compared to the traditional breast augmentation procedure, as it involves optimizing the appearance and shape of the breast using breast implants in combination with fat transfer to the breast. Hybrid breast augmentation has very high patient satisfaction rates due to its ability to optimize the volume, fullness of the upper pole.
To achieve the best results in breast augmentation, a silicone-polyurethane implant must be adequately covered by the overlying soft tissue. In very thin patients with very little breast tissue, breast augmentation with implants alone, despite the excellent improvement in breast volume and projection, may lead to less than ideal aesthetic results. This is due to the fact that the soft tissues above the implant are unable to completely cover the implant, especially on the sides of the breast.
Patients can feel the edges of the implant during movement and skin rippling may be evident, leading to an aesthetically unacceptable result.
There are different techniques to effectively cover breast implants in thin patients.
In other cases, breast reconstruction techniques use various scaffold materials to adequately support the soft tissue and prevent many of the soft tissue-related complications in thin patients who undergo breast augmentation with implants alone.
However, these techniques have not stood the test of time due to their significant cost and lack of predictability in achieving consistently good results.
Dr. Nikolaos Maltzaris , has many years of experience in fat transfer to the breast and has applied his expertise in liposuction simultaneously with breast augmentation with implants to create more natural results. Hybrid breast augmentation is a procedure that is based on the combination of breast implants with simultaneous fat transfer to the breast to optimize breast volume and properly contour the overlying soft tissues surrounding the breast.
Hybrid breast augmentation could be the ideal treatment option for patients seeking natural results. The use of both breast implants and fat transfer allows the plastic surgeon complete control over the shaping of the breast.
In thin patients with limited soft tissue coverage, hybrid breast augmentation is an excellent technique as well as for correcting breast asymmetry in women with uneven breasts. The combination of implants and lipotransfer allows plastic surgeons to use smaller implants as the combined fat transfer also contributes to breast volume increase. Breast implants that are smaller in size carry fewer risks than larger breast implants.
By combining breast fat transfer with breast implants, the benefits of achieving excellent aesthetic results are many. Breast fat transfer can precisely augment the soft tissue surrounding the implant and shape the breast by improving the imperfections of the implant alone.
Another key advantage of hybrid breast augmentation is the option it gives plastic surgeons to place breast implants superficially under the mammary gland.
The plastic surgeon does not need to disrupt (cut) the pectoralis major muscle to place the implant underneath, also known as a dual-level approach. Placing the breast implant under the muscle can lead to potential muscle weakness over time. For those who are involved in sports and weightlifting at the gym, there is a potential risk of a double-bubble deformity or displacement of the implant with contraction of the pectoralis muscle (animation deformity).
Recovery from double-level breast augmentation is also longer than when breast implants are placed above the muscle. By choosing above-the-muscle breast implants in combination with fat transfer, plastic surgeons can effectively correct any mild degrees of breast sagging or drooping.
Hybrid breast augmentation has very high patient satisfaction rates when ideal patients are selected. Ideal candidates:
Interested parties who smoke should be aware that this significantly increases the risks of surgery and should quit smoking at least six weeks prior to hybrid breast augmentation.
Hybrid breast augmentation is designed to increase breast volume with breast implants and improve shape with fat transfer to the breast. The procedure involves two main steps: placement of breast implants and liposuction followed by fat transfer to the breast to enhance the shape of the breasts.
The plastic surgeon uses specially designed cannulas for liposuction and fat injection.
The first stage of the procedure involves liposuction. Using very small incisions, excess fat is removed from anatomical areas such as the abdomen and inner thighs. The removed fat is processed, ready for the next stage of the fat transfer process.
Then, the plastic surgeon follows the breast augmentation with the placement of an implant.
With a 4cm incision in the inframammary fold, preparation and creation of a pouch, most often above the pectoral muscle of the breast, which also helps minimize bleeding pain and discomfort postoperatively.
Once the breast pocket is created, the breast implants are inserted using sterile technique. The plastic surgeon will select the size of the implant based on the patient’s proportions and the amount of fat transfer to be performed.
