Robert Whitfield MDAmerica's Breast Implant Illness Expert™

Why Fat Transfer May Be Delayed After Explant

2 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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In this clinical commentary, Dr. Robert Whitfield explains the rationale for postponing fat grafting after breast implant removal (explant). He emphasizes that patients who are not ideal candidates should first improve their overall health before undergoing a low‑body‑weight fat transfer. Delaying the procedure allows the surgeon to evaluate how the tissues have responded to any prior lift, including residual skin laxity, the level of inflammation, and the effect of scarring on tissue mobility. These factors directly influence where and how the transferred fat can be placed for optimal aesthetic outcomes.

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If we have somebody that wasn't a good candidate, we tried to get them healthier and then do a low body weight fat transfer. We're just trying to put them in the best possible positions we can. Delayed fat transfer can be a very good option in this setting. And you and the surgeon then get a real example of, all right, what have the tissues done? If they had a lift, how much skin laxity is remaining? Is their inflammatory burden lower? Scarring can definitely make some areas less mobile, and that can change how the fat is positioned.