Autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation: A review

Abstract

BACKGROUND The use of autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation is still controversial due to ongoing concerns regarding its efficacy and safety, most notably, concerns about breast cancer risk and detection. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on the safety and efficacy of autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation with focus on clinical techniques, outcome, and complications. METHODS A thorough search of the literature was conducted using the terms autologous fat transfer, autologous fat grafting, and breast augmentation in the Medline and Embase databases, and relevant English and German language articles were included. RESULTS Findings were categorized in a step-by-step approach to the fat grafting procedure divided into technique (harvesting, processing, and injection), postoperative care, graft viability enhancement, outcome, complications, and breast cancer risk. CONCLUSION Autologous fat transfer for breast augmentation is not yet standardized. Therefore, outcomes vary widely depending on the surgeon's expertise. The majority of reported complications are of low morbidity, and based on available data, the procedure has a good long-term safety profile. Although there is no evidence that fat grafting increases breast malignancy risk, long-term follow-up is required.