Patient-Reported Outcomes After Autologous Fat Grafting in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction There is widespread recognition of the importance of assessment of patient satisfaction and well-being after breast reconstruction. However, few studies of fat grafting performed simultaneously with implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) have accounted for confounding factors, such as patient background and information bias. The aim of this study was to examine patient satisfaction and well-being using multivariate analysis of BREAST-Q scores in patients treated with IBBR combined with fat grafting. Methods Seventy-one consecutive patients who underwent IBBR with silicone breast implants were enrolled for a prospective cohort study. Among these patients, 56 responded to the BREAST-Q questionnaire, including 24 who underwent fat grafting at the same time as IBBR (FAT+ group) and 32 who underwent IBBR alone (FAT− group). The BREAST-Q questionnaire was completed 1 year after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and summary statistics to identify differences between the 2 groups. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that the FAT+ group was significantly more likely than the FAT− group to have satisfaction with breasts (P = 0.0201) and satisfaction with outcome (P = 0.0364). Conclusions Multivariate analysis with consideration of confounding factors indicated that addition of fat grafting to IBBR improves outcomes of breast reconstruction. These results suggest that a minor surgical procedure of fat grafting can improve patient satisfaction and outcomes after breast reconstruction.