Introduction
malignancy, Breast cancer, breasts
BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the world, with more than two million diagnoses in 2020 [Fortunately, breast reconstruction has shown to have multiple psychological benefits and therefore improve the patients’ quality of life (QoL). It is therefore no surprise that there is an increasing trend in patients opting for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy. Currently, about 42% of all mastectomy patients opt for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy [Today, women can opt to have their breasts reconstructed with either an implant or with autologous tissue. Autologous fat grafting (AFT) is an autologous option for breast reconstruction and in the past few decades the use of AFT for total breast reconstruction has gained much attention. Nevertheless, there is still much to be explored in the field of AFT in comparison with implant-based reconstruction (IBR) and other free flap reconstructions (FFR) [Besides safety issues, QoL, and satisfaction with outcome, the aesthetic appearance of the breast is an important, if not the most important outcome measure for patients and health care providers. As AFT for total breast reconstruction is relatively new, there is no information regarding the cosmesis of AFT versus other types of breast reconstruction methods. This study aimed to obtain this missing information on AFT and evaluate the aesthetic outcome of AFT for total breast reconstruction post-mastectomy compared to IBR.