Comparative Study Between Breast Implants and Adipose Tissue Autograft in Primary Aesthetic Breast Augmentation

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Aesthetic Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure globally.
• Breast implants are standard for hypoplasia correction, but adipose tissue autografting (lipofilling) is underutilized.
• Lipofilling offers a potential alternative to traditional breast implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient satisfaction and quality of life after breast augmentation using implants versus lipofilling.
• To evaluate outcomes using the validated BREAST-Q questionnaire.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study included 119 patients undergoing breast augmentation (87 implants, 32 lipofilling) between July 2017 and 2022.
• Patient satisfaction and quality of life were assessed using the BREAST-Q questionnaire at least six months postoperatively.
• Level of Evidence: IV.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in overall breast satisfaction scores between implant and lipofilling groups (71/100 vs. 69/100).
• Psychosocial and sexual well-being scores were similar; however, physical well-being was significantly higher in the lipofilling group (96/100 vs. 87/100).
• Major complications occurred in 3.4% of the implant group, with none reported in the lipofilling group.

Conclusions:

• Adipose tissue autografting (lipofilling) is an effective breast augmentation technique.
• Lipofilling provides comparable patient satisfaction to implants, with superior physical well-being and a lower complication rate.
• It represents a viable alternative for patients seeking moderate augmentation or avoiding foreign materials, assuming adequate fat availability.