Tuberous Breast Correction by Fat Grafting

Introduction: Tuberous breast is a rare malformation that has negative physical and psychological impacts during puberty. A range of surgical techniques has been used to correct breast shape and volume in this context, including a combination of skin plasty and mammary gland remodeling, as well as prostheses and locoregional flaps. The authors have used fat grafting as a complementary technique to correct tuberous breasts since 1998.

Objectives: The authors discuss application of their lipomodeling technique for correction of tuberous breast deformity.

Methods: The charts of tuberous breast patients treated consecutively over an 11-year period (n = 31) solely with fat grafting (ie, without using an implant) were retrospectively reviewed. Each breast deformation was graded according to the Grolleau classification. The number of sessions and the mean transfer of fat volume by lipomodeling session were recorded. Patient and surgeon satisfaction were evaluated.

Results: Of the 31 patients in this series, 18 had bilateral formations and 13 had unilateral malformations. The mean patient age was 23 years, and the mean body mass index was 21.9. A single session (mean transfer volume, 158 mL; range, 90-253 mL) was required in 14 (45%) cases. A second session (mean transfer volume, 226 mL; range, 100-316 mL) was necessary in the remaining 55% of cases. Mean follow-up period after the last fat transfer session was 6.5 years (range, 1.5-11 years). Patients were very satisfied in 94% of cases (n = 29) and satisfied in 6% (n = 2). The surgical team rated 94% of cases as being successful or very successful. No complications were observed. One patient developed hypertrophy of the treated breast following weight gain and thus required breast reduction. Imaging performed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively did not reveal any anomalies other than oil cysts.

Conclusion: Fat grafting is a reliable technique that produces excellent results and high levels of patient satisfaction for the treatment of tuberous breast. The aesthetic outcome is natural, implant free, and long lasting.

Level Of Evidence: 4.