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Autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation: a systematic review
Deanne Leopardi1, Prema Thavaneswaran, Keith L A Mutimer
1Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures-Surgical (ASERNIP-S), Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
ANZ Journal of Surgery
|May 10, 2013
Summary
Autologous fat transfer (AFT) for breast augmentation shows high patient satisfaction and low complication rates, but its long-term safety for cancer detection and overall efficacy remain uncertain compared to implants.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
- Aesthetic Medicine
Background:
- Autologous fat transfer (AFT) for cosmetic breast augmentation faces uncertainty regarding safety and efficacy compared to traditional implants.
- Concerns persist about AFT's long-term outcomes and its impact on mammographic screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the safety and efficacy of AFT for cosmetic breast augmentation.
- To compare AFT outcomes with those of saline and cohesive silicone gel implants.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE).
- Study inclusion was determined by two independent reviewers using a predefined protocol.
- Indirect comparisons were necessary due to the absence of direct comparative studies.
Main Results:
- Eighteen studies were included, with 11 reporting AFT outcomes. Complications like fat necrosis, cysts, and lumps were infrequent.
- Fat reabsorption varied, typically occurring within the first year. Patient satisfaction was high, with limited volume increase being the primary concern.
- No data were available on the long-term mammographic or cancer-related effects of AFT complications.
Conclusions:
- AFT appears as safe as comparator procedures regarding immediate complications.
- The safety of AFT concerning cancer detection and its overall efficacy remain undetermined due to limited evidence.
- Further research is needed to clarify AFT's long-term safety and efficacy in breast augmentation.
