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Mammographic changes after fat transfer to the breast compared with changes after breast reduction: a blinded study
J Peter Rubin1, Devin Coon, Margarita Zuley
1Pittsburgh, Pa.; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, and Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton; Cellport Clinic Yokohama; Department of Plastic Surgery, Teikyo University School of Medicine; Department of Plastic Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine; and Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Tokyo School of Medicine.
Fat grafting to the breast causes fewer mammographic abnormalities than breast reduction surgery. This suggests fat grafting may be a safer option for breast augmentation regarding cancer detection concerns.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding mammographic changes after autologous fat transfer to the breast potentially obscuring cancer detection.
- This study compares mammographic alterations following fat grafting with those observed after breast reduction surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare mammographic changes after breast fat grafting versus breast reduction.
- To assess the impact of fat grafting on cancer detection visibility on mammograms.
Main Methods:
- 27 women undergoing cosmetic breast fat grafting and 23 patients undergoing breast reduction had mammograms assessed 12 months post-surgery.
- Eight breast imaging radiologists reviewed mammograms in a blinded manner, with outcomes analyzed using generalized estimating equations.
Main Results:
- Fat grafting resulted in fewer instances of scarring and masses requiring biopsy compared to breast reduction.
- Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scores were significantly higher in the breast reduction group.
- Radiologists recommended less aggressive follow-up for patients who had undergone fat grafting.
Conclusions:
- Autologous fat grafting to the breast leads to fewer radiographic abnormalities than reduction mammaplasty.
- Fat grafting demonstrates a more favorable BI-RADS score and less concerning follow-up recommendations compared to breast reduction.
- These findings suggest fat grafting may pose less risk for obscuring cancer detection on mammograms.
