Fat Grafting and Breast Augmentation: A Systematic Review of Primary Composite Augmentation

The Potential Role of Exosomes in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: A Review of Current Literature

Despite an increasing surge of exosome use throughout the aesthetic arena, a paucity of published exosome-based literature exists. Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles derived from various cell types, exerting effects via intercellular communication and regulation of several signaling pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize published articles elucidating mechanisms and potential applications, report available products and clinical techniques, and prompt further investigation of this emerging treatment within the plastic surgery community.

Methods

A literature review was performed using PubMed with keywords exosomes, secretomes, extracellular vesicles, plastic surgery, skin rejuvenation, scar revision, hair growth, body contouring, and breast augmentation. Publications from 2010 to 2021 were analyzed for relevance and level of evidence. A Google search identified exosome distributors, where manufacturing/procurement details, price, efficacy, and clinical indications for use were obtained by direct contact and summarized in table format.

Results

Exosomes are currently derived from bone marrow, placental, adipose, and umbilical cord tissue. Laboratory-based exosome studies demonstrate enhanced outcomes in skin rejuvenation, scar revision, hair restoration, and fat graft survival on the macro and micro levels. Clinical studies are limited to anecdotal results. Prices vary considerably from $60 to nearly $5000 based on company, source tissue, and exosome concentration. No exosome-based products are currently Food and Drug Administration-approved.

Conclusions

Administered alone or as an adjunct, current reports show promise in several areas of aesthetic plastic surgery. However, ongoing investigation is warranted to further delineate concentration, application, safety profile, and overall outcome efficacy.

Six-Year Evaluation of Motiva Round and Ergonomix SmoothSilk Surface Silicone Breast Implants: A Two-Center, Two-Surgeon Outcome Analysis of 1053 Primary and Secondary Breast Augmentations and Augmentation Mastopexy

BACKGROUND

The emerging concerns around breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma and other chronic inflammatory-related conditions have instigated a wider use of smooth devices.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to present 6-year data following the introduction of Motiva implants (Establishment Labs Holdings Inc.; Alajuela, Costa Rica) into their previously texture-dominated practice. Additionally, the authors aimed to provide technical recommendations on how to efficiently incorporate these devices into surgical practice and minimize the learning curve.

METHODS

Data of 1053 primary and secondary breast augmentations conducted between April 2015 and December 2020 in 2 centers (Victoriakliniken in Sweden and the European Institute of Plastic Surgery in Cyprus) were retrospectively evaluated to obtain data on chosen implant characteristics and complications that led to reoperation, prior to and following modifications to surgical practice in 2018.

RESULTS

The data from 6 consecutive years demonstrate a low device-related complication rate with Motiva implants. In 2018, following adaptions in surgical practice, the complication rate significantly declined.

CONCLUSIONS

Motiva implants demonstrate a low complication rate and safety profile for women undergoing primary and secondary breast augmentation procedures. However, to reap the benefits of the antifibrotic profile, technical adaptions and optimal patient planning based on the patient and device characteristics are instrumental. Employing the key principles laid out in this study provides a means for delivering both clinically safe options to patients with aesthetically pleasing long-term results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Oncologic Safety in Autologous Fat Grafting After Breast Conservation Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is often used to reconstruct defects after breast conservation therapy (BCT). However, concerns exist about the possibility of AFG-related recurrence or metastasis. This study aims to evaluate the literature to evaluate oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing AFG at the time of BCT.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles related to AFG based reconstruction at the time of BCT from 1970 to 2021 was performed via PubMed. Patients were grouped based on the presence or lack of AFG usage at the time of BCT, and oncologic outcomes and complications were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 146 articles identified, 15 were included. Nine hundred patients underwent BCT alone and 1063 patients underwent BCT with AFG patients. Similar average follow-up time was observed between the groups, 58.7 months (BCT only) and 55.2 months (BCT with AFG). On pooled analysis, no difference was identified in local recurrence 4.8% (43 patients) of the BCT group and 3% (32 patients) in the AFG group (P = 0.8), metastasis 4.8% (43 patients) of the BCT group and 6.9% (73 patients) in the AFG group (P = 0.3), or fat necrosis (P = 0.44). Meta-analysis additionally did not identify any statistically significant odds ratios between the BCT only group and BCT with AFG group when evaluated for total recurrence, local recurrence, metastasis or fat necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show no significant difference in cancer recurrence or metastasis in the BCT only group versus BCT and AFG, showing that fat grafting has safe outcomes.

A Preliminary Exploratory Study of Autologous Fat Transplantation in Breast Augmentation With Different Fat Transplantation Planes

Background

Autologous fat transfer is common in breast augmentationor reconstruction. However, AFG recipient site in the breast for fat grafting has not been carefully investigated.

