Long-term clinical and radiologic results with autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation: case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Autologous fat transplantation was initially performed by plastic surgeons for improving facial and body contour depressions and scars. There has been long-standing interest in breast augmentation for cosmetic purposes and for the filling of defects from partial breast resection for breast cancer. In the 1980s, autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation and symmetry gained popularity. We present two cases of autologous fat transplantation into the breast parenchyma that demonstrate the long-term clinical and radiologic results of this approach and to illustrate the potential caveats regarding breast cancer diagnosis in these patients. We also review the existing literature on the subject as it relates to long-term effects and complications.