Breast asymmetry and pectus excavatum improvement with fat grafting

Non-surgical approaches to the management of chest wall deformities

Chest wall deformities in children encompass a broad spectrum of disorders but pectus excavatum and carinatum are by far the most common. Treatment varies substantially by center, and depends on patient symptoms, severity of disease, and surgeon preference. Historically, surgical approaches were the mainstay of treatment for these disease processes but new advances in non-surgical approaches have demonstrated reasonable results in select patients. These non-surgical approaches include vacuum bell therapy, autologous fat grafting and hyaluronic acid injections for pectus excavatum, and orthotic brace therapy for pectus carinatum. There is debate with regards to optimal patient selection for these non-surgical approaches, as well as other barriers including reimbursement issues. This paper will review the current non-surgical approaches to chest wall deformities available, including optimal patient selection, treatment protocols, indications, contraindications, and outcomes.

Biomechanical validation of novel Nuss procedure simulations for patients with various morphological types of pectus excavatum

A novel Nuss procedure simulation was developed for patients with pectus excavatum considering the displacement of a metal bar and a chest wall model, including the intercostal muscles. However, this simulation was developed for a typical symmetrical patient among the various morphological types of pectus excavatum. Accordingly, this study aimed to validate and confirm the novel simulation for patients with eccentric and imbalanced types, which are severe types of pectus excavatum, considering factors such as depression depth and eccentricity among others. Three-dimensional models of chest walls and metal bars were created for three different types of patients. The rotation-equilibrium displacement and chest wall with intercostal muscles were set according to the methods and conditions of the novel Nuss procedure simulation. The anterior sternal translation and the Haller index derived from the simulation results were compared and verified using medical data from actual postoperative patients. Additionally, maximum equivalent stresses and strains were derived to confirm the suitability of the novel Nuss procedure for each patient type. The severe types had similar precision to the typical type when compared to the actual postoperative patient. Relatively high maximum equivalent stresses and strains were observed on the metal bars and sternum in the severe type, thereby predicting and confirming the biomechanical characteristics of these types. In conclusion, a novel Nuss procedure simulation for severe types was numerically validated. This underscores the importance of biomechanical evaluation through a novel Nuss procedure simulation when planning actual surgeries for severe types of cases.

Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis of the Effect of Interval Time in Autologous Fat Graft Breast Augmentation

BACKGROUND

Autologous adipose tissue has become increasingly popular in cosmetic and plastic reconstructive surgery, especially breast augmentation surgery. However, the volume retention rate after transplantation significantly varies and may be unsatisfactory. Many patients need two or more autologous fat graft breast augmentations to achieve the expected effect. There are currently no studies on optimal timing between fat injections.

METHODS

We identified target patients with secondary or multiple autologous fat transplantations by inclusion and exclusion criteria and used three-dimensional scanning technology to calculate the volume retention. Patients were divided into two groups according to the dates of the first and second operations (group A: interoperative time < 120 days, group B: interoperative time ≥ 120 days). We used SPSS 26 for statistical calculations.

RESULTS

We included 161 patients in this retrospective study, with an average volume retention rate of 36.56% in group A (n = 85) and 27.45% in group B (n = 76). The independent sample t test showed that the volume retention rate in group A was higher than that in group B (P < 0.001). And the paired t test showed there is a significant improvement of volume retention rate after the second fat graft session (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the interval time was an independent factor affecting the postoperative volume retention rate.

CONCLUSION

The interval time between autologous fat transplantation for augmentation mammaplasty was an independent factor affecting the postoperative volume retention rate. The postoperative volume retention rate of the < 120 days group was higher than that of the ≥ 120 days group.

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 www.springer.com/00266 .

[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.

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.

Applications of Fat Grafting in Pediatric Patients

Autologous fat grafting has become a widely utilized technique for a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Its potential for volume restoration and tissue regeneration has made it a popular method for treating soft tissue defects in both adult and pediatric populations. While autologous fat grafting in the pediatric setting is not as well characterized as it is in the adult setting, various reports have demonstrated the safety and utility of its applications in nonadult patient populations. In this article, we present the first comprehensive review of the current applications of autologous fat grafting in pediatric patients. Specific challenges to fat grafting in the pediatric setting and future applications will also be discussed.

