Is Volume Retention of the Breast Affected by Menstrual Cycle Phase at the Time of Autologous Fat Grafting?

Abstract

Abstract Background Autologous fat grafts are commonly employed in plastic surgery, especially for aesthetic breast augmentation. However, it is difficult to predict the postoperative fat volume retention rate. Objectives The authors conducted a retrospective study comparing the fat volume retention rates of breast lipoaugmentation performed during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods The study included patients who underwent autologous fat grafting (AFG) breast augmentation from January 2012 to December 2018. Forty-eight individuals (94 breasts) were separated into 3 groups according to their menstrual stage: Group A: 10 patients (18 breasts); follicular group (end of menstruation to approximately 10 days); Group B: 15 patients (30 breasts); ovulatory group (11-17 days); Group C: 23 patients (46 breasts); luteal group (approximately 18 days to the next menstrual cramps). Results Mean age, menarche age, menstrual cycle, menstruation, and body mass index were comparable among the groups (P > 0.05). Patients with a history of lactation were comparable among the groups (Group A, 50%; Group B, 53.33%; Group C, 43.48%, P > 0.05). The overall volume retention rate of patients who underwent AFG during ovulation was significantly higher (Group A, 26.94%; Group B, 49.06%, Group C, 35.73%, P = 0.023), with no significant difference in volume retention rates between the follicular and luteal phases (P > 0.05). Conclusions Fat volume retention rates were higher when AFG breast augmentation was performed during ovulation, providing a new direction to improve long-term retention rates of autologous fat grafts. However, due to the small sample size, incomplete medical records, and lack of test data, further research is needed. Level of Evidence: 4