Breast Augmentation Combining Fat Injection and Breast Implants in Patients With Atrophied Breasts

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Breast augmentation in atrophied breasts, often due to breastfeeding, presents unique challenges.
• Achieving natural-looking results without visible or palpable implant edges is difficult.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified breast augmentation technique combining implants and fat grafting.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combined approach in atrophied breasts.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four women with atrophied breasts underwent augmentation using subglandular breast implants.
• Autologous fat grafting was performed in the inframammary sulcus to enhance soft tissue coverage.
• Outcomes assessed included implant visibility, palpability, rippling, capsular contracture, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 90% patient satisfaction reported for breast shape, size, and implant coverage.
• No implant visibility or rippling observed; only one implant was palpable.
• Low complication rates: 2 cyst formations, 4 cases of Grade 2 capsular contracture, no fat necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Subglandular breast implants combined with fat grafting in the lower quadrants offer a successful solution for atrophied breasts.
• This technique effectively increases breast size and tissue volume while concealing implant edges.
• The approach yields high patient satisfaction and minimizes common complications associated with breast augmentation.