Level A· Stronger Clinical EvidenceSystematic ReviewEurope PMCOpen access

Exploring the Role of Autologous Fat Grafting in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Complications and Aesthetic Results

Muntean MV., Pop IC., Ilies RA., Pelleter A., Vlad IC., Achimas-Cadariu P.

Systematic Review with a reported sample of 730, published in J Clin Med (2025) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level A· Stronger Clinical EvidenceEvidence level of this study

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

  • 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
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This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Systematic Review
Journal
J Clin Med (2025)
Reported sample size
730
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
40565819
PMCID
PMC12193874
DOI
10.3390/jcm14124073
Citations
5

Abstract (original English)

Background/Objectives : Hybrid breast reconstruction (HBR), combining implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) with autologous fat grafting (FG), has emerged as a promising solution to improve aesthetic outcomes and reduce complications, especially in irradiated patients. This study aims to systematically review current evidence on the outcomes of HBR with a focus on complication rates and aesthetic satisfaction. Methods : A systematic literature search was performed in March 2023 using PubMed and Embase databases. Studies were selected based on predefined PICOS criteria, including adult female patients undergoing IBR with FG. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data on patient demographics, surgical techniques, fat grafting timing, complications, and aesthetic outcomes were extracted and analysed. Results : A total of 730 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 20.23 months. The overall complication rate was 9%, with fat necrosis being the most common (2.7%). Capsular contracture occurred in 4.5% of cases. Immediate fat grafting during implant placement showed the lowest complication rate (8%) compared to delayed or staged procedures. Aesthetic satisfaction was high, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 in five studies. Fat grafting improved skin quality and contour, especially in irradiated patients, and enabled the use of smaller implants. No oncological r

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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