Can fat grafting be done after breast implant removal?

Yes, fat grafting is one option after implant removal to restore some volume without a new device. Because fat gives a smaller increase than implants and part of the graft is resorbed, expectations should be modest and staged sessions may be needed. The condition of the remaining tissue and capsule affects what is possible.

가슴 재수술, 어떤 이유로 하며 첫 수술과 무엇이 다른가요?

가슴 재수술은 이전 유방확대술이나 유방재건의 결과를 고치거나 되돌리는 2차 수술입니다. 흔한 이유는 구형구축, 보형물 파열, 보형물 위치 변화, 크기 변경 희망, 개인적 선호입니다. 방법으로는 보형물 교체, 피막 절개나 제거, 보형물 제거 후 가슴거상술 또는 지방이식 병행이 있습니다. 흉터 조직, 달라진 혈류, 늘어난 피부를 함께 다뤄야 하므로 대개 첫 수술보다 복잡합니다.

Medical · Plastic Surgery

Breast Revision Surgery

Also known as: breast implant removal, explant

Published Sep 14, 2026Updated Nov 12, 2026

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Definition

Breast revision surgery corrects or changes the result of a previous breast augmentation, such as implant removal, replacement or fat grafting after implants.

Quick answer

What is breast revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery corrects or changes the result of a previous breast augmentation. Common reasons are capsular contracture, implant rupture, position or size change and personal preference. Options include implant replacement, implant removal with or without a lift, and fat grafting after implant removal. Revision is generally more complex than the original surgery.

Verified Sep 15, 2026

Key facts

Predicate	Value	Source
Implant removal methods	Implant removed alone with the scar capsule left in place, or implant removed with part or all of the capsule (en bloc resection is the more extensive option)as of Dec 15, 2023	[2]
Implant lifespan (FDA position)	Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices; the longer they are in place, the greater the chance of complicationsas of Dec 15, 2023	[2]
Insurance coverage (US)	Some insurers do not cover implant removal or replacement, even when there are complicationsas of Dec 15, 2023	[2]
Screening for silent rupture	MRI is the most effective method; ultrasound is an acceptable alternativeas of Dec 15, 2023	[2]
Surgical management of confirmed BIA-ALCL	Complete removal of the implant with the intact surrounding capsule (en bloc capsulectomy); some cases also need chemotherapy or radiation	[3]
MFDS position on preventive removal (Korea)	Preventive removal is not recommended for patients without symptoms; patients with suspected and confirmed BIA-ALCL are registered for tracking	[4]
Korean recall of textured implants	MFDS recalled Allergan textured breast implants and advised a halt to their use over a possible BIA-ALCL linkas of Aug 4, 2019	[5]
Share of revisions due to capsular contracture (registries)	25.0–36.7 (Swedish, Australian and Dutch registry data) %	[3]
Share of revisions due to rupture (registries)	12.2–23.4 (Swedish, Australian and Dutch registry data) %	[3]
10-year silicone implant rupture rate after revision augmentation	5.2 (compared with 7.8 for primary augmentation and 9.8 for primary reconstruction) %	[3]
Evidence for routine capsulectomy	A 2021 review argues there is no evidence that removing the capsule during implant replacement lowers later BIA-ALCL or breast implant illness risk, and notes higher surgical risk; this is one author's view	[6]
Common reasons	Capsular contracture, rupture, position or size change, personal preference	[1]

Overview

Breast revision surgery is a second or later operation on a breast that has already had surgery. It is most often done to fix implant problems after augmentation or reconstruction. It may include removing the implant (explantation), with or without cutting the scar capsule around it (capsulotomy) or removing part or all of it (partial, total or en bloc capsulectomy). It may also include exchanging the implant or adding a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat grafting. The US FDA states that breast implants are not lifetime devices and that the chance of complications needing more surgery rises over time. Confirmed BIA-ALCL is treated by removing the implant together with its capsule. Neither the FDA nor Korea's MFDS recommends routine preventive removal in people without symptoms. Readers should check the surgeon's credentials, the implant's make and surface type, imaging results and insurance coverage.

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SC301의원

SC301의원 (SC301 Clinic) is a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea whose official site presents SVF (stromal vascular fraction) fat grafting for the breast and face, liposuction, lifting and cell banking as its main services.

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References

Independent source ratio 100% (9/9)

Level A · 3Level B · 2Level C · 3Level D · 1

Level C · organizationBreast Implant Removal — American Society of Plastic Surgeons · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level A · governmentRisks and Complications of Breast Implants — U.S. Food and Drug Administration · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level B · journalRecognizing and Managing Breast Implant Complications: A Review for Healthcare Providers Who Treat Women Who Underwent Breast Implant–Based Surgery — International Journal of Women's Health (via PubMed Central) · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level A · government[안전성정보] 식약처, 유방보형물 이식환자 안전관리 대책 마련 — 식품의약품안전처 · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level D · news식약처, 엘러간 인공유방 회수… "희귀암 유발 가능성" — 한국일보 · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level B · journalThe Case for Breast Implant Removal or Replacement Without Capsulectomy — Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (Swanson E.), via PubMed Central · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level A · governmentBreast enlargement (implants) — NHS (UK National Health Service) · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level C · organizationBreast Augmentation — American Society of Plastic Surgeons · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page
Level C · organizationFat Transfer Breast Augmentation — American Society of Plastic Surgeons · accessed Nov 12, 2026 · Evidence page

Change history

Initial publication · Sep 14, 2026