[Autologous fat grafting in breast surgery : results of a retrospective study]. / Lipofilling in Rahmen der Mammachirurgie : Ergebnisse einer retrospektiven Analyse.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat has many qualities for an ideal filler and is widely used in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, especially in the treatment of primary and secondary deformities of the breast. METHODS: From May 2007 to September 2012 298 autologous fat graftings were performed in 199 patients. Fat was harvested using the Tissue-Trans™ (Shippert Medical), Lipivage™ (Polytech) or a self-developed harvesting system and injected without any further processing into subcutaneous and/or intramuscular layers. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 45 years. Main indications were contour deformities and volume loss after breast cancer surgery as well as asymmetry, hypoplasia, Poland syndrome or tuberous breasts. The average volume of grafted fat was 90 ml per surgery. Most patients received one (42 %) or two (31 %) sessions of treatment. The infection rate was 2 % which was further treated with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat grafting represents an important tool for the management of deformities of the breast not only by filling deformities and adding volume, but also by improving the quality of scars. It is a simple, fast and effective treatment option with few complications.