Autologous fat grafting to lumpectomy defects: complications, imaging, and biopsy rates

Autologous fat grafting is emerging as a promising reconstructive technique after breast conservation therapy (BCT). Recent evidence suggests that autologous fat grafting does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence; however, women may still be subject to unnecessary biopsies secondary to suspicious radiologic findings. The purpose of this study was to assess surgical complications and biopsy rates in these patients.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of women who underwent autologous fat grafting after BCT at a single institution over a 6-y period. Independent variables included demographic and operative details. Outcome variables included complications, and incidence of palpable masses and/or suspicious breast imaging findings requiring biopsy. Descriptive statistics were generated.

Between June 2008 and February 2015, 37 women aged 41 to 74 y (mean 54.4 y) underwent a total of 56 fat grafting sessions for correction of contour deformities after BCT. The mean number of fat grafting procedures was 1.5 (range 1-4) per breast. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 99 mo (mean 29.5 mo). Imaging data were available for 31 (83.7%) breasts after autologous fat grafting. Biopsy was recommended in four cases after suspicious imaging findings or palpable masses (10.8%), with benign pathology in all cases. There was one incidence of a local wound infection. No other local or systemic complications were noted.

Our study demonstrated a risk of unnecessary biopsies after autologous fat grafting. Complication rates were low, and it appears to be a safe reconstructive option for the correction of contour deformities after BCT.