Background
Fat grafting in breast augmentation surgery is becoming increasingly popular, allowing surgeons to fill the gaps that implant augmentation alone cannot. However, one of the current issues surrounding fat grafting is the lack of standardization. In this prospective study, we present our experience of fat grafting in 56 patients who had fat transfer together with silicone breast implants.
Objectives
The objective of this study was to validate and summarize an expert-based advice to help plastic surgeons to better understand the benefits of using fat grating to reduce implants sizes in their surgical planning.
Methods
A 3D planning system was used to plan the procedure and also to analyse the fat retention and resorption rates. Pictures served as a basis for a questionnaire in which both patients and physicians were asked to rate their satisfaction.
Results
Patients reported a satisfaction rate of "excellent" in 83.3% of cases and "good" in 16.7%. Physician satisfaction rated as "excellent" in 84.5% of cases and "good" in 13.3% and fair in 4.2% of cases. The mean of volume grafted per breast was 113.63ml. The mean of absorption rate of 4.53%.
Conclusions
The procedure presented consistent and reproducible results. Hybrid breast augmentation can help designing a pathway for a future with breasts free of silicone. This information is particularly relevant for women that have their first breast augmentation at an early age and will probably have 2 to 5 additional surgeries in their lifetime due to the nature of the current silicone breast technology.