Effectiveness and Safety of Autologous Fat Transfer in Various Treatment Protocols

Jan-Willem Groen

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisExternal prepared

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Abstract

Despite previous misconceptions, lipofilling is a safe and effective alternative in breast reconstruction surgery. This study explores the efficiency and safety of lipofilling as an addition or alternative to existing forms of breast reconstruction following breast cancer, which is still the most common form of cancer among women worldwide.

Restoring the shape of a breast as best as possible following full or partial removal can considerably improve quality of life. There are many types of breast reconstruction, with the vast majority of surgeries relying on a silicone prosthesis or body tissue. These procedures are not without risk (due to the foreign objects involved and the duration and complexity of the operation itself), which is why the field of plastic surgery is always looking for new and patient-friendly alternatives.

This promising technique – which involves harvesting, processing and transplanting the patient's own body fat – can be used for different purposes. The clinical trials found that lipofilling does not increase the recurrence risk of breast cancer.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van der Hulst, Rene, Supervisor
  • Ritt, Marco J. P. F., Supervisor, External person
  • Piatkowski, A.A., Co-Supervisor, External person
  • Mullender, M. G., Co-Supervisor, External person
Award date12 Apr 2018
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789461597939
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • breast reconstruction
  • fat transplantation
  • scarring
  • cosmetics

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