Fat transfer with platelet-rich plasma for breast augmentation

Abstract

Tissue augmentation with autologous elements is considered the ideal choice for transplantation and volume augmentation surgery. It is well recognized that the ideal graft tissue should offer the standard features of ready availability, low antigenicity, minimal donor site morbidity, predictable and reproducible retention, and avoidance of disease transmission. Gradual standardization of consistent harvesting, manipulation, and transfer protocols is improving the ability to accurately predict volume enhancements and appreciate the long-term survival of the grafted tissues. Platelets actively extrude multiple growth factors that are very important to early wound-healing processes. In response to platelet-to-platelet or platelet-to-connective-tissue contact, the platelet cell membrane is activated to release these products from the alpha granules via active extrusion. When these extruded growth factors are released, histones and carbohydrate chains are added to receptor sites, thereby creating their unique chemistries and making the active growth factors. Autologous fat grafting offers a viable and safe alternative means of breast augmentation in select patients. Platelet-rich plasma enhances the fat transfer to the breast. © 2009 Springer-Verlag.