A recently published study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal indicated that autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation is receiving satisfactory levels of volume retention and satisfaction rates.
Study Background
The premise of the study is that autologous fat grafting is being used more and more; however, its overall efficacy and safety are still ambiguous. The study looked at current relative literature to seek evidence of the effectiveness and outcomes of the autologous fat transfer procedure in cosmetic breast surgery. The review of the literature was conducted using the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The study covered studies that were published between January 1996 and February 2016.
There was a total of 22 articles that were studied. There was a total of 3,565 patients covered in these articles who had follow-up periods ranging from 12 to 136 months. The study outlined complication rates that were outlined in the articles. Complications at varying rates of occurrence included induration, persistent pain and hematoma. Finally, the study pointed at that the mean volume retention was 62.4%, with a satisfaction rate of 92% among patients, and 89% among surgeons.
Study Conclusions for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
The study concluded that autologous fat grafting is indeed a promising procedure to provide satisfactory volume retention. Complications of this procedure were shown to be comparable to those related to implant augmentation procedures. The study also indicated that future research and study should focus on cancer occurrence/detection to additionally substantiate the safety of this procedure. It also stated that there should be investigations into grafting methods and other side procedures to pinpoint factors that can lead to better outcomes.
Within the study, the researchers stated, “Although the evidence is still limited, [autologous fat grafting] seems to be a promising method to achieve cosmetic breast augmentation with an encouraging volume retention and satisfaction rates in a small number of studies.”
With respect to the study, Dr. Thomas Wright, medical director at Laser Lipo and Vein Center says, “Although the medical literature is relatively new, this technique of breast enhancement is showing much promise.” He continues, “We are seeing fat grafting procedures moving from cutting edge to mainstream. We continue to see more and more studies showing that fat transfer breast augmentation is providing results that patients are satisfied with.”
If you are interested in learning more about augmentation via fat transfer, or have any questions about the procedure, please call us at the Laser Lipo and Vein Center.
