Fat Grafting and Breast Reconstruction with Implant: Another Option for the Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients.

Fat Grafting and Breast Reconstruction with Implant: Another Option for the Irradiated Breast Cancer Patients.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011 Oct 7;

Authors: Marzia S, Giuseppe V, Liliana BA

Abstract
BACKGROUND:: In postmastectomy radiated patients, autologous tissue reconstruction is preferred over the implant one, because the latter is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications. However, autologous tissue reconstruction is not always feasible and is sometimes refused by the patient. A challenge also arises in breast-conserving surgery patients, seeking breast augmentation with implant. In this paper, the authors present a further reconstructive option for irradiated breast cancer patients, consisting of fat grafting followed by implant placement. PATIENTS AND METHODS:: The authors retrospectively reviewed sixteen cases of irradiated breasts treated with fat grafting and subsequent alloplastic reconstruction/breast augmentation. The evaluation methods were clinical and photography-based assessments. The BREAST-Q was used to quantify patient satisfaction. RESULTS:: Sixteen patients, with a pre-treatment LENT-SOMA score of 1 and 2, underwent two to three fat graftings to achieve a LENT-SOMA score of 0. The placement of the breast implant had been performed in a separate stage at least three months after the last grafting session. The average follow-up was 15 months. The reconstructive outcomes were graded from excellent to good in 93.7 percent of patients. Patient satisfaction was marked high to very high. There were no short-term complications. A Baker grade 1 capsule contracture was found in all patients. CONCLUSION:: The authors' experience shows that breast fat grafting followed by implant placement may represent a feasible reconstructive option in high selected patients with irradiated breasts. Fat grafting seems to reduce the radiation-induced complications in implants. Larger studies with a longer follow-up are needed.

PMID: 21987041 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?tmpl=NoSidebarfile&db=PubMed&cmd=Retrieve&list_uids=21987041&dopt=Abstract

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