Should I Get Fat Grafting or Implant For My Deltoid Atrophy?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have left deltoid atrophy due to brachial plexus injury long time ago. I m looking for deltoid implant or fat grafting to make left shoulder thick like right shoulder. Now I m 53 year old guy.I m also sending you one picture of patient who had this type of surgery.plz give me the cost and good advice. Thanks

A: There are advantages and disadvantages to both injectable fat grafting and implants for your deltoid deformity….and not to be confusing there is even a third option. (dermal-fat graft which is sort of a cross betwween the two being a solid fat graft much like an implant) The key determinant in your case is that your left shoulder is very scarred from prior injuiry/surgery. This makes it not great for injectable fat grafting. With all of the scars on the shoulder this makes it more ideal for either an implant or a large dermal-fat graft. And those two options are worthy of a more indepth discussion.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon