Use of ultrasound in identification of deep and superficial planes for lipografting in augmentation mammoplasty: Literature review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify deep and superficial breast planes by ultrasound for fat grafting in breast augmentation procedures. METHOD: Literature review of the PubMed electronic databases. The descriptors "breast fat grafting", "augmentation mammoplasty", and "ultrasound breast fat grafting" were used, including articles in English with no limitation of publication date.  RