Augmentation Mammoplasty With External Volume Expander–Assisted Autologous Fat Grafting in 305 Asian Patients

Abstract

Abstract Background External volume expander (EVE)-assisted autologous fat grafting is suitable for breast augmentation, but no large sample study in Asia has confirmed this method. Objectives The authors reported their experience and outcomes in augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted autologous fat grafting. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 305 female patients who underwent augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted fat grafting between September 2012 and December 2020. Doctors utilized Crisalix (Crisalix S.A., Lausanne, Switzerland) for 3-dimensional (3D) imaging acquisition to measure the increase in breast volume to evaluate doctor satisfaction. The Preoperative Satisfaction with Breast and BREAST-Q questionnaires were employed to assess patients’ preoperative and postoperative satisfaction, respectively. Results The 305 female patients were aged 18 to 50 years (mean, 35.9 years). Among them, 68.52% were “very satisfied,” 18.69% were “somewhat satisfied,” 11.15% were “somewhat dissatisfied,” and 1.64% were “very dissatisfied” based on BREAST-Q analysis, whereas 100% were dissatisfied according to the Preoperative Satisfaction with Breast questionnaire. Doctors employed Crisalix to measure the increase in breast volume to evaluate doctor satisfaction. The results showed 76.01% had an increase in breast volume of 150 to 250 mL or >250 mL and were “satisfied” and “very satisfied,” respectively, 21.64% had an increase of 50 to 149 mL and were “somewhat satisfied,” and 2.30% had an increase <50 mL and were “dissatisfied.” There were no complications, such as obvious fat liquefaction, infection, or fat embolism. Conclusions Augmentation mammoplasty with EVE-assisted fat grafting is effective and satisfying in China. Crisalix for 3D imaging acquisition is convenient and effective in measuring breast volume. Level of Evidence: 4