Immediate Autologous Fat Transfer into the Breast for Volume Restoration After Implant Removal

Abstract

Background: Autologous fat transfer to the breast is utilized for various clinical indications, including breast augmentation, reconstruction, and correction of asymmetries and deformities. This study presents the outcomes of patients who underwent simultaneous volume restoration through fat transfer following breast implant removal. Patients and Methods: Thirty-eight patients received immediate fat transfer to the breast after their implants were removed. The participants were categorized into three groups based on the type of incision used for implant removal: inframammary fold, periareolar, and mastopexy incisions. The study aimed to compare patients' ages, satisfaction levels, complication rates, and follow-up durations among the different groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.94 +/- 8.73 years (range 24-61 years), and the mean follow-up period was 24.60 +/- 17.10 months (range 3-60 months). The average volume of the implants was 318.8 cc (175-480 cc). Seventy-six breasts (38 patients bilaterally) underwent fat grafting, with a mean fat graft volume of 222.8 cc (SD 63.25; range 80-350 cc; median: 200 cc). Fourteen patients reported no complications. The periareolar incision group was excluded from statistical analysis due to a small sample size (n = 3). Patient satisfaction was notably higher in the mastopexy incision group than in those who underwent the inframammary fold incision (p = 0.037; p < 0.05). No significant differences in complication rates were observed between the groups. Conclusions: Autologous fat transfer represents a safe and effective method for achieving volume restoration following implant removal, with high patient satisfaction regarding breast shape and volume restoration.