title: A prospective study on lipoaugmentation of the breast.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The current standard for breast augmentation involves placement of an implant. As an alternative, surgeons have been exploring breast augmentation with autologous tissue in the form of injectable fat.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The authors explore the efficacy and safety of lipoaugmentation of the breast, with specific interest in volume changes, fat retention, overall aesthetic improvement, and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Direct measurements, 2- and 3-dimensional images, mammograms, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were obtained preoperatively from 10 consecutive patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty with autologous fat transfer. These measurements were repeated 1 year postoperatively. Postoperative photo imaging was conducted at 3-month intervals for 1 year. Efficacy was evaluated by determining the volume of fat retention 1 year after the procedure with 3-dimensional imaging, standard breast MRI volume measurements, and subjective aesthetic comparisons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average amount of fat injected was 236 cc (90-324; SD, 69.8) in the right breast and 250 cc (90-300; SD, 65.1) in the left. The mean volume change based on 3-dimensional imaging was 85.1 cc (36% retention) for the right breast and 98.1 cc (39.2% retention) for the left. The mean volume change based on MRI measurements was 30.0 cc (39.8% change) on the right and 29.3 cc (38.1% change) on the left. Blinded observers found substantial improvement in 1 patient (10%), moderate improvement in 5 patients (50%), and minimal to no improvement in 4 (40%). Overall patient satisfaction was high, as measured by the abbreviated BREAST-Q. Radiologic abnormalities and artifacts were common and required additional imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Objective breast enlargement in this study was modest but yielded disproportionately high subjective patient satisfaction reports.
  
  
  METHODS
  2.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Scott L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Spear
authors.forename: Troy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pittman
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008327:Mammography; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: autologous fat transfer; breast augmentation; breast surgery; fat grafting; lipoaugmentation; mammaplasty