Large-Volume Fat Grafting to the Breast With External Expansion Assist.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Breast Surgery

Background:

• Autologous fat transfer (AFT) with external expansion is an emerging alternative for breast augmentation and reconstruction.
• This technique is suitable for select patients requiring significant volume enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the technique and outcomes of large-volume AFT to the breast with external expansion.
• To evaluate the experience with 49 consecutive patients over an 8-year period.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 49 patients undergoing AFT with preexpansion.
• Data collected included demographics, diagnosis, volume grafted, complications, and concurrent procedures.
• Follow-up ranged from 1 to 84 months.

Main Results:

• 49 patients underwent external expansion with AFT.
• Indications included hypoplasia (47%), secondary implant revision (35%), and oncologic reconstruction (18%).
• Average fat grafted per breast varied by indication, with oncologic reconstruction receiving the largest volume (429 mL).

Conclusions:

• External expansion combined with large-volume AFT demonstrates promising results for breast augmentation and reconstruction.
• The technique offers a viable option for various breast concerns, including hypoplasia, revision, and oncologic reconstruction.