Breast Implants or Lipofilling in Augmentation Mammoplasty? A Randomized, Open-Label, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

The author presents his own experience using breast implants (BIs) or fat grafting, commonly called lipofilling (LPF), to correct breast hypoplasia.

OBJECTIVES

Compare the aesthetic results obtained in a study group (SG) using BIs in breast hypoplasia correction with those of a control group (CG) treated with LPF, analyzing the influence of breast and chest deformities (tuberous breast, breast volume differences/asymmetries, nipple-areola complex asymmetry, pectus excavatum, and carinatum) in the outcomes.

METHODS

A randomized, open-label controlled study was performed. A total of 95 patients affected by breast hypoplasia (SG) were treated with BI, comparing results with the CG (n = 90) treated with LPF. The pre-operative analysis was conducted through anamnesis (considering also the patient's expectations), clinical and photographic assessment, and an instrumental evaluation based on magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and ultrasound. Post-operative follow-up occurred at 1, 2, 4 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months, and then annually until the fourth year.

RESULTS

87,5% (n = 83) of SG patients treated with BI showed excellent aesthetic outcomes after 12 months compared with the CG patients treated with LPF, who showed the same results in 70% (n = 63) of cases. Breast augmentation maintenance in the SG was significantly higher than in the CG (p < .0001). However, more natural results were reported in the CG than in the SG (p < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

BI and LPF were safe and effective in this controlled trial. CG's patients displayed more natural results, obtaining a better pectus excavatum correction, while SG's patients showed more evident and lasting results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

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