Lipofilled Mini Dorsi Flap: An Efficient Less Invasive Concept for Immediate Breast Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

The traditional extended latissimus dorsi flap technique, in addition to lipofilling, has been one of the main procedures used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. However, to obtain excellent results, this technique requires a large muscle harvest and further lipofilling sessions. The lipofilled mini dorsi flap technique, performed in a single operation, appealed to us as a way to improve the traditional technique.We present our experience with the lipofilled mini dorsi flap technique in a new scenario.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed breast reconstruction with a lipofilled mini dorsi flap in female patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with a lipofilled mini dorsi flap. The operative technique is detailed in this article. The results were evaluated by the patients and the surgical team.

RESULTS

We performed 72 lipofilled mini dorsi flap procedures during breast reconstruction surgery from May 2017 to January 2019. Fifty-nine (81.9%) cases were immediate reconstructions. Complications, such as infection or necrosis of the flap, were not observed in this study. We noticed seroma and 1 case of infected lymphocele, which was drained.Body mass index (BMI) was directly related to postoperative dorsal seroma. The authors reported that greater BMI was associated with a higher seroma volume.Most patients evaluated their reconstruction as satisfactory. The surgical team evaluated most of the results as very satisfactory or satisfactory. There were no cases of unsatisfactory results reported either by the patients or the surgical team.

CONCLUSIONS

The lipofilled mini dorsi flap technique is an efficient, elegant, and less invasive solution that is more easily and quickly performed and achieves excellent long-term results in the immediate breast reconstruction scenario. For the first time to our knowledge, lipofilling was used to reduce the extent of latissimus dorsi dissection. The postoperative follow-up was better tolerated by patients. This technique may be offered to patients regardless of oncological treatment. In our experience, the lipofilled mini dorsi flap method has become the primary technique for immediate breast reconstruction.

Lower rates of lipofilling sessions in latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction with initial higher volume transfer by preservation of subfascial fat: A 3D camera-assisted volumetric case series

Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) is a well-known technique, but the crucial goal is to achieve a satisfying final volume restoration. Our hypothesis is that LDF reconstruction with the preservation of subfascial fat can achieve a higher volume in a one-time procedure than that achieved in a classic LDF harvest. The aim of the study was to quantify the volume resorption in LDF reconstructions with the preservation of subfascial fat. Fifteen breasts were reconstructed with a simple LDF and the remaining 15 with an LDF with the preservation of the subfascial fat between January 2016 and May 2017. Secondly, every patient underwent a lipofilling procedure. A supplemental lipofilling procedure was performed in unsatisfying cases. A Structure-Sensor camera manufactured by Occipital^Ⓡ was used. Each patient received a 3D measurement during immediate postoperative care and then after 3 and 6 months of follow-up. This study shows no difference in volume retention at follow-up between the 2 techniques. The gain of an immediate and stable fatty layer in LDF + subfascial fat technique leads to breast volume improvement in one surgical step. Breast reconstruction with LDF and subfascial fat can be defined as a reliable solution, which provides an optimal result with a reduced number of surgical interventions when compared with a simple LDF.

Nipple-Areolar Complex Position in Female-to-Male Transsexuals After Non-skin-excisional Mastectomy: A Case-Control Study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Mastectomy is performed in female-to-male transsexual (FTM TS) patients as a surgical treatment to make a female thorax resemble a male thorax; however, no studies have examined the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) position in FTM TS patients after mastectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The NAC position in 41 FTM TS patients before and after non-skin-excisional mastectomy was examined and compared with that in 50 age- and BMI-matched biologically male subjects as controls. The factors affecting the NAC position after the operation were also examined and verified by multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

