Autologous Breast Augmentation Using Abdominal Dermis Fat Strip Grafts: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoplasty and augmentation mastopexy are often performed in the same operation. Although silicone breast implants are usually used for breast augmentation, resected abdominal dermis fat tissue can be used for this purpose. We describe a new autologous breast augmentation technique using dermis fat grafts obtained from a simultaneous abdominoplasty operation.

METHODS: This new technique was used in eight breasts of four patients who requested abdominoplasty and augmentation mastopexy operations in the same session. First, excess abdominal skin was de-epithelized. Dermis fat strips were harvested either in situ or extracorporeally from this area. The prepared strips were then inserted into the pectoralis major muscle during the mastopexy operation.

RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 7 months to 6 years. No infection or other problems regarding the technique were observed. Magnetic resonance imaging obtained from one patient showed graft survival after 2 years. A slight augmentation, presumably 50 to 100 mL, was observed per breast in all of the patients.

CONCLUSION: Dermis fat strips obtained from an abdominoplasty operation can be used to obtain slight augmentation during mastopexy in patients requesting both of these operations in the same session. Validation of this new technique requires more experience with additional patients.

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