Three-Dimensional Volumetric Analysis of the Effect of Interval Time in Autologous Fat Graft Breast Augmentation.

[BACKGROUND] Autologous adipose tissue has become increasingly popular in cosmetic and plastic reconstructive surgery, especially breast augmentation surgery. However, the volume retention rate after transplantation significantly varies and may be unsatisfactory. Many patients need two or more autologous fat graft breast augmentations to achieve the expected effect. There are currently no studies on optimal timing between fat injections.

[METHODS] We identified target patients with secondary or multiple autologous fat transplantations by inclusion and exclusion criteria and used three-dimensional scanning technology to calculate the volume retention. Patients were divided into two groups according to the dates of the first and second operations (group A: interoperative time < 120 days, group B: interoperative time ≥ 120 days). We used SPSS 26 for statistical calculations.

[RESULTS] We included 161 patients in this retrospective study, with an average volume retention rate of 36.56% in group A (n = 85) and 27.45% in group B (n = 76). The independent sample t test showed that the volume retention rate in group A was higher than that in group B (P < 0.001). And the paired t test showed there is a significant improvement of volume retention rate after the second fat graft session (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the interval time was an independent factor affecting the postoperative volume retention rate.

[CONCLUSION] The interval time between autologous fat transplantation for augmentation mammaplasty was an independent factor affecting the postoperative volume retention rate. The postoperative volume retention rate of the < 120 days group was higher than that of the ≥ 120 days group.

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