After non-skin-excisional mastectomy, the NAC in the FTM TS patients was positioned significantly more medially (horizontal NAC position ratio {('internipple distance'/'width of thorax') × 100} [HNPR]: preoperatively, 70.07% ± 4.19%; postoperatively, 63.28% ± 3.79%) and cranially (vertical NAC position ratio {('distance from sternal notch to nipple height'/'distance from sternal notch to umbilicus') × 100} [VNPR]: preoperatively, 43.87% ± 3.68%; postoperatively, 41.37% ± 3.15%). Postoperatively, the NAC in the FTM TS patients was located significantly more medially than that in the control subjects (HNPR: 63.28% ± 3.79% to 66.79% ± 4.82%), although the height of the NAC was the same. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the NAC position on breasts characterized by ptosis, a high projection, and lateral leaning (low skin elasticity and a substantial amount of skin between the nipples) tended to be positioned more medially after non-skin-excisional mastectomy. Laterally deviated eccentric circular type mastectomy may be a good option for FTM TS patients who have moderately sized breasts with such features.

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 www.springer.com/00266 .

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.

Identification of the Optimal Recipient Layer for Transplanted Fat: A Prospective Study on Breast Lipoaugmentation

BACKGROUND

Fat grafting has become a popular procedure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries due to its safety, minimal invasiveness, and favorable visual outcomes, although the volume retention rate is unpredictable.

OBJECTIVES

A prospective clinical study on lipoaugmentation of the breast was conducted to compare fat retention rates in the pectoralis muscle and the periglandular area.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 breasts from 11 patients who underwent primary lipoaugmentation. Volume retention rate and percentage augmentation among different recipient layers, as well as complications and patient satisfaction, were evaluated. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and at 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. Complications were recorded, and patient satisfaction was appraised through the use of the Breast-Q questionnaire.

RESULTS

Breasts were injected with 207 ± 29 mL of fat, achieving overall volume retention rates of 56.63% ± 16.40%. The overall augmentation was 21.53% ± 10.27%. Volume retention rate was significantly higher (59.00% ± 13.84%) in the periglandular area than in the pectoralis muscle (47.21% ± 22.41%) (P = 0.04). Augmentation was significantly higher (32.13% ± 12.96%) in the periglandular area than in the pectoralis muscle (4.95% ± 4.23%) (P = 0.00). Pain and numbness were the only reported complications. The Breast-Q score increased significantly for the measures "satisfaction with breasts," "psychosocial well-being," and "sexual well-being."

CONCLUSIONS

Fat transfer is a safe and acceptable method for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. The periglandular area was a better recipient site than muscle for transferred fat.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Three-Dimensional Simulation for Breast Augmentation of Female Asymmetric Pectus Excavatum: A Case Report

Breast augmentation for women with asymmetric pectus excavatum (PE) has a characteristic problem in that surgeons need to select implants while considering the left-right difference in breast volume, contour, and position. We herein report a 33-year-old woman with severe asymmetric PE who presented with residual breast asymmetry after chest wall correction using the Nuss procedure. Her right breast appeared hypoplastic and the right anterior chest wall remained depressed. Augmentation of the right breast with a silicone implant was performed, selecting the inserted implant preoperatively with the assistance of three-dimensional (3D) simulation. The breast asymmetry and anterior chest wall depression were improved to a natural appearance. Three-dimensional simulation represents an advantageous way to preoperatively select optimal implants for breast augmentation in asymmetric PE women with breast asymmetry.

Level of Evidence: 5

Minimal cosmetic revision required after minimally invasive pectus repair

BACKGROUND

Despite surgical correction procedures for pectus deformities, remaining cosmetic asymmetry may have significant psychological effects. We sought to evaluate factors associated with plastic surgery (PS) consultation and procedures for these deformities at an academic institution.

METHODS

We reviewed patients aged 0-21 diagnosed with a pectus excavatum or carinatum deformity at our institution between January 2001 and October 2016. Pectus diagnoses were identified by ICD-9/ICD-10 codes and surgical repair by CPT codes; patients receiving PS consultation were identified by clinical note service codes. Student's t tests, Fisher's exact tests, and Chi-squared tests were utilized.

RESULTS

2158 patients were diagnosed with a pectus deformity; 442 (20.4%) underwent surgical correction. 19/442 (4.3%) sought PS consultation, either for pectus excavatum [14/19 (73.7%)], carinatum [4/19 (21.0%)], and both [1/19 (5.3%)], (p = 0.02). Patients seeking PS consultation were more likely to be female (p < 0.01), have scoliosis (p = 0.02), or undergo an open repair (p < 0.01). The need for PS consultation did not correlate with Haller index, p = 0.78.

CONCLUSION

PS consultation associated with pectus deformity repair was rare, occurring in < 5% of patients undergoing repair. Patients who consulted PS more commonly included females, patients with scoliosis, and those undergoing open repair. These patients would likely benefit most from multidisciplinary pre-operative discussions regarding repair of the global deformity.

[Contribution of computer-aided design for the conception of custom-made implants in Pectus Excavatum surgical treatment. Experience of the Nantes plastic surgery unit]

INTRODUCTION

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest malformation and is a common reason for consultation in plastic surgery. Our attitude is most often a filling of the depression with a custom-made silicone prosthesis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the interest of computer-aided design (CAD) of implants compared to the conventional plaster molds method.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have collected all the cases of custom-made silicone implants to treat funnel chests in our plastic surgery department. The quality of the results was evaluated by the patient, and in a blind manner by the surgical team using photographs and standardized surveys. The pre-operative delays, the operating time and length of hospital stays, the number of surgical recoveries, and the post-operative surgical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2016, we designed 29 silicone thoracic implants in our department. Before 2012, implants were made from plaster chest molds (n=13). After this date, implants were designed by CAD (n=16). Patients rated their results as "good" or "excellent" in 77% and 86% of cases respectively in the plaster and CAD groups. The surgical team's ratings for CAD implant reconstructions were better than in the plaster group: 8.17 versus 6.96 (P=0.001). CAD implants were significantly less detectable than the plaster group implants. The operating time was reduced in the CAO group: 60.2 compared to 74.7minutes in the plaster group (P=0.04), as was the length of hospitalization: 3.5 versus 5.3 days (P=0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative complications.

CONCLUSION

The management of pectus excavatum by a custom-made silicone implant is a minimally invasive method that provides good cosmetic results. The design of these implants is facilitated and qualitatively improved by CAD.

Fat Grafting to the Breast: Clinical Applications and Outcomes for Reconstructive Surgery

This article is a review of fat grafting for breast reconstruction. The use of small volume fat grafting for the correction of step-off deformities, intrinsic deformities, and extrinsic deformities of the breast, and the uses of large volume fat grafting for total breast reconstruction, correction of implant complications with simultaneous implant exchange with fat, and correction of noncancer chest wall deformities is reviewed. Cancer monitoring and the risks of cancer recurrence following fat-grafting to the breast is also reviewed.

The Safety, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery

Background:

For years, the safety and effectiveness of autologous fat grafting (AFG) for breast reconstruction have been in question, with particular concern over fat necrosis, calcifications, cyst formation, and interfering with the detection of breast cancer. However, increasing evidence suggests that the complication rates and clinical results are generally acceptable to both clinicians and patients. The emerging challenge is the numerous AFG techniques and systems, where there are limited knowledge and data. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review that focuses on the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of various AFG techniques as applied to the breast.

Methods:

A PubMed search using terms related to AFG was performed over a 5-year period (April 1, 2010–April 30, 2015). Original articles focused on AFG to the breast, with outcomes on safety, effectiveness, and efficiency, were included.

Results:

Five hundred ninety-eight articles were identified with 36 articles included (n = 4306 patients). Satisfaction rates were high although the prevalence of complications was low—similar to previous findings. Seven studies reported average operating room time with an overall mean of 125 minutes (range: 40–210). The mean volume of fat harvested was 558 mL (range: 120–1299), and fat injected was 145 mL (range: 20–607). A positive association between injection volume and operating time was observed.

