Assessing Clinical Outcomes in Autologous Fat Grafting: A Current Literature Review

Autologous fat grafting, first described in the 1890s, has since undergone many modifications to optimize safety and efficacy. These changes have resulted in the technique that we now consider standard of care, one that is applied to reconstruction and cosmetic enhancement of the breast and the face both independently and in conjunction with surgical treatment. There is a growing body of evidence that this application has positive outcomes for patient satisfaction, surgeon satisfaction, and overall aesthetic appearance. This article summarizes the body of literature regarding these outcomes, reviews complications of fat grafting in the face and breast, and discusses controversies including radiologic imaging changes and longevity of grafting.