Autologous Fat Grafting for Primary Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

As the technique of autologous fat grafting is being refined and perfected, its clinical applications are expanding. The use of autologous fat grafting for primary breast augmentation is controversial due to a lack of clarity regarding its safety and efficacy. Most notably, concerns about interference with the detection of breast cancer have been raised, but these have not been clearly addressed in the literature. To help surgeons gain further insight, the authors conducted a systematic review of the literature, carefully comparing technique, clinical outcome, radiologic impact, and complications in all available data on this subject. Although an optimal method of autologous fat grafting for primary breast augmentation is yet to be standardized, further strong evidence-based studies are necessary to confirm the findings of this approach.

Use of autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction: A systematic review with meta-analysis of oncological outcomes

“…We found no studies utilising a bolus injection technique which has been associated with complications in a case of breast augmentation 67 and identified as an inferior technique in a previous systematic review 46 . Another point of difference between the studies was whether to perform an overcorrection.…”

“…Meta-Analysis was based upon a DerSimonian and Laird random effects model 44 . Previous reviews have not conducted meta-analysis or calculated statistical heterogeneity 31, [45][46][47] .…”

The Subfascial Approach to Primary and Secondary Breast Augmentation with Autologous Fat Grafting and Form-Stable Implants

“…[54][55][56][57][58] According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2009, fat grafting represented almost 6% of the nonsurgical procedures within the realm of esthetic surgery, with more than 514,000 procedures performed worldwide. 56,59 Over the past 10 years, there has been a reintroduction in the use of autologous fat grafting for breast surgery.…”

A Case-Controlled Study of the Oncologic Safety of Fat Grafting

“…Meta-analyses evaluating the oncologic safety of FG have begun to emerge in an effort to resolve this debate with a greater sample size 20,[33][34][35] . However, there are limitations to the previous studies, particularly the consideration for confounding variables such as tumour histology, resection margins, receptor status and adjuvant treatments, which can only be corrected for by comparison with an appropriate control group [35][36][37] .…”