Hybrid breast augmentation usually involves choosing smaller implant sizes.
Larger sized implants may be selected in patients with insufficient fat reserves. The ideal breast implant size will be agreed upon together during the pre-operative examination based on the somatometric parameters.
Once the implants are placed in the correct position, the wound is closed with sutures.
The final stage of the procedure involves fat transfer. The collected and processed fat is injected into the breast using specialized cannulas through very small 2mm holes.
The procedure takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Hybrid breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and as a day case. The patient can return to her home after 6 hours following the medical instructions at home.
Once the procedure is complete, it is normal to expect a mild degree of pain and discomfort in both the breast and the areas where the liposuction was performed. The post-operative nursing team will provide you with complete post-operative instructions. You will also be given a post-operative prescription for antibiotics and painkillers, which should be taken as directed by your doctor.
The hybrid breast augmentation procedure is performed in such a way as to minimize the postoperative recovery period.
The plastic surgeon uses gentle techniques to minimize post-operative bruising and swelling. It is important to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least the first four weeks after surgery. The best sleeping position involves lying on your back with the head of the bed elevated to approximately 35°, and this is most helpful during the first week. Lying in an upright position helps with post-operative swelling and promotes wound healing. Patients should generally lie on their back for at least the first 3 to 4 weeks after surgery to prevent implant malposition or premature fat loss.
You can resume normal activities according to postoperative recommendations.
In most cases, patients can return to work after a week, as the bruising and swelling will have subsided. They should avoid strenuous activities at the gym for the first six weeks after surgery.
It is recommended that you wear a suitable post-operative bra or a sports bra to help keep the implants in place. Once your pain has subsided and you no longer need painkillers, you can resume driving after two weeks. You should avoid any breast massage for the first three weeks, as it may affect the results of the fat transfer.
Smoking should be avoided during the postoperative period for at least four weeks. Smoking is associated with a high risk of delayed wound healing and infection of the surgical wound. Smoking also has a detrimental effect on fat survival during liposuction. The amount of fat transfer that survives in patients who smoke is significantly reduced.
By choosing to have hybrid breast augmentation, the risk of complications can be significantly reduced by following preoperative and postoperative care instructions.
Risks of hybrid breast augmentation
The amount of breast size increase that can be achieved with fat transfer depends on several factors, including the amount of available fat to be harvested, the quality of the fat, the technique used for the transplant, and the patient’s desired outcome. In general, fat transfer can increase breast size by up to one size. However, it is important to note that this may vary depending on the individual case. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your needs and goals, assess your physical condition, and discuss the best options for you.
Not all of the fat graft usually survives after fat transfer to the breast. It is common for some of the transferred fat to be reabsorbed by the body in the weeks and months following the procedure. The percentage of fat that survives varies depending on several factors, including the technique used, the experience of the plastic surgeon, the quality of the harvested fat, and the individual patient’s response to treatment.
On average, it is estimated that approximately 60% of the transferred fat will survive long-term in the breast tissue. However, the actual amount of fat that survives can vary between patients and is difficult to predict with accuracy. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the possibilities of fat absorption with you and provide you with realistic expectations for the results of your procedure.
Weight changes can affect the size of your breasts. When you gain weight, your breasts can become larger as they store more fat. Conversely, when you lose weight, your breasts can become smaller as you lose fat. This can also lead to changes in the shape and firmness of your breasts.
However, it’s important to note that the degree to which weight change affects your breast size can vary depending on body type, genetics, and other factors.
When it comes to fat transfer to the chest, it is important to maintain a stable weight after the procedure to ensure the best long-term results.
Significant weight gain or loss can affect the quality of the transferred fat that survives, potentially affecting the size and shape of the breast.
Yes, it is possible to replace your old breast implant with your own fat through a procedure called implant ablation with fat transfer. This involves removing the old breast implant and replacing it with your own body fat that has been collected through liposuction from other areas of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs.
