Lipofilling, an efficient solution for breast sequelae after cardiothoracic surgery

Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 2015 Dec;60(6):522-6. doi: 10.1016/j.anplas.2015.08.004. Epub 2015 Sep 9.

Abstract

Evolutions in pediatric cardiovascular surgery have allowed the treatment of a various range of cardiovascular malformations in infants. It is a difficult branch of surgery, with vital impact, which can also leave residual thoracic scars, possible sources for thoracomammary deformities in adults. Most thoracomammary deformities after thoracotomy are observed at puberty, when they appear as breast asymmetries. The main cause is the breast bud injured during thoracotomy. Several techniques have been suggested for breast reconstruction, but none give satisfying results. We have been practicing lipofilling since 1998 for breast reconstruction. Since 2001, we have started applying it to breast deformities. The final result is constant in time, natural, and has a good volume filler effect. We describe the fat grafting technique, an original technique, as a solution for this kind of deformities. The technique is illustrated by two clinical cases. In conclusion, fat grafting has really improved breast asymmetry due to iatrogenic deformation. Even if those cases are rare, surgeons have to know this kind of procedure. It is indeed a simple and efficient solution for those patients after childhood, with natural and long standing results.

Keywords: Asymétrie mammaire; Breast asymmetry; Breast deformity; Déformation du sein; Déformation iatrogénique; Fasciotomies; Fat grafting; Iatrogenic deformity; Lipofilling; Transfert graisseux.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Adult
  • Breast / abnormalities*
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / etiology
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / therapy*
  • Cosmetic Techniques*
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Thoracotomy / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult