Ultrasonographic features in complications of cosmetic augmentation with autologous fat obtained by liposuction

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the ultrasonographic (US) features and evolution of breast fat necrosis after cosmetic augmentation with autologous fat obtained by liposuction, to help distinguish fat necrosis from more ominous breast masses. Methods Breast sonography was performed on 38 patients underwent bilateral breast augmentation by autologous fat injection to evaluate the grafted fat tissues in interval of 3-6 month after the operation. Observations in follow up sonography included the sizes,positions, shape,echogenicity,margin features, calcifications and evolutions of the suspicious nodules in the breasts. Results Seventy-six nodules occurred in 25 of the 38 patients were detected after the fat graft. Among the 76 nodules,52 were cystic(68. 4%) ,8 were complex(10. 5%) and 16 were solid(21.1%). The analysis of the predominant features of the nodules sonographic appearances were as follows: all the nodules had no flow signal, 66 (86. 8%) had clear margins,54(71. 1%) had regular shapes,52 were cystic(68. 4%) ,63(82. 9% ) had no calcifications, 10(13. 2%) had egg-like calcifications,74(97. 4% ) had no halo,and the positions of the solid components in 8 complex nodules move following the change of the detected body position. There were 7 nodules with fat necrosis removed surgically and confirmed by pathology. Conclusions Breast ultrasound is an accurate and simple method to follow up the temporal changes of the fat nodules after autologous fat injection. It may help to avoid unnecessary biopsies. Key words: Ultrasonography; Mamaplasty; Postoperative complications