Autologous fat grafting for breast reconstruction after breast cancer: a 12-year experience

Abstract

Purpose The aim of our study was to examine the surgical outcome and complications (efficiency) as well as the incidence of locoregional recurrence and distant metastases (oncological safety) in patients who underwent autologous fat grafting (AFG) of the breast following breast cancer surgery. Methods In our monocentric cohort study, retrospective and prospective data were collected from all consecutive patients who underwent AFG after breast cancer between 2008 and 2020; a total of 93 patients met the inclusion criteria. Results Our long-term results showed no increase in tumor recurrence and distant metastases in the studied collective when compared to the available literature. We observed 1 local recurrence (1.1%), 2 distant metastases (2.2%), and 1 tumor-related death (1.1%). There was a high degree of patient satisfaction; 67.12% of patients reported adequate satisfaction with autologous fat grafting. Conclusion Currently, to our knowledge, this is the study with the longest follow-up time (mean 6.7 years after AFG and 11.5 years after tumor resection). The results of our clinical study will contribute to improve evidence in the broad field of AFG, adipose stem cell and tumor research. Consistent with our study, the literature review shows a clear tendency of clinical trial results with a low incidence rate of tumor recurrence and metastasis following the use of AFG. AFG seems to be a safe procedure also after breast cancer treatment.

The effect of radiotherapy on fat engraftment for complete breast reconstruction using lipofilling only

“…The safety of autologous fat transfer to the breast was investigated in several studies [4][5][6]. In a previous study, we could demonstrate in a group of 93 women after breast cancer that in a long-term retrospective evaluation with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years, only 1.1% of patients experienced local recurrence after autologous fat transfer to the breast [18].…”

Review of 107 Oncoplastic Surgeries Using an Acellular Dermal Matrix with the Round Block Technique

“…The volume displacement technique involves breast tissue advancement, rotation, or transposition using a breast flap or reduction technique [ 3 ]. Studies have examined volume replacement approaches in oncoplastic BCS, such as fat grafts or filling ADMs in a dice shape at the defect site [ 13 , 14 ]. We were able to fill the volume evenly by grafting a 3 × 4 cm ADM into two layers, and the complication rate was also low compared to those in similar studies using the ADM [ 14 ].…”

Bilateral breast infection following total breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (AFT): A case report

“…Other possible complications are hematoma and skin necrosis. Significantly more complications after AFT are observed in patients who smoked or underwent chemo- or radiation therapy [ 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 ].…”