Fat Grafting Techniques for Breast Reconstruction Are Commonly Used by U.S. Plastic Surgeons

Study Provides Benchmark, but Highlights Need for More Research, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Newswise — Philadelphia, Pa. (July 1,2013) – Seventy percent of U.S. plastic surgeons have used fat grafting techniques for breast operations, but they are more likely to use it for breast reconstruction rather than cosmetic breast surgery, reports a survey study in the July issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Once discouraged, fat grafting to the breast is an increasingly common plastic surgery technique, according to the new report. But more data is needed to optimize the technique and outcomes of fat grafting for breast reconstruction, according to a published report from a team led by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. J. Peter Rubin of University of Pittsburgh and Russell Kling.

High Rate of Fat Grafting for Breast Surgery…The researchers surveyed the ASPS membership regarding their use of fat grafting for breast surgery. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in techniques using the patient's own fat for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. In these procedures, the surgeon uses liposuction to obtain fat cells from one part of the body—such as the abdomen or thighs—and uses it for augmentation or reshaping of the breast.

Four hundred fifty-six ASPS Member Surgeons responded to the survey. Overall, 70 of the plastic surgeons reported ever performing fat grafting to the breast.

Eighty-eight percent of plastic surgeons who currently perform fat grafting to the breast said they use fat grafting for breast reconstruction techniques, and often apply fat grafting along with implants or flap procedures. The surgeons found fat grafting particular useful for improving the shape of the breast, including reconstruction after "lumpectomy" for early-stage breast cancer.

Three-fourths of surgeons performing fat grafting reported that the abdomen was their preferred site for obtaining fat for the procedure. The survey also provided information on techniques of harvesting and processing fat cells.

…But Potential Obstacles to Fat Grafting Techniques Noted There is a long history of debate over the use of fat grafting for plastic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. In the late 1980s, ASPS issued a strong statement against the use of this technique, citing the risk of difficulties in early diagnosis of breast cancer. However, more recent studies have reported that fat grafting to the breast provides very good results. Those studies also reported that changes seen on mammograms are easily distinguished from abnormalities related to breast cancer.

As with any surgical treatment, risks must be considered. The plastic surgeons responding to the survey viewed issues of interference with mammography and cancer screening as potential obstacles to fat grafting. Others cited problems with unpredictable results, including poor retention of the transplanted fat cells.

Despite these concerns, the new survey suggests that fat grafting to the breast is an increasingly popular procedure among U.S. plastic surgeons. Nearly 90 percent of the surgeons performing this procedure use fat grafting for breast reconstruction, with a smaller percentage also using the procedure for cosmetic breast surgery.

The study provides useful "benchmark" data on the current use of breast fat grafting by U.S. plastic surgeons. Dr. Rubin and colleagues cite the need for further studies to establish optimal techniques for maximizing fat graft retention and patient satisfaction with the results. “This study shows the increasing popularity of fat grafting to the breast, especially to benefit patients undergoing reconstructive procedures. As this field evolves, plastic surgeons will better understand the factors that lead to the best long term outcomes,” says Dr. Rubin.

They write, "This standardization may also increase the potential applications of the technique and may lead to increased prevalence in clinical practice."

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

# # #About Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryFor more than 60 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/) has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair, and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPSThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing more than 7,000 Member Surgeons, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. You can learn more and visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at www.plasticsurgery.org or www.facebook.com/PlasticSurgeryASPS and www.twitter.com/ASPS_news.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher of trusted content delivered in innovative ways to practitioners, professionals and students to learn new skills, stay current on their practice, and make important decisions to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

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