Autologous fat grafting for whole breast reconstruction

Abstract

This is the first reported case of a patient who had a single-stage large-volume breast reconstruction with autologous fat grafting, following rotation flap approach (RoFA) mastectomy. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the viability of reconstruction of the breast by autologous fat grafting alone, in the context of RoFA mastectomy. The hypothesis was that there would be minimal interval loss of autologous fat on the whole breast reconstruction side. Right RoFA mastectomy was used for resection of an invasive primary breast cancer and resulted in the right breast skin envelope. Eleven months later, the patient underwent grafting of 400 ml of autologous fat into the skin envelope and underlying pectoralis major muscle. Outcome was assessed by using a validated 3D laser scan technique for quantitative breast volume measurement. Other outcome measures included the BREAST-Q questionnaire and 2D clinical photography. At 12-month follow-up, the patient was observed to have maintenance of volume of the reconstructed breast. Her BREAST-Q scores were markedly improved compared with before fat grafting, and there was observable improvement in shape, contour, and symmetry on 2D clinical photography. The 2 new techniques, RoFA mastectomy and large-volume single-stage autologous fat grafting, were used in combination to achieve a satisfactory postmastectomy breast reconstruction. Novel tools for measurement of outcome were the 3D whole-body laser scanner and BREAST-Q questionnaire. This case demonstrates the potential for the use of fat grafting for reconstruction. Outcomes in a larger patient populations are needed to confirm these findings.

Fig. 1.

Preoperative clinical photograph of patient (A). 3D laser scan image with measured volumes (B). 3D breast volume measurement: left breast, 1469 ml; right breast, 251 ml.

Fig. 2.

Postoperative (3 mo) clinical photograph of patient (A). 3D laser scan image with measured volumes (B). 3D breast volume measurement: left breast, 583 ml; right breast, 635 ml.

Fig. 3.

Postoperative (6 mo) clinical photograph of patient (A). 3D laser scan image with measured volumes (B). 3D breast volume measurement: left breast, 634 ml; right breast, 571 ml.

Fig. 4.

Postoperative (12 mo) clinical photograph of patient (A). 3D laser scan image with measured volumes (B). 3D breast volume measurement: left breast, 521 ml; right breast, 541 ml.