Methods

Forty female patients requiring breast augmentation with fat grafting were randomly assigned into two groups. The retromammary group received 2/3 fat into the retromammary space and the other 1/3 into the subcutaneous and retropectoral planes. The retropectoral group received 2/3 fat into the retropectoral plane and the other 1/3 into the subcutaneous and retromammary planes. The fat grafting result at 6 months was assessed by 3D laser surface scanning and then ultrasound. Any complications were recorded during follow-up. Samples from a patient who underwent fat grafting for 6 months was obtained and histological examination was conducted.

Results

No significant difference in the retention rate after 6 months was observed between the two groups (retromammary group: 35.9% ± 6.6; retropectoral group: 39.3% ± 5.1, p = 0.1076). The retromammary grouphad a higher incidence of oil cyst formation than the retropectoral group. Histological examination showed that there were more oil cysts and mac2 positive macrophage infiltration in the fat cells in retromammary group, while retropectoral group had more small-size adipocytes.

Conclusion

Although fat grafting into the retropectoral plane did not provide a superior fat graft retention rate, it did lower the incidence of complications. The retropectoral space show great potential to become a favorable recipient site.

Oil Cyst Formation after Lower Blepharoplasty with Fat Grafts

BACKGROUND

Fat grafting is increasingly used as an adjuvant surgery to blepharoplasty to refill the volume loss of an aged face and promote cellular regeneration. Complications, such as hematoma, infection, seroma, and palpable mass, may occur. We collected the patients that underwent lower blepharoplasty combined with fat graft to evaluate the incidence of oil cyst formation in the lower eyelid and to identify risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent lower or total blepharoplasty combined with fat graft at the authors' institution between January 2018 and June 2020. Complication rates were observed, and associations between preoperative variables and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients were included in the series (all bilateral, 238 eyelids). The average patient age was 54.88 ± 11.94 years, and the average grafted fat was 1.88 ± 1.0 mL. On a per-eyelid basis for all patients, the complication rate of oil cyst formation was 6.72% (16 of 238 eyelids). The occurrence of oil cyst formation was associated with hypertension (P = 0.012; adjusted odds ratio, 9.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.62-52.99) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.005; adjusted odds ratio, 14.02; 95% confidence interval, 2.22-88.45), but not associated with anticoagulants use (P = 0.931), age (P = 0.784), sex (P = 0.317), or fat volume (P = 0.215). The mean interval between the fat graft procedure and oil cyst noted was 236.5 ± 118.9 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Oil cyst in lower eyelid can be defined as a palpable, firm, and persistent subcutaneous cystic lesion found postoperatively in any size during physical examination. The complication rate of oil cyst formation occurring after lower blepharoplasty with autologous fat grafting is 6.72%. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus maybe are risk factors of oil cyst formation. Steroid injection, needle capsulotomy, liposuction, and excision are safe and effective treatments. Reduce surgical trauma by diminishing anterior lamina trauma and capsulopalpebral fascia repair might decrease the complication rate of oil cyst formation.Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty with fat graft or 2-stage surgery may be a choice to prevent oil cyst formation.

Optimizing Surgical Outcomes with Small-Volume Silicone Implants Associated with Autogenous Fat Grafting in Primary and Revision Breast Augmentation Surgery: Soft Weight Hybrid (SWEH) Concept

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous association of autologous fat grafting (AFG) with silicone implants, defined as a hybrid procedure, has been proposed for breast augmentation (BA). In some patients, larger-volume implants may result in larger incisions, with long-term effects including implant palpability, soft tissue atrophy, and secondary ptosis. Some patients do not want large volume implants, or have insufficient soft tissue coverage. Recent improvements in AFG have led to new surgical options in BA for addressing these cases.

OBJECTIVES

This study combines AFG in BA using small-volume implants, known as the SWEH (soft weight hybrid) approach, and evaluates aesthetic advantages and outcomes following primary/secondary BA.

METHODS

25 patients (50 breasts) underwent SWEH procedures; this approach was indicated when the overlying tissue was insufficient to adequately cover the implant and patients refused large-volume implants. Three-dimensional images were obtained using a Divina 3D scanner system (AX3 Technologies, Miami, USA) to assess breast volume (BV) and intermammary distance (IMD) during follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 29.3 years (range: 21-42) and mean body mass index was 19.3 kg/m² (15.3-27.2). The most common implant (SmoothSilk surface Round/Ergonomix style) volume was 180 cc (175-215), and patients received a mean volume of 125 cc of fat (89-168)/breast in the subcutaneous tissue. Preoperative average BV measurements were 236.85 cc (170-335). At 3 and 12 months post-procedure, the average BV values were 488.82 and 478.73cc, respectively (p=0.475). The average preoperative IMD was 31.76 mm (range, 22-43); at 3 and 12 months post-procedure, the average IMD was 20.47 and 20.94 mm, respectively (p=0.61). Postoperative complications included subcutaneous banding in the axilla (n = 1; 4%) and hypertrophic scarring (n = 1; 4%). Breast imaging exams were performed; in 2 breasts (8%) localized oil cysts were observed; no cases of suspicious calcifications, fat necrosis, or lumps were seen. Fat retention rate (1 year) was calculated by the difference between the BV expected with 100% fat intake and the real BV observed. In our sample we observed an average of 72.7 (range: 69.2-77.3, SD: 2.63) and 76.7 (range: 72.3-79.9, SD: 2.18) percent of fat intake on the right and the left breast respectively. No rippling, implant malposition, or infection was observed during a mean follow-up of 22 months (6-40).

