Autogenous fat grafting and breast augmentation: a review of the literature.

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Since the 1980s, there has been an increased interest in autogenous fat grafting for breast augmentation. However, concerns over graft survival and interference with breast cancer screening have limited its application. Since its introduction, refinements in harvesting and grafting techniques have improved results. The available literature consists primarily of case reports and series. There are no controlled trials, and outcomes thus far have not been measured in a standardized way. The limited data relating to breast cancer screening did not note a significant interference. Concerns have been raised that the placement of mature adipocytes and adipocyte-derived stem cells into the hormonally-active environment of the breast may potentiate breast cancer, but there are no clinical trials that investigate this possibility and a consensus regarding the basic science is still developing. Large multicenter, controlled, prospective trials are necessary to further investigate the many issues relating to the application of autogenous fat grafting for augmentation of the breast.

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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