Autologous fat grafting for enhancement of breast reconstruction with a transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap

H Traintinger; E Russe; L Weitgasser; T Schoeller; G Wechselberger

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1651810

Senologie - Zeitschrift für Mammadiagnostik und -therapie, Table of Contents

Senologie - Zeitschrift für Mammadiagnostik und -therapie 2018; 15(02): e48
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1651810

Abstracts

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Autologous fat grafting for enhancement of breast reconstruction with a transverse myocutaneous gracilis flap

Authors

H Traintinger

¹Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Salzburg, Plastische, Ästhetische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Salzburg, Österreich
E Russe

¹Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Salzburg, Plastische, Ästhetische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Salzburg, Österreich
L Weitgasser

²Marienhospital Stuttgart, Zentrum für Plastische Chirurgie, Abteilung für Hand-, Mikro- und Rekonstruktive Brustchirurgie, Stuttgart, Deutschland
T Schoeller

²Marienhospital Stuttgart, Zentrum für Plastische Chirurgie, Abteilung für Hand-, Mikro- und Rekonstruktive Brustchirurgie, Stuttgart, Deutschland
G Wechselberger

¹Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder Salzburg, Plastische, Ästhetische und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie, Salzburg, Österreich

Abstract

Full Text

Introduction:

The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap is a viable option for reconstruction of small to moderate breasts. Donor-site morbidity is considered minimal, but the TMG-flap has been repeatedly criticized due to its small volume, possibly requiring later corrections.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of breast reconstruction with a TMG-flap followed by autologous fat grafting.

Material and methods:

Patients who underwent breast reconstruction with a TMG-flap and consecutive autologous fat grafting from 1/2009 to 10/2013 were included and patient files including body mass index, age and medical history as well as surgical reports were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

129 fat graftings were performed in 71 patients for improvement of shape and symmetry of breasts (98%) and/or donor site (8%) following TMG breast reconstruction. Mean age was 48 years (min. 16, max. 77). Main indication was reconstruction after breast cancer surgery (92%). On average 1.8 fat grafting sessions (min. 1, max. 7) were performed with an average of 81 ml fat (min. 5, max. 450) engrafted per breast. In 72% fat grafting was combined with additional corrections such as reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex.

Conclusions:

Autologous fat grafting represents an important tool to improve shape and symmetry after breast reconstruction with a TMG-flap. Especially in combination with autologous fat grafting adequate autologous tissue can be provided. As in most cases fat grafting can be combined with other corrections, like reconstruction of the nipple areola complex, it is a simple, safe and effective treatment option.