Trends in Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breast

A National Survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Abstract

Background: 

Autologous fat grafting has been gaining popularity in recent years, although there remains concern regarding the safety and efficacy of the practice for breast surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine national trends for fat grafting to the breast and to establish the frequency and specific techniques of the procedure to provide more supportive data.

Methods: 

A questionnaire was e-mailed to 2584 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Variables included prevalence and applications of fat grafting to the breast. Components of the fat graft protocol were also assessed.

Results: 

Four hundred fifty-six of the 2584 questionnaires were completed. Sixty-two percent of all respondents reported currently using fat grafting for reconstructive breast surgery and 28% of all respondents reported currently using the practice for aesthetic breast surgery. The most common reason cited by respondents for using fat grafting to the breast was as an adjunctive therapy to implant or flap surgery.

Conclusions: 

Fat grafting to the breast is a common procedure most often used in reconstructive operations. The increasing prevalence of fat grafting to the breast indicates a need for collection of clinical data and supports the establishment of a national prospective registry to track outcomes after aesthetic and reconstructive applications.