A prospective study on lipoaugmentation of the breast

The current standard for breast augmentation involves placement of an implant. As an alternative, surgeons have been exploring breast augmentation with autologous tissue in the form of injectable fat.

The authors explore the efficacy and safety of lipoaugmentation of the breast, with specific interest in volume changes, fat retention, overall aesthetic improvement, and patient satisfaction.

Direct measurements, 2- and 3-dimensional images, mammograms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained preoperatively from 10 consecutive patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty with autologous fat transfer. These measurements were repeated 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative photo imaging was conducted at 3-month intervals for 1 year. Efficacy was evaluated by determining the volume of fat retention 1 year after the procedure with 3-dimensional imaging, standard breast MRI volume measurements, and subjective aesthetic comparisons.

The average amount of fat injected was 236 cc (90-324; SD, 69.8) in the right breast and 250 cc (90-300; SD, 65.1) in the left. The mean volume change based on 3-dimensional imaging was 85.1 cc (36% retention) for the right breast and 98.1 cc (39.2% retention) for the left. The mean volume change based on MRI measurements was 30.0 cc (39.8% change) on the right and 29.3 cc (38.1% change) on the left. Blinded observers found substantial improvement in 1 patient (10%), moderate improvement in 5 patients (50%), and minimal to no improvement in 4 (40%). Overall patient satisfaction was high, as measured by the abbreviated BREAST-Q. Radiologic abnormalities and artifacts were common and required additional imaging.

Objective breast enlargement in this study was modest but yielded disproportionately high subjective patient satisfaction reports.

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