A Case of Liponecrotic Pseudocyst after Breast Augmentation by Autologous Fat Injection

Autologous fat transplantation procedures for breast augmentation have become increasing utilized because of aesthetic demands [1]. Fat transplantation may be considered as an alternative to implants because it avoids complications related to implant insertion, such as hemorrhage, infection, and implant rupture or contracture, and because it does not inhibit breast parenchymal visibility on diagnostic modalities, including mammography or ultrasound [1,2]. However, autologous fat transplantation is associated with such drawbacks as a limited increase in size that can be achieved, the possibility of fat necrosis (producing oil cysts, calcification, and/or scarring), and relatively unpredictable outcomes [1,3]. In 1987, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons [4] indicated that complications associated with autologous fat transplantation for breast augmentation might interfere with breast cancer surveillance/screening and should be prohibited. Yet, autologous fat grafting to the breast remains a widely-used procedure [1]. Furthermore, it is often performed by untrained individuals, which increases the likelihood of complications [1]. Here we present our experience with a liponecrotic pseudocyst that developed in the breast of a patient who underwent autologous fat transplantation by a surgeon who was not trained in plastic surgery.