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Trends in Autologous Fat Grafting to the Breast: A National Survey of the ASPS Membership
Russell E Kling, BA; Babak J Mehrara, MD; Andrea L Pusic, MHS, MD; V. Leroy Young, MD; Keith M Hume, MA; Catherine A Crotty, MPH; J. Peter Rubin, MD
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Plastic Surgery
2013-02-24
Presenter: Russell E. Kling
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting. Please make a statement as to how much of the above work represents the original work of the resident.
Director Name: Dr. Joseph E Losee, MD
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Breast (Aesthetic and Recon.)
Background: Autologous fat grafting has been gaining popularity in recent years, although there remains concern regarding the safety and efficacy of the practice for breast surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine national trends for fat grafting to the breast and to establish the frequency and specific techniques of the procedure in order to provide more supportive data.
Methods: A questionnaire was e-mailed to 2,584 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Variables included prevalence and applications of fat grafting to the breast. Components of the fat graft protocol were also assessed.
Results: 456 of the 2,584 questionnaires were completed. Seventy percent of all respondents reported performing fat grafting to the breast. Of those who reported having ever performed fat grafting to the breast, 88% reported currently using the technique for breast reconstruction and 40% currently utilize the practice for aesthetic purposes. The most common reason cited by respondents for using fat grafting to the breast was as an adjunctive therapy to implant or flap surgery.
Conclusion: Fat grafting to the breast is a common procedure most often used in reconstructive surgeries. The increasing prevalence of fat grafting to the breast indicates a need for collection of clinical data, and supports the establishment of a national prospective registry to track outcomes after aesthetic and reconstructive applications.
