Fat grafting transforming a breast into a blooming garden

Fat Grafting After Breast Cancer: Balancing Hope and Recurrence Risk

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at the oncological safety of fat grafting in breast reconstruction, exploring recurrence rates and the importance of patient selection."

Breast cancer reconstruction aims to restore a woman's body image and quality of life after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Among the various techniques available, fat grafting has gained popularity for its ability to provide a natural-looking result and improve breast volume and contour.

Fat grafting, also known as lipofilling, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the breast. While the aesthetic benefits of fat grafting are well-documented, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on cancer recurrence. Some theories suggest that fat grafting might introduce protumorigenic factors or obscure the detection of new or recurring cancer through altered radiological imaging.

A recent study presented at the Annals of Oncology sheds light on the oncological outcomes of fat grafting in breast reconstruction. This article summarizes the key findings of the study, explores the potential risks and benefits of fat grafting, and provides guidance for patients considering this reconstructive option.

Key Findings: Recurrence Rates and Risk Factors

Fat grafting transforming a breast into a blooming garden

The study retrospectively analyzed data from 206 patients who underwent fat grafting for breast reconstruction after breast cancer. The researchers examined the cumulative incidence of relapse and explored the association between clinicopathological factors and recurrence rates. The median follow-up period was 38.9 months.

The study found that the 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse in the overall population was 17%. This means that approximately 17 out of 100 patients experienced a recurrence of their breast cancer within three years after fat grafting. However, the recurrence rates varied depending on specific clinicopathological factors:

Stage at Diagnosis: Patients diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer had a significantly higher recurrence rate (23%) compared to those with Stage I (11%) or Stage II (17%).
Type of Surgery: Patients who underwent conservative surgery (lumpectomy) had a higher recurrence rate (25%) compared to those who had a mastectomy (15%).
HR Status: Patients who were HR positive had a 16% recurrence.

The study also found that a significant proportion of patients (29%) underwent additional breast imaging beyond standard recommendations, and 20% underwent breast biopsies. This suggests that fat grafting may lead to increased surveillance and potentially unnecessary interventions.

Making Informed Decisions About Fat Grafting

The decision to undergo fat grafting for breast reconstruction is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, including a breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncologist. Patients should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of the procedure, taking into account their individual circumstances and risk factors.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/annonc/mdy270.250, Alternate LINK

Title: Oncological Outcome Of Fat Grafting For Breast Reconstruction After Cancer

Subject: Oncology

Journal: Annals of Oncology

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: G. Griguolo, F. Miglietta, M.V. Dieci, V. Vindigni, F. Bassetto, E. De Antoni, I. Polico, A. Marchet, E. Baldan, G. Vernaci, T. Saibene, S. Michieletto, V. Guarneri

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is fat grafting (lipofilling) and why is it used in breast reconstruction?

Fat grafting, or lipofilling, involves extracting fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and injecting it into the breast. It's favored for creating natural-looking results and improving breast shape after procedures like mastectomy or lumpectomy. However, there are concerns it could introduce protumorigenic factors or complicate cancer detection through imaging.

What recurrence rates were observed in the study of patients who underwent fat grafting after breast cancer, and what factors influenced these rates?

A study analyzing 206 patients who had fat grafting after breast cancer found a 3-year relapse incidence of 17%. Relapse rates were higher for those diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer (23%) compared to Stage I (11%) or Stage II (17%). Patients who underwent conservative surgery (lumpectomy) also had a higher recurrence rate (25%) than those who had a mastectomy (15%). The study indicated recurrence of 16% in HR positive patients.

How does fat grafting potentially affect breast cancer surveillance and the need for additional interventions?

The study revealed that 29% of patients needed extra breast imaging beyond standard guidelines, and 20% underwent biopsies. This suggests that fat grafting may increase the need for surveillance and possibly lead to unnecessary interventions. It underscores the importance of careful monitoring post-procedure.

What considerations should guide the decision-making process for patients considering fat grafting for breast reconstruction after cancer?

Deciding on fat grafting for breast reconstruction requires a team approach, including a breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncologist. Patients should consider the benefits and risks, taking into account their individual circumstances and risk factors. Factors like cancer stage, type of surgery, and HR status influence recurrence rates and should be thoroughly discussed.

What are the limitations of current research on fat grafting following breast cancer, and what further investigations are needed?

While fat grafting offers aesthetic benefits in breast reconstruction, it's crucial to recognize its limitations and potential impact on cancer recurrence and detection. For example, the study didn't delve into the specific molecular mechanisms by which fat grafting might influence tumor behavior, or the long-term outcomes beyond three years. Future research should focus on these areas to refine patient selection criteria and optimize surveillance strategies.