CONCLUSIONS

SWEH is a useful surgical alternative that combines the benefits of AFG and implant-based augmentation, particularly with regard to soft tissue coverage, and avoids the limitations of larger-volume implants. The association of small-volume gel implants and smaller scars can yield satisfactory aesthetic outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Cost-effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Care in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary care has been previously shown to improve outcomes for patients and providers alike, fostering interprofessional collaboration and communication. Many studies have demonstrated the beneficial health care outcomes of interdisciplinary care. However, there has been minimal focus on the cost-effectiveness of such care, particularly in the realm of plastic surgery. This is the first systematic review to examine cost savings attributable to plastic surgery involvement in multidisciplinary care.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of articles published on cost outcomes associated with multidisciplinary teams including a plastic surgeon was performed. Included articles reported on cost outcomes directly or indirectly attributable to a collaborative intervention. Explicitly reported cost savings were totaled on a per-patient basis. Each article was also reviewed to determine whether the authors ultimately recommended the team-based intervention described.

RESULTS

A total of 604 articles were identified in the initial query, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria. Three studies reported explicit cost savings from multidisciplinary care, with cost savings ranging from $707 to $26,098 per patient, and 5 studies reported changes in secondary factors such as complication rates and length of stay. All studies ultimately recommended multidisciplinary care, regardless of whether cost savings were achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of multidisciplinary plastic surgery care examined both primary cost savings and associated quality outcomes, such as length of stay, complication rate, and resource consumption. Our findings indicate that the inclusion of plastic surgery in team-based care provides both direct and indirect cost savings to all involved parties.

Direct Conversion of Human Fibroblasts into Adipocytes Using a Novel Small Molecular Compound: Implications for Regenerative Therapy for Adipose Tissue Defects

There is a need in plastic surgery to prepare autologous adipocytes that can be transplanted in patients to reconstruct soft tissue defects caused by tumor resection, including breast cancer, and by trauma and other diseases. Direct conversion of somatic cells into adipocytes may allow sufficient functional adipocytes to be obtained for use in regeneration therapy. Chemical libraries of 10,800 molecules were screened for the ability to induce lipid accumulation in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in culture. Chemical compound-mediated directly converted adipocytes (CCCAs) were characterized by lipid staining, immunostaining, and qRT-PCR, and were also tested for adipokine secretion and glucose uptake. CCCAs were also implanted into mice to examine their distribution in vivo. STK287794 was identified as a small molecule that induced the accumulation of lipid droplets in HDFs. CCCAs expressed adipocyte-related genes, secreted adiponectin and leptin, and abundantly incorporated glucose. After implantation in mice, CCCAs resided in granulation tissue and remained adipose-like. HDFs were successfully converted into adipocytes by adding a single chemical compound, STK287794. C/EBPα and PPARγ were upregulated in STK287794-treated cells, which strongly suggests involvement of these adipocyte-related transcription factors in the chemical direct conversion. Our method may be useful for the preparation of autogenous adipocytes for transplantation therapy for soft tissue defects and fat tissue atrophy.

Implant to Fat: A Breast Augmentation Technique Validated by BREAST-Q

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Implant-based breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. However, it is associated with relatively high revision rates, reaching up to 24% at 4 years. This case series presents our experience in implant explantation with simultaneous breast augmentation using fat.

Application of Fat Grafting in Cosmetic Breast Surgery

The role of fat grafting to the breasts has evolved in the recent past, gaining several new applications within both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Initially used for reconstructive purposes to fill lumpectomy defects or to correct residual contour deformities after breast reconstruction, it has since made its way into cosmetic breast surgery and has grown to encompass a wide variety of new indications. Fat grafting in aesthetic breast surgery may be performed as a form of primary autologous breast augmentation or as an adjunct to implant-based breast augmentation to disguise implant edges. It may also be used to provide added volume after explant surgery or to provide improvements in breast contour alongside mastopexy techniques. In this article, we will review the current applications of fat grafting in aesthetic breast surgery and provide an up-to-date summary of its reported outcomes, safety, and complications.