Evaluation of clinical outcomes and aesthetic results after autologous fat grafting for contour deformities of the reconstructed breast

Background: Autologous fat grafting is gaining widespread acceptance for the management of soft-tissue deformities of the reconstructed breast. However, published data on long-term outcomes and aesthetic results of fat grafting to the breast are lacking. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' early experience of fat grafting in the correction of acquired contour deformities after postmastectomy breast reconstruction. MethodS: A detailed retrospective review of 49 patients who underwent fat grafting to 68 reconstructed breasts was carried out. Clinical outcomes were analyzed and aesthetic results were assessed with objective grading of preoperative and postoperative photographs by two independent, blinded plastic surgeons. Results: On average, 67 cc of fat was injected into each breast per session. There were 111 fat injection procedures, as more than one injection was required in 51.5 percent of cases. Average follow-up time was 2.4 years. Complications occurred in 6.3 percent of procedures, including fat necrosis (3.6 percent), oil cysts (1.8 percent), and infection (0.9 percent). Aesthetic outcome was significantly improved across all measurements, including volume, contour, placement, and superomedial fullness (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Although further studies are required to provide surgeons with definitive guidelines for the implementation of this technique, fat injection is a safe intervention and significantly improves the aesthetic results in patients with contour deformities of the reconstructed breast.