[Lipofilling and breast cancer: Literature review in 2015?]

[Lipomodeling for congenital breast deformities: Technique, results and indications]

Congenital breast deformities usually occur during adolescence and can disturb the self-development and affect the identity during this crucial stage. Several surgical techniques are now available to correct these different anomalies. The objective is to clarify the place of lipomodeling in thoraco-mammary malformations, resuming the different indications, the results, as well as the limits and potential complications. The adipose tissue was harvested by soft aspiration as to reduce adipocyte trauma and using a syringe fitted with a 3.5mm cannula. After centrifugation, fat was reinjected retrogradely and by making thin cylinders of fat similar to "spaghetti". Moderate to severe asymmetry is one of the best indications for lipomodeling using one or two sessions. Thus, a perfect and lasting symmetry is achieved, without the need of an implant, which would inevitably leads to asymmetry because of a dissimilar evolution of the breast all over the time. In Becker's nevus syndrome, lipomodeling has also been performant in bluring the hyperpigmentation of the nevus. The role of lipomodeling in pectus excavatum deformity (antero-posterior sternocostal depression) is also crucial. Lipomodeling can be used alone, or in combination with a rigid customed silicone implant. Tuberous breasts include various anomalies. Lipomodeling is currently used especially when the anomaly is unilateral (2 fat graft sessions are usually needed). Fasciotomies are frequently performed too. Lipomodeling is a real revolution in the management of Poland syndrome (anomaly characterized by the unilateral lack of the pectoralis major muscle, more or less associated with other ipsilateral anomalies). On average, 3 to 5 sessions are necessary to obtain a suitable symmetry. Lipomodeling is very unlikely to cause major surgical complications. Cytosteatonecrosis nodules mainly occur with novice practitioner and decrease as they become more experienced. However, the principle of the three-dimensional network, and the phenomenon of tissue saturation of the recipient site should be respected. The main limitation of lipomodeling is directly related to the amount of fat available. That's why it is very important to evaluate it during the first clinical consultation, and to carefully select the patients eligible in order to limit the risk of failure. Lipomodeling of congenital breast anomalies is a technique well established, with a precise algorithm to follow, and is a procedure with low surgical risk, less scarring, cosmetic and lasting results. This technique is to be suggested as a first line treatment in all indications of congenital breast deformities, alone or combined to an implant. Therefore, it seems essential that a plastic surgeon fully master the indications and the use of fat tissue transfer procedure, in order to obtain natural and harmonious results.

Conversion of Breast Implants into Natural Breast Reconstruction: Evaluating Lipofilled Mini Dorsi Flap

Background:

Autologous reconstruction techniques can provide a long-lasting natural breast reconstruction for patients. This study aimed to further investigate outcomes in the conversion of breast implant reconstruction into a lipofilled mini dorsi flap, focusing on reviewing its techniques, efficiency, and final results.

Methods:

Over 3 years, we performed a number of breast implant replacements via the lipofilled mini dorsi flap technique. The artificial implants were replaced to a deepithelized flap. The efficiency and tolerance of the technique were evaluated by the whole surgical team, and the achieved results were also analyzed by the patients in terms of postoperative pain, functional impact, and the softness of the reconstructed breast by comparing their prior condition to the lipofilled mini dorsi flap condition at least 9 months after operation.

Results:

Forty-seven consecutive operations were prospectively studied. The mean ± standard deviation volume of the removed implants was 348.66 ± 86.54 mL. The mean volume of fat injected was 284.13 ± 62.94 mL. The procedure’s average duration was 108.93 ± 17.65 minutes. The surgical team evaluated the results as very satisfactory in 32 cases (68.1%), satisfactory in 15 cases (31.9%), and moderately satisfactory or unsatisfactory in zero cases (0.0%). Eighteen patients (38.3%) evaluated their reconstruction as very good, while 20 patients (42.6%) considered their reconstruction as good, four (8.5%) as average, and zero (0.0%) as insufficient.

Conclusion:

According to our experience, the lipofilled mini dorsi flap is a simple, less invasive, and quick procedure to convert breast implants into natural breast reconstruction.

Oncological Safety of Lipofilling in Healthy BRCA Carriers After Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy: A Case Series

OBJECTIVE

The germline breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutation confers a lifetime high risk for breast cancer (BC) and bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is the procedure which allows the highest risk reduction rate. Among other techniques, lipofilling (LF) can be used for breast reconstruction of these patients. However, there are some oncological safety concerns on the subject. The purpose of this study was to assess the oncological risk of LF in BRCA healthy patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single institution case series was built including BRCA I/II mutated patients with no previous history of BC, who underwent bilateral prophylactic mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction with exclusive LF or combined with implants or latissimus dorsi flap. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, clinical information, reconstruction techniques used, and fat grafting details.

RESULTS

From September 1999 till November 2017, we identified 18 BRCA carriers with no history of BC who had undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, followed by breast reconstruction with LF. A total of 36 LF procedures were performed following an implant or latissimus dorsi flap, or as an exclusive fat grafting breast reconstruction. The average number of LF sessions was 1.4 with a mean volume of 108.8cc per breast. Median follow-up was 33.0 months after mastectomy and 24.5 months after the last LF intervention; no patients were diagnosed with BC during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Germline BRCA mutation is a high-risk plight for BC. However, despite the limited follow-up, no BC was detected.

Autologous Fat Grafting for Craniofacial Reconstruction in Oncologic Patients

Due to the anatomical and functional complexity of the region, craniofacial tumor removal requires some of the most challenging surgical approaches, often complemented with advanced chemo-radiotherapy techniques. However, these modern therapies often lead to sequelae that can drastically reduce the quality of life for the surviving patients. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine opened new avenues for craniofacial reconstruction following head and neck cancer treatment. One of the most promising recent strategies relies on the use of autologous fat transplant. In this mini review, we briefly present some of the fat’s biological properties that make it an ideal tissue for craniofacial reconstruction following cancer treatment. We then outline the recent advances that led to a better understanding of the detailed anatomy of the craniofacial fat depots. Furthermore, we provide a succinct review of the methods used for fat harvesting, processing and engrafting in the craniofacial area after head and neck tumor removal, discussing their main applications, advantages and limitations.