Breast 'Lipomodeling' Doesn't Interfere with Mammograms

No Problems with Breast Cancer Screening after Fat Transfer Procedure for Breast Augmentation

Newswise — Philadelphia, Pa. (March 28, 2011) – Lipomodeling—a relatively new approach to breast augmentation in which fat is transferred to the breasts from other parts of the body—doesn't interfere with routine screening mammograms, reports a study in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

"Radiographic follow-up of breasts treated with fat grafting is not problematic and should not be a hindrance to the procedure," concludes the new study, led by Dr. Michaël Veber of University of Lyon-Léon Bérard Cancer Center, France.

No Increase in Abnormal Mammogram Results After Breast 'Lipomodeling'Originally developed for breast reconstruction surgery, lipomodeling is now being used by some plastic surgeons for cosmetic breast shaping. In this procedure, small amounts of fat are taken from one part of the woman's body (such as the hips or thighs) and transferred (grafted) to the breasts. The new study was designed to determine whether lipomodeling caused any problems with routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer.

First, the researchers reviewed mammograms performed an average of 16 months after lipomodeling in 31 women. In more than half of cases, the mammograms showed no abnormalities.

Some women had small calcifications or cysts as aftereffects of the fat transfer procedure. A few women had other abnormalities related to scarring from their breast surgery. However, none of these changes were considered likely to raise suspicions of breast cancer on routine mammograms.

Dr. Veber and colleagues then analyzed mammograms performed before and after lipomodeling in 20 women. Based on standard criteria, there were no significant differences in the mammographic results from before to after the procedure. In particular, there was no increase in abnormal results that would spur suspicion of breast cancer.

There were no major changes in breast density after lipomodeling. Perhaps most importantly, it was no more difficult to perform and interpret follow-up mammograms in breasts that had undergone the procedure.

Although the study is only preliminary, it provides important information for health care professionals performing mammograms in women who have undergone this new approach to breast augmentation. Dr. Veber and coauthors suggest that women undergoing lipomodeling have a complete evaluation—including mammograms—before and after the procedure. This will provide reassurance that any new abnormalities are a result of the lipomodeling procedure, rather than a possible sign of breast cancer.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

About Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryFor more than 60 years, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® has been the one consistently excellent reference for every specialist who uses plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon. The official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® brings subscribers up-to-the-minute reports on the latest techniques and follow-up for all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction, experimental studies, maxillofacial reconstruction, hand and microsurgery, burn repair, and cosmetic surgery, as well as news on medico-legal issues.

About ASPSThe American Society of Plastic Surgeons (http://www.plasticsurgery.org/) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher for healthcare professionals and students with nearly 300 periodicals and 1,500 books in more than 100 disciplines publishing under the LWW brand, as well as content-based sites and online corporate and customer services.

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