Breast fat grafting (lipomodelling) after extended latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction: a preliminary report of 200 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of fat grafting has long been a controversial issue. Breast lipomodelling after extended latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction was first attempted at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery unit of Leon Berard Cancer Centre in 1999. We present the results of a retrospective report of the first 200 consecutive patients treated at our institution from 1999 to 2003.

METHODS

We identified specific requirements of the patients, and collected information on the surgical techniques used and the volumes of fat tissue injected. We analysed and compared the results of a total of 244 lipomodelling sessions.

RESULTS

The graft consisted of 70% fat graft, 13% oily supernatant and 17% serum residues. Approximately 30% was lost during centrifugation. On average, 176 ml of fat were injected in each breast. Very satisfactory results were obtained in 94.5% of the cases, with a majority of patients (80%) being very satisfied with the procedure and only 1.5% complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the safety and feasibility of breast lipomodelling. It is a new approach to improve reconstructive outcome after extended latissimus flap breast reconstruction.