Immediate Large-Volume Grafting of Autologous Fat to the Breast Following Implant Removal.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To optimize autologous breast augmentation, a simple and reproducible surgical approach that maximizes the volume of fat transferred to the breast while minimizing the number of sessions and the operating time is needed. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a novel approach for large-volume fat grafting to the expanded skin and subcutaneous tissue of the breast immediately after explantation, exchanging the volume provided by the implants with transplanted fat in a single session. METHODS: Eighty patients (160 breasts) undergoing explantation and autologous fat transfer were evaluated in a prospective study. Fat was harvested with the lipomatic power-assisted liposuction machine (Lipomatic Eva SP, Euromi SA, Verviers, Belgium) and was injected with simultaneous vibration and tunnelization of the recipient site by means of the same machine with suction disabled. Changes in breast volume were measured in terms of bra cup size, and patients were monitored by mammography and ultrasonography. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire administered 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Injected fat volumes ranged from 300 to 600 mL per breast. Operating times ranged from 45 to 90 minutes. For all patients, one injection session was sufficient to replace the volume of the previous implant. Patients were monitored for an average of 2 years, and complications included cyst formation in 9 of 160 breasts (5.6%) and infection in 2 breasts (1.25%). CONCLUSIONS: Power-assisted transfer of autologous fat to the breast improves the ability of the recipient site to receive the graft and allows for explantation and fat transplantation in a single session. This approach is suitable for patients who desire a natural-appearing breast that is similar in volume to their previous implant.