Long-term clinical results and quality of life in patients undergoing autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation using the BEAULI? protocol

摘要

Introduction: Autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation has become increasingly interesting for patients and surgeons but only a few standardized procedures are available. BEAULI? (Berlin Autologous Lipotransfer) protocol provides a suitable method with a standardized protocol. The aim of the study was to trace the 5-year long-term results after breast enlargement using the BEAULI? protocol and the determin at ion of changes in quality of life in relation to the intervention. Patients and methods: The study included non-smoking, currently non-pregnant women from the first BEAULI? study (2007–2010), who were operated only for aesthetic reasons. BMI values, the jugulum nipple distance (JND), the breast base, and the maximum breast circumference were determined. The patients answered also a questionnaire with 30 questions on the postoperative quality of life. Results: The results measured after 6 months remained constant over 5 years. There was an average increase of the JND by 1.8 cm or 9.5%, and a widening of the base by 1.2 cm or 8.8%, and of breast circumference by 4.4 cm or 24%. The patients’ quality of life, especially self-confidence and acceptance of their own body, has improved significantly after the operation. Discussion: The satisfying 5-year long-term results and low complication rate are two big advantages of the BEAULI? method. The option to use autologous fat transplantation for another purpose like for reconstruction of breasts after a mastectomy increases the attractiveness of this method. Conclusions: Fat transplantation for breast enlargement using BEAULI? is a high-quality method with good results, and it is an alternative to silicone implants or other autologous tissue transplantations. Patients are satisfied with the BEAULI? protocol, the complication rate is small, and natural results are achieved with moderate scars.