Introduction: Autologous fat tissue transfer has recently become extremely popular in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Fat represents a filling material with ideal properties - it naturally incorporates into tissues and it is autologous, and therefore 100% biocompatible. An increasing number of publications describe the regenerative properties of autologous fat tissue, especially when used in soft tissue with post-radiation damage. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with fat grafting in breasts.
Materials and methods: An autologous fat grafting operation consists in 3 phases - harvesting of fat tissue, its processing, and application of the graft. Fat harvesting is similar to classic liposuction. Common methods of fat tissue processing are centrifugation and the use of the PureGraft filter bags. The most important precondition for a favourable result of the operation is the correct graft application.
Results: In the period between March 2011 and January 2012, we used this fagrafting to perform surgical breast reconstruction in 15 patients; 8 patients with a breast deformity after partial mastectomy and radiation, 2 patients after complete mastectomy, 2 patients after complete mastectomy reconstructed with the additional use of external expansion, 2 patients after implant reconstruction presenting with subsequent deformity and 1 patient with pectus excavatum. The patients were followed up for 3-12 months. Long-term retention of the graft was considered good.
Conclusion: By use of fatgrafting, we can achieve excellent results with minimal risk of complications in reconstructive breast surgery. Autologous fat has plenty of advantages when compared to other biomaterials. It is absolutely biocompatible and able to regenerate the surrounding tissue.