OBJECTIVE
To evaluate long-term results and increase the effectiveness of breast shape correction and augmentation using fat transfer procedure.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We analyzed the results of fat transfer breast augmentation in 342 patients aged 21-59 years (mean 36±7) between 2010 and 2022. The volume of injected adipose tissue ranged from 70 to 1260 ml into each breast. From 40 to 610 ml was injected under the gland on each side, and subcutaneously from 30 to 760 ml, that is, the ratio under the gland/subcutaneously was 55%/45%. Some patients underwent several lipofilling procedures, so the total number of clinical cases was 378. Satisfactory results after the first procedure were obtained in 316 (92.4%) patients, after the second procedure — in 20 (5.8%) patients, after the third procedure — in 3 (0.9%) patients, after the fourth procedure — in 2 (0.6%) patients. Only 1 (0.3%) patient required five procedures.
RESULTS
The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 12 years (mean 5 years 3 months ± 2 years 10 months). When comparing preoperative and postoperative images and retrospectively analyzing surgical protocols and medical documentation, we observed persistent improvement of breast shape and volume in 3 months after injection of adipose tissue ≥400 ml into each gland. To increase the percentage of augmentation, we used an algorithm for recipient area enlargement. This algorithm allowed injection of larger volumes of adipose tissue around the mammary glands, provided stable effect of augmentation and breast shape improvement early after surgery (after 3 months).
CONCLUSION
Injection of large volume of adipose tissue into the breast (≥400 ml into each gland) via recipient area enlargement provides stable simultaneous shape improvement and augmentation.