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Natural breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, is a revolutionary alternative to the traditional breast implants and utilizes your natural fat to enhance the shape and size of your breasts. According to a recent publication in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the procedure has achieved cosmetic breast augmentation with patient satisfactory levels of volume retention and satisfaction rates.

This all-natural method is being increasingly used in plastic surgery, even though the efficacy and safety of the procedure are not established. However, researchers conducted a review of literature reporting on natural breast augmentation used for cosmetic female breast enhancement. Many databases were searched for studies published between 1996 and 2016. Studies with at least 10 patients and a follow-up after one year were included in the database.

There were a total of 22 articles reporting on over 3,500 patients, with a mean follow-up of 28.8 months. Ten of the studies reported specifically on post-operative outcomes. In 17 studies, an overall complication rate of 17.2% was reported in just over 3,400 patients. The most common complications were indurations, persistent pain, hematoma, and new modules.

Mammograms performed before and after the procedures were used in 11 studies, reporting on the radiologic images that showed micro-calcifications (9%) and macro-calcifications (7%). Eight studies with a total of 523 patients were included to analyze volume retention, with a mean retention of 62.4%. Six studies reported on the efficacy and satisfaction of the procedure, with 92% satisfaction rate among patients and 89% rate among surgeons.

Although the evidence of autologous fat grafting is still limited, the procedure seems to be a promising alternative to breast augmentation, especially with the high satisfaction rate and volume retention. Complication rates and the radiological findings are comparable to the traditional breast augmentation procedure with implants. However, quality randomized controlled tests are still necessary to compare these techniques, and further determine the efficacy and safety with this procedure.

For more information about natural breast augmentation, contact Brandon Plastic Surgery today.