Fat Grafting and Auto-Augmentation Mastopexy After Breast Implant Removal: Technique and Evaluation of Outcomes Using BREAST-Q.

[BACKGROUND] Auto-augmentation mastopexy after implant removal has been described as a possible alternative for women who do not opt for implant replacement and decline major reconstructive surgery.

[OBJECTIVES] This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction after auto-augmentation mastopexy relative to the final breast volume and to assess the role of fat grafting on patients' satisfaction and quality of life according to the BREAST-Q questionnaire.

[METHODS] Forty-seven breasts from 28 patients who underwent implant removal and auto-augmentation mastopexy were reviewed; 9 patients (group 1) were primarily treated with several fat grafting sessions with subsequent auto-augmentation, 5 (group 2) were treated primarily with auto-augmentation, but subsequently expressed a wish for breast augmentation by lipofilling, and 14 patients (group 3, control) had only auto-augmentation.

[RESULTS] Group 1 patients maintained their breast volume, and showed significant improvements in breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and contentment with breast surgery outcomes (P = 0.01, ˂0.01, and ˂0.01, respectively). However, the physical well-being of this group, as well as response to final cup size or interaction parameters, did not improve (P = 0.06). In group 2, all except 1 patient had breast volume reduction to A cup, as was the case with one-third of the patients in control group 3 (group 3A, n = 5) who scored lower, and thus were less satisfied with the breast auto-augmentation than group 3B, who achieved final bigger cup sizes (P ˂ 0.01).

[CONCLUSIONS] Auto-augmentation mastopexy resulted in substantial improvements in the parameters measured by BREAST-Q. Thus, combined auto-augmentation mastopexy and lipofilling provided a better alternative treatment after breast implant removal.