Hybrid Mammoplasty
Hybrid mammoplasty is a surgery that integrates breast augmentation using implants with autologous fat transfer and has the advantages of both. This approach has the following aims: to increase the thickness of chest skin or breast tissues by autologous fat transfer so as to enhance the natural look and touch of breast implants, to reduce the risk of ball-like appearance or implant rippling, and to overcome problems associated with traditional autologous fat transfer alone such as fat cell loss or absorption through the placement of implants to effectively maintain breast size and firmness. Because the compression or massage of the breast should be avoided after fat transfer to prevent fat cell loss and absorption, hybrid mammoplasty mostly uses textured implants that do not require postoperative massage. This surgery is primarily used for those with severe inadequate congenital indications for breast implants, those with a history of repeated breast implants, those who prefer textured implants but that may show an unnatural touch and look, or those who would like large implants and achieve natural breast shape at the same time. Dr. Chuang combines autologous fat transfer with the latest teardrop breast implants, allowing not only the creation of a perfect cleavage and peach-shaped breasts but also the natural look and touch of the breasts.
Surgical conditions
Duration
- Type of anesthesia: General anesthesia
- Type of incision: Transaxillary, periareolar, or inframammary incision, Groin (liposuction)
- Recovery: Within 3–5 days
- Removal of stitches: 7–10 days
General instructions
Fasting with no food and water before the procedure
- Frequent stretching should be performed for 1 month postoperatively to prevent axillary scar adhesion.
- Warm compression or massage of the breast should be avoided for 1 month postoperatively to prevent fat loss.
- Smoking and consumption of collagen or vitamin C should be avoided for 3 months postoperatively to prevent the formation of capsules.
- Environments with drastic temperature changes should be avoided to reduce the fat absorption ratio.
Ideal candidates
- Those who would like textured implants but may show an unnatural or a ball-like appearance
- Those who would like peach-shaped breasts through the use of textured teardrop implants
- Those who are not qualified for breast implants such as those who are extremely thin (BMI less than 16 kg/m2)
- Those with sternal deformities or who are too bony
- Those with severe breast asymmetry (difference in size)
- Those who have very thin skin due to repeated breast implant procedures.
Possible complications
- Capsular contracture (<10%)
- Uneven breast height
- Excessive fat absorption
- Fat lumping or calcification
- Mammary gland inflammation or infection
- Implant leakage or rupture
Surgical advantages
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The range of fat injection is flexible and helps in creating peach-shaped breasts.
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The natural look of implants can be enhanced using fat to increase breast and skin tissue thickness.
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Possible disadvantages of autologous fat transfer alone such as fat cell loss or absorption can be prevented.
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Touch of the breast can be improved and presence of implant edges or ripples can be avoided.
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Breast asymmetry may be adjusted.
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No preoperative massage is required.
Surgical drawbacks
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The combined procedures are associated with a higher risk of anesthesia and infection.
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Autologous fat could be absorbed.
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Postoperative massage is not recommended; thus, only textured implants can be used.
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Implants are not as soft to touch compared with smooth implants.
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Temporary lumps in the breast may occur after the procedure.