Autologous Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review on Radiological Safety, Complications, Volume Retention, and Patient/Surgeon Satisfaction

Abstract

3 Therapeutic.

Application of Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Surgery

“…4 As fat graft take is generally cited to be anywhere between 50 and 80%, fat resorption patterns cannot be predicted, and thus patients must be counseled regarding asymmetries or contour irregularities that could potentially arise from uneven fat resorption. 5 Lastly, patients must be aware that although the rate of breast cancer in patients with fat grafting to the breasts is equivalent to that of the general population, fat grafting is associated with a higher rate of biopsies when palpable lumps are encountered despite the capacity for radiographic images to differentiate between fat necrosis and breast cancer. 21,22…”

“…4,22 In 2016, Groen et al conducted a systematic review investigating the outcomes and complications of autologous fat grafting in cosmetic breast augmentation. 5 The study included 22 articles and more than 35,000 patients. A complication rate of 17.2% was seen.…”

“…The study results demonstrated that 92% of patients and 89% of surgeons were satisfied with the final result. 5 Fat grafting procedures to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts following breast cancer surgery and reconstruction have also been strongly linked to improved patient psychosocial well-being and enhanced sexual satisfaction. [58][59][60] Autologous fat transfer thus has a high probability of producing satisfactory results for women desiring indicated aesthetic improvements in the appearance of their breasts.…”

“…Intraoperative approaches have been reported to vary with surgeon preference, and technological advances are pushing the boundaries of aesthetic changes possible with fat grafting. [5][6][7][8] There also remains some contention regarding the oncological safety of injecting actively signaling adipose cells with high regenerative potential into the breast, especially in patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer. [9][10][11][12] Overall, fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic purposes appears to be a generally safe, increasingly popular procedure with high levels of patient satisfaction that needs further investigation regarding technique and associated risk.…”

“…[9][10][11][12] Overall, fat grafting to the breast for cosmetic purposes appears to be a generally safe, increasingly popular procedure with high levels of patient satisfaction that needs further investigation regarding technique and associated risk. [5][6][7][8] The aim of this review article is to provide an updated, thorough summary of contemporary applications of fat grafting in aesthetic breast surgery.…”