Adipose-tissue grafting to the post-mastectomy irradiated chest wall: preparing the ground for implant reconstruction

Breast implant reconstruction after radiotherapy carries a high risk of failure and complication. Nevertheless, it may be the only alternative for patients who are not suitable for autologous reconstruction or who refuse this option. As clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that grafting adipose tissue (lipofilling) in an irradiated area improves the quality of the skin, we made the assumption that preliminary fat grafting of the chest wall might reduce the complication and failure rates of implant reconstruction by improving the implant coverage.

From 2007 to 2009, 28 patients had fat transfer to the chest wall, prior to implant reconstruction. All patients had had mastectomy and irradiation for breast cancer. Lipofilling was initiated 6 months after the end of radiotherapy. The mean number of fat-grafting sessions was 2 (range 1-3). An average volume of 115 cc (70-275 cc) was injected each time. Once the chest wall's skin seemed to have gained enough thickness, implant reconstruction was performed.

The mean follow-up period was 17 months. Three minor complications occurred. Implant explantation was performed in one case for exposition. The cosmetic results were good and very good in >80% of the cases.

This study points out the benefits of fat grafting to the irradiated chest wall prior to implant placement and demonstrates that lipofilling prepares the ground to implant breast reconstruction. This approach could be considered as an alternative to flap reconstruction for selected patients.