van Turnhout AA, et al. – This study was planned to assess clinical outcomes and aesthetic results of autologous fat grafting after breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy (RT). Fat grafting resulted in a significant aesthetic improvement of the breast after BCS and RT. It had a positive effect on the postsurgical scar and irradiated tissue and helps to restore the volume deficit, which made it suitable as a reconstructive approach in this patient group.

Methods

• Researchers prospectively maintained a database of all patients who underwent fat grafting after BCS and RT.
• They analyzed patient demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics and intra- and postoperative complications.
• Evaluation of preoperative and 6-month postoperative photographs was performed by a four-member expert-panel assessing the aesthetic outcome (Harvard scale, five-point aesthetic scale and an overall score).

Results

• 109 consecutive patients (114 breasts) underwent 222 fat grafting procedures from June 2008 to January 2016.
• Postoperatively, the patients were followed-up for a mean period of 26 ± 19 months (range 10–97).
• In these patients, the median number of fat grafting sessions sufficient for a satisfactory surgical result was two (range 1–6).
• Four patients indicated localized infections; all treated effectively with oral antibiotics.
• One patient indicated fat necrosis that required excision under local anaesthesia.
• In this study, the overall cosmetic appearance was rated 5.1/10 before and 7.2/10 after reconstruction (p < 0.01).
• A significant improvement was noticed in terms of breast symmetry, volume, shape and scarring.