Conclusions:

This review validates previous findings on the safety and effectiveness of AFG to the breast and highlights its efficiency. The efficiency data available, although limited, suggest that there is an opportunity to achieve time and cost savings while not sacrificing safety and effectiveness.

[The breast of the adolescent girl]

During adolescence, psychological and physical changes occur and breast takes a major place in the young woman body image. Except rare malign tumors, breast pathologies at this age are mainly benign or malformative. Malformative issues are revealed during breast growth, as isolated asymmetry or associated to other regional anomalies, with abnormal shape or volume of the breast, or even supernumerary breast. Therapeutic solutions will not differ from the ones used for adults. Breast lipofilling, recently admitted by plastic surgery community is an interesting tool that can be used on young women. Choosing the right technic depends on the initial problem. It comes at an early stage to offset hypoplasia resulting in a problem of asymmetry. It waits for breast stability in case of hypertrophy and for legal majority in case of breast augmentation using implants. Psychological impairment stays however a central issue and forces the surgeon to adapt to the individual and to his body change over time.

Is breast asymmetry caused by volume differences in women with pectus excavatum?

This study determined the breast volumes of female patients with pectus excavatum that led to asymmetry and hypoplasia compared with normal women. This retrospective study enrolled 13 patients diagnosed with pectus excavatum and 13 normal women, randomly selected from a healthcare centre (n = 26), between January 2012 and December 2014. We measured breast volumes (n = 52) based on chest computed tomography (CT) of all patients using Image J software and divided them into four groups according to the side and presence of pectus excavatum. The mean volumes of the right and left breasts of patients with pectus excavatum were 209 ± 64 mL and 218 ± 67 mL, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.736). The mean volumes of the right and left breasts of normal women were 415 ± 197 mL and 439 ± 197 mL, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.754). The breasts of patients with pectus excavatum were significantly smaller than those of normal women (P < 0.001). Both breasts of patients with pectus excavatum were similar in size but were smaller than the breasts of normal women. Skeletal correction for breast asymmetry correction, followed by breast augmentation for breast hypoplasty correction, with a one- or two-step approach may be useful to improve the aesthetics of breast deformities in women with pectus excavatum.

Fast and simple fat grafting of the breast

Fat grafting (FG) is being used at an escalating rate for correction of shape and volume of all types of breast surgery in order to optimize the aesthetic result in spite of an ongoing debate of the oncologic safety. In this paper we demonstrate our simple and fast sedimentation based FG technique in the attached video as visualized surgery. We have used this simple approach for 348 procedures in 176 women to optimize and correct the aesthetic result following all types of breast surgery. We prefer this simple technique as no technique has been shown to be superior to other more costly techniques and furthermore there are still questions about the oncologic safety in using adipose derived stem cells (ADSC). Simple fat harvesting using low vacuum and preparation by sedimentation is a fast and effective method to perform FG successfully for correction of shape and volume deficits of the breast following both ablative surgery as well as benign conditions with a high margin of safety.

Lipofilling, an efficient solution for breast sequelae after cardiothoracic surgery

Evolutions in pediatric cardiovascular surgery have allowed the treatment of a various range of cardiovascular malformations in infants. It is a difficult branch of surgery, with vital impact, which can also leave residual thoracic scars, possible sources for thoracomammary deformities in adults. Most thoracomammary deformities after thoracotomy are observed at puberty, when they appear as breast asymmetries. The main cause is the breast bud injured during thoracotomy. Several techniques have been suggested for breast reconstruction, but none give satisfying results. We have been practicing lipofilling since 1998 for breast reconstruction. Since 2001, we have started applying it to breast deformities. The final result is constant in time, natural, and has a good volume filler effect. We describe the fat grafting technique, an original technique, as a solution for this kind of deformities. The technique is illustrated by two clinical cases. In conclusion, fat grafting has really improved breast asymmetry due to iatrogenic deformation. Even if those cases are rare, surgeons have to know this kind of procedure. It is indeed a simple and efficient solution for those patients after childhood, with natural and long standing results.

The Etiologies of Chest Wall and Breast Asymmetry and Improvement in Breast Augmentation

Patients presenting for correction of breast and chest wall asymmetries may have undergone numerous thoracic procedures in early childhood and may have suffered profound psychosocial effects. Complex congenital syndromes as well as mild breast asymmetries should be carefully documented using objective measurements, photography, and 3-dimensional simulations when available. Shaped highly cohesive breast implants offer plastic surgeons more possibilities and precision by fine-tuning the gel distribution and specific volumes required to correct the hypoplastic elements. Long-lasting correction of asymmetry can be obtained when patients are not oversized, and care is taken to avoid visibility, palpability, and malposition problems.

Volumetric evaluation of fat resorption after breast lipofilling

INTRODUCTION

The fat transfer or the lipofilling is a technique that had a major impact on the breast surgery results. We have been using this technique since 1998 as an adjuvant in breast reconstruction. The transferred fat is partially resorbed in the first three months after fat grafting. Literature shows that fat resorption varies from 30 to 80% and the experimental studies register a variation between 50 and 90%. The difficulty of the lipomodeling consists in anticipating the fat resorption rate in order to obtain breast symmetry. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the resorption rate of the transferred fat in the reconstructed breast by means of volumetric imaging 3 months after fat grafting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken including breast reconstructions with total autologous latissimus dorsi. All the surgical procedures have been done by the same surgeon (1st author). It focused on the second stage of breast reconstruction: the lipofilling. We registered the average harvested volumes, the volumes obtained after centrifugation and the transferred volumes for every reconstructed breast. The intramuscular volume in the reconstructed breast was measured by volumetric imaging on the third day after lipofilling (D3) and three months after lipofilling (M3). The volumetry was performed by using an after treatment console SIEMENS (SOMATOM definition AS 2*64 barettes). The average intramuscular volume was registered at D3 and M3. The average volume difference was calculated in order to obtain the exact resorption rate.

RESULTS

This prospective study was undertaken on 32 reconstructed breasts by total autologous latissimus dorsi flap. The average age was 52 years, the average BMI was 24.7 kg/m(2). The average harvested fat volume for the breast lipofilling was 560 cc and the volume obtained after centrifugation was evaluated at about 371 cc, the average fat volume transferred being 291 cc. The volumetric study showed that intramuscular volume at D3 was measured at 284 cc and at M3 about 223 cc, of a resorption intramuscular rate of 21.5%.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the rate of resorption of the fat transferred to the muscle in the reconstructed breast was measured at 21.5%. The low resorption rate found in our study, lower than those in the literature, sustains the supposition that the muscle is an excellent receiving matrix for the fat tissue. In order to obtain this percentage, a learning curve is necessary. Once acquired, this technique produces a major improvement of the breast surgery results.

[How to treat fat necrosis after lipofilling into the breast?]

INTRODUCTION

Fat necrosis is a phenomenon that has been known for a long time in surgery. The fat necrosis is produced because of tissue ischemia and it is also known as cytosteatonecrosis. These lesions can appear with different manifestations: indurations or cysts. Fat necrosis develops in breast aesthetic surgery (breast reduction) or reconstructive breast surgery (after abdominal flaps like TRAM or DIEP). In our department we have been using fat grafting into the breast since 1998 and it has really improved the aesthetic results in breast surgery. Also the fat necrosis lesions can appear after fat grafting, and they should be identified in order to avoid worrying the patient and other doctors that are treating her. The purpose of this article is to present different aspects of fat necrosis after surgery and therapeutic approaches to these problems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The two authors have noticed the frequency of fat necrosis in the breast after fat grafting into the breast in aesthetic surgery (asymmetry, deformity, lipoaugmentation, improvement of aesthetic sequelae) and reconstructive surgery (after total mastectomy or to improve the aspect of sequelae after conservative surgery). A retrospective study was performed including a homogenous series of consecutive cases that needed breast lipofilling, operated by the two authors. Fat was harvested with cannula after infiltration. The adipose tissue was preparated with a short centrifugation. Fat grafting was realized as backward injections. The tolerance of the performed technique has been studied with the discovery of the fat necrosis lesions after surgery up to one-year follow-up evaluation.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2013, 2236 fat transfers have been performed by the two authors and were included in a series of consecutive homogenous cases treated by using the same surgical technique. The fat necrosis incidence after lipofilling in the breast shows two frequency curves: the first one with a frequency of 15% (the first 50 cases) and then decreases and stabilizes at about 3%. A second frequency curve appears after 500 cases and fat necrosis has a frequency of 10%. The clinical symptoms are variable. The oil cysts are the most frequent and the earliest manifestation. They can be treated in consultation by punction. The cysts with thick yellow filling and the indurate areas of fat necrosis are rare and can be treated by lipofragmentation using a canula.

CONCLUSIONS

The fat necrosis lesion is a classic phenomena, and can be a source of inconveniences for the patients and the surgeons after breast surgery. All the efforts should be directed to avoid fat necrosis. However, fat necrosis is not rare and the surgeon should learn to resolve it without worrying the patient or asking for expensive exams.

Breast lipofilling: A new treatment of Becker nevus syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The association of Becker's nevus with other cutaneous, musculoskeletal or maxillofacial anomalies is called Becker nevus syndrome. Ipsilateral breast hypoplasia is the main reason for female patients to seek medical advice. We present two clinical cases of Becker nevus syndrome with thoracic nevus and ipsilateral breast hypoplasia treated with lipofilling alone (fat grafting).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the two consecutive cases of Becker nevus syndrome treated by fat grafts, we present the surgical technique and the outcome at one year follow-up. Fat was harvested with cannula after infiltration. The adipose tissue was prepared with a short centrifugation. Fat grafting was realized as backward injections.

RESULTS

We have noticed a concomitant improvement of the thoracic nevus color with a stable result after one-year follow-up. The aesthetic result after lipofilling was evaluated as very satisfying by the patient. The breast symmetry was improved.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that the lipofilling technique is a natural and valuable treatment option for thoracic anomalies in Becker nevus syndrome with a major impact on patient's quality of life.

[Glandular posterior flap of the breast for oncoplastic surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Breast conservative surgeries, associated with radiotherapy within the framework of conservatives treatments for breast malignant tumors, can occur deformation of the breast in 10 to 15% of cases. The deformity can be more or less important according to the size of the initial lesion and the glandular reshaping reconstruction. Our experience in oncologic and reconstructive surgery of the breast reflects us about difficult cases of breast conservative surgeries in a glandular reshaping to obtain the best aesthetic result. In this approach, the posterior glandular flap of the breast was used in specific indications. The study aims to estimate the efficiency and the tolerance of the posterior glandular flap in difficult cases of breast oncoplastic surgeries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We realized a consecutive serie of 24 breast oncoplastic surgeries. We noticed 15 breast conservative surgeries of superior quadrants. The posterior glandular flap was realized in 15 cases. We used the posterior part of the breast, vascularized by musculo-cutaneous intercostal arteries to give the volume lacking in the breast. We estimated efficiency and tolerance of the posterior glandular flap than one-year operating comment, as well as the oncologic follow-up long-term.

RESULTS

In this serie of 15 cases, we did not note acute complications like infection, hematoma or cutaneous necrosis. We listed 13 cases of malignant tumors with indication of radiotherapy, and 2 cases of benign tumors. In one year, we found two patients presenting a cyst of cytosteatonecrosis (1cm and 3cm) in the site of surgery, compared to posterior flap. The glandular total average excision was 333g (30-1200). An oncologic surgical resumption was necessary in 2 cases (a case of preventive mastectomy for BRCA1, and a case of insufficient margins). We realized 12 cases of controlateral surgery at the same time for symmetry. The aesthetic result was judged at one year post-operatory: good or very good in 74% of the cases, correct in 20% of the cases, and insufficient in 6% of the cases. The oncologic follow-up did not find locoregional recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The posterior glandular flap is an interesting contribution in oncoplastic surgery of superior quadrants of the breast to replace harmoniously the missing volume. This flap, reliable and reproductible, offers an alternative to bring of the custom-made volume without residual deformation of the breast. The aesthetic results allowed, in spite of the radiotherapy, to decrease the aftereffects of breast conservative surgery treatments, and this interesting approach deserves a wider distribution.

[Fat grafting to improve severe tuberous breast]

INTRODUCTION

Tuberous breast is a rare malformation that has major, negative physical and psychological impacts during puberty. A range of surgical techniques has been used to correct breast shape and volume in this context. Most techniques are based on a combination of skin plasty and mammary gland remodelling, in order to redistribute volumes. Prostheses and local-regional flaps can also be used to correct the missing volume. Fat grafting to the breast has been used in our department since 1998 as a complementary technique in breast reconstruction; it constitutes a natural way of providing volume and modifying the shape of the breast. Since 2000, we have extended this lipomodelling technique to the correction of thorax malformations in general and tuberous breasts in particular. Here, we describe our experience of the correction of severe tuberous breasts by fat grafting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over an 11-year period, we performed a retrospective study on tuberous breast patients treated solely with fat grafting (i.e. without using an implant). Each breast deformation was graded according to the Grolleau classification. After aspiration, the fat was centrifuged and then transferred with a specific cannula. Using an 18-G trocar, we sometimes also performed fasioctomies to free up fibrous bridges and mammary gland remodelling. We evaluated the lipofilling for each case (number of sessions and mean fat transfer volume). Technical efficacy was evaluated in terms of patient's satisfaction and the surgeon's opinion. Safety was evaluated by screening for recipient site complications.

RESULTS

We performed a retrospective study of 31 cases of tuberous breasts treated between January 2000 and December 2010. The severe tuberous breasts were type 3 in 10 cases. The mean patient age was 21 and the mean body mass index was 21.5. Two session (mean transfer volume: 380 cc) were required in every case. The mean follow-up period after the last fat transfer session was 6 years (range: 1-11). The patients were very satisfied in 90% of cases (n=9) and satisfied in 10% of cases (n=1). No complications were observed. Imaging performed before surgery and one year afterwards did not reveal any anomalies, other than oil cysts.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of severe tuberous breast with fat grafting is a reliable technique that produces excellent results and high levels of patient satisfaction. The aesthetic outcome is natural, implant-free and long-lasting. Fat grafting decreases local fibrosis and helps (along with fasciotomies and mammary gland remodelling) modify the shape of the breast. The technique corrects the missing volume in a precise, personalized manner. Lipomodelling efficacy and absence of complications have made it our reference treatment for the correction of severe tuberous breasts (as long as the patient has sufficient adipose reserves).

[Long-term outcome of lipomodeling in Poland's syndrome: about our first case with an eleven-years' follow-up]

Poland's syndrome is a rare congenital malformation with thoracic and breast deformities very difficult to treat. Several techniques can be used involving, sometimes, implant insertion. Most of the classic techniques could not be used in this patient. Particularly, the transfer of the latissimus dorsi flap could not be performed because of the agenesis of the muscle. Lipomodeling is used, in our team, for breast reconstruction since 1998. This case was described and published one year after the end of the reconstruction in 2004. The immediate outcome appeared very satisfying and effective but some surgeons remained skeptical. An important question remains: what about the long-term efficiency and stability of the reconstruction? In this review, we report our first case of severe Poland's syndrome treated eleven years ago with lipomodeling. The patient was twelve years old. She had a severe form of Poland's syndrome. Five fat grafting sessions were performed between 2001 and 2003, for a total transfer of 809 ml. Today, outcome is very satisfying with a natural breast shape, consistency and sensitivity. An increase of volume in the reconstructed breast is noted. It is due to a rapid and significant weight gain by the patient. We performed two shorts movies describing this outcome one year and ten years after the reconstruction. It confirms the stability and the sustainability of the reconstruction. Lipomodeling does not interfere with breast ultrasound surveillance. Fat grafting deeply improved outcomes and management of thoracic and breast deformities in Poland's syndrome.