BAMBI: Bilateral Augmentation Mammoplasty by Injection; Breast Augmentation Using Autologous Fat Transplantation: The Controversy and Personal Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Breast augmentation is one of the most sought after cosmetic surgical procedures in developed countries. It is accepted that augmentation by silicone implants is the gold standard. However, it is also acknowledged that this method is not without problems and complications in the best hands. Historical review shows that many materials were used to augment the breast. Needless to say, the majority of those have failed, and some with catastrophic consequences. Autologous fat, the subject of this article, was introduced in 1987. In most practices, no other alternative to implants is being offered to prospective patients. It is undeniably true that there is a group of patients who are not candidates for augmentation by implants. Among this group are patients who categorically refuse implants for one reason or another. Objective: In our expanding and rapidly advancing specialty, the ability to offer an alternative treatment for any presenting problem is an indispensable tool of our profession. However, when it comes to the small breast problem, the majority of surgeons are unable or unwilling to offer women who seek breast augmentation any alternative to implants. The objective of this article is to prompt an interest for a forum to look at this method more objectively to establish whether it can be approved as an alternative to implants. Materials and Methods: Review of the literature.