Introduction: Breast reconstruction surgery plays an important role in regaining the self-confidence and well-being of individuals who have experienced breast cancer or breast deformities. In an effort to increase patient safety and improve surgical outcomes, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recently published new guidelines regarding the use of fat injection in breast reconstruction procedures. These guidelines aim to standardize practices and ensure optimal outcomes by providing recommendations on patient selection, surgical techniques, and postoperative care.
Patient Selection: Guidelines emphasize the importance of patient selection to determine the suitability of fat injection in breast reconstruction surgery. Factors such as the patient’s medical history, previous treatments, and body composition are taken into account. It is important to evaluate patients’ expectations and understand the limitations of fat injection to set realistic goals.
Surgical Techniques: ASPS guidelines provide detailed recommendations for the surgical technique of fat injection in breast reconstruction. The guidelines emphasize the importance of using sterile techniques, ensuring adequate anesthesia, and appropriate preliminary markings. It is also emphasized that the collection, processing and injection of fat grafts must be carried out meticulously. It is important to handle the grafts carefully to maximize survival and minimize complications.
Postoperative Care: Proper postoperative care of fat injection in breast reconstruction surgery is important for successful results. Guidelines emphasize the importance of close follow-up, monitoring for potential complications, and managing patient expectations. Regular monitoring of grafted areas and breast contour is recommended, assessing long-term results and addressing any concerns promptly.
Benefits and Considerations: Fat injection in breast reconstruction surgery has several advantages. It provides a more natural and soft appearance, increases breast symmetry, and offers an option for patients who are not suitable for traditional implant-based reconstruction. Additionally, using the patient’s own fat minimizes the risk of complications associated with foreign implants.
However, it is important to consider the limitations and potential risks of fat grafting. The guidelines emphasize the importance of appropriate training, experience, and adherence to established protocols by plastic surgeons performing these procedures. Additionally, educating patients about the benefits, limitations, and potential consequences is important to establish realistic expectations and ensure overall satisfaction.
Conclusion: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ newly published guidelines for breast reconstruction surgery involving fat injection represent an important step aimed at increasing patient safety and improving outcomes. These guidelines, which provide recommendations on patient selection, surgical techniques, and postoperative care, aim to standardize practices and improve the overall quality of care. Plastic surgeons and healthcare professionals should be familiar with these guidelines to ensure the best results and patient satisfaction in procedures using fat injection in breast reconstruction. Ultimately, implementation of these guidelines will contribute to advances in the field and further improve the well-being and self-confidence of breast reconstruction patients.
In our clinic, suitable patients are treated with Op. Dr. Breast fat injection is performed by Barış Çin. However, it should not be forgotten that enlargement with silicone implants is often the first option compared to fat injection. However, it may be the first choice in suitable patients or in patients for whom silicone cannot be used.