Arlington Heights, Ill. The technique, called simultaneous implant exchange with fat SIEF , represents a "conceptual paradigm shift of using natural fat for volumetric augmentation and breast reshaping," writes ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Daniel Del Vecchio, Boston. He believes that SIEF is a useful new option to replace breast implants, and illustrates the expanding possibilities for using fat obtained from liposuction for breast augmentation and reconstruction.
Del Vecchio used the SIEF technique in a year-old woman who had undergone breast augmentation with implants. Seven years later, she was dissatisfied with the results. She felt her breasts were too full and rounded, especially at the top, and looked unnatural for her age.
She wanted the implants removed, but was concerned about the appearance of her breasts afterward. Del Vecchio designed the SIEF approach as a way of maintaining the volume of the breasts while creating a more natural shape after implant removal. On the day of surgery, liposuction was performed to harvest fat cells from the patient's thighs and abdomen.
This "reverse liposuction" technique provided fat to inject into the space over the implants. Using the patient's own fat cells, the surgeon was able to sculpt and reshape the breast, allowing a smoother transition at the top.
The implants were then removed, eliminating the "pocket" they had formerly occupied. This reduced pressure within the breasts, thus allowing injection of additional fat.
