Patient Outcomes after Fat Grafting to the Radiated Chest Wall before Delayed Two-stage Alloplastic Breast Reconstruction

Two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction in patients having received mastectomy and radiation is associated with a high rate of complications. Fat grafting has been shown to mitigate the effects of radiation on the chest wall to allow for alloplastic reconstruction. In this study, we assess the outcomes (after a mean follow-up of 28 months), including complications and revisional procedures, of women who had fat grafting to the radiated chest wall before two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on consecutive patients seeking delayed implant-based reconstruction after simple mastectomy and postmastectomy radiation therapy between 2011 and 2015. All patients underwent two sessions of fat grafting to the radiated chest wall before inserting a tissue expander and subsequent exchange to a silicone implant. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in the study. No reconstructive failures were recorded. The short-term complication rate was 5%, with one hematoma leading to a revisional procedure. The mean follow-up after reconstruction was 28 months. During follow-up, two patients (10%) developed capsular contracture grade IV with implant malposition, leading to capsular revision and implant exchange. Four patients (20%) underwent additional fat grafting for contour deformities. CONCLUSIONS: Fat grafting before two-stage alloplastic breast reconstruction in patients treated with mastectomy and postmastectomy radiation therapy may provide an alternate method of alloplastic reconstruction in a select group of patients who are not suitable for autogenous reconstruction. Follow-up data show that additional surgery may be required for correction of implant malposition and capsular contracture.