Nonvolumetric Indications for Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction: A Scoping Review.
- 1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- 2Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
- 3Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
Background
Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has growing interest for its versatility and efficacy in breast reconstruction. This scoping review aims to summarize the evidence for nonvolumetric indications of AFG in breast surgery and breast reconstruction.Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2024. Articles were included if they used AFG in breast surgery for nonvolumetric indications. The primary outcome was the indication for AFG. Secondary outcomes included the capsular contracture (CC) rate, incidence of postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), patient satisfaction, physician outcome measures, functional discomfort, and complications. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed.Results
After screening 7294 citations, 104 full-text articles were included. Indications included (1) CC; (2) PMPS; (3) contour deformities, asymmetry, and congenital deformities; (4) preparation of implant pocket; and (5) other indications. AFG is recommended for contour correction and congenital deformities. Pretreatment of radiated mastectomy flaps with AFG improved outcomes in implant-based breast reconstruction. Additional uses include gynecomastia, nipple reconstruction/sensation, and lymphedema. AFG did not significantly reduce CC rates overall (relative risk, 0.85 [0.62-1.17]; P = 0.31), but a significant reduction was observed in irradiated breasts (relative risk, 0.57 [0.4-0.82]; P < 0.01). AFG improved pain in PMPS patients (mean change in visual analog score -1.85 [-2.5 to -1.2], P < 0.001).Conclusions
AFG shows promise for several emerging nonvolumetric breast applications in autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. It may be a good adjunct in select patients, particularly those who have received radiation therapy.
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BibTeX
@article{chen2026nonvolumetric,
title = {{Nonvolumetric Indications for Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction: A Scoping Review.}},
author = {Andrew T Chen and Leigh-Ann Grant and Jeslyn Chen and Mira Madumere and Helene Retrouvey and Ammara E Ghumman},
journal = {Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1097/gox.0000000000008105},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42903497},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Nonvolumetric Indications for Fat Grafting in Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction: A Scoping Review.
AU - Andrew T Chen
AU - Leigh-Ann Grant
AU - Jeslyn Chen
AU - Mira Madumere
AU - Helene Retrouvey
AU - Ammara E Ghumman
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/20
JO - Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open
DO - 10.1097/gox.0000000000008105
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42903497
AB - Background Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has growing interest for its versatility and efficacy in breast reconstruction. This scoping review aims to summarize the evidence for nonvolumetric indications of AFG in breast surgery and breast reconstruction.Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2024. Articles were included if they used AFG in breast surgery for nonvolumetric indications. The primary outcome was the indication for AFG. Secondary outcomes included the capsular contracture (CC) rate, incidence of postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS), patient satisfaction, physician outcome measures, functional discomfort, and complications. A risk-of-bias assessment was performed.Results After screening 7294 citations, 104 full-text articles were included. Indications included (1) CC; (2) PMPS; (3) contour deformities, asymmetry, and congenital deformities; (4) preparation of implant pocket; and (5) other indications. AFG is recommended for contour correction and congenital deformities. Pretreatment of radiated mastectomy flaps with AFG improved outcomes in implant-based breast reconstruction. Additional uses include gynecomastia, nipple reconstruction/sensation, and lymphedema. AFG did not significantly reduce CC rates overall (relative risk, 0.85 [0.62-1.17]; P = 0.31), but a significant reduction was observed in irradiated breasts (relative risk, 0.57 [0.4-0.82]; P < 0.01). AFG improved pain in PMPS patients (mean change in visual analog score -1.85 [-2.5 to -1.2], P < 0.001).Conclusions AFG shows promise for several emerging nonvolumetric breast applications in autologous and implant-based breast reconstruction. It may be a good adjunct in select patients, particularly those who have received radiation therapy.
SN - 2169-7574
ER -