Donor Site Satisfaction Following Autologous Fat Transfer for Total Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND: With evolving breast cancer survival and patient preferences, it is essential that reconstructive surgeons worldwide keep searching for the best reconstruction technique for patients. Autologous fat transfer (AFT) is a relatively new technique for total breast reconstruction that has already proven to be effective and safe with all advantages of autologous tissue. However, little is known about aesthetic results and satisfaction concerning donor sites.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to measure donor site satisfaction following AFT for total breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients.METHODS: Between May and August of 2021, participants of the BREAST- trial who were at least 24 months after their final reconstruction surgery were invited to fill out an additional survey concerning donor sites. The BODY-Q was utilized for data collection. Results of AFT patients were compared to a control group: implant-based reconstruction patients who do not have a donor site.RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (20 control, 31 intervention) completed the questionnaire. No statistical differences in satisfaction with body were found between these groups. The most frequent complaint was contour irregularities (31 reports, 60.8%) with the least favorable donor site being thighs (23 reports, 53.5%) in the AFT group.CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in satisfaction with body between breast cancer patients receiving AFT or IBR, meaning that large volume liposuction does not aesthetically affect the utilized donor sites. Nevertheless, reconstructive surgeons should be aware of possible donor site complications, especially contour irregularities at the thighs, and discuss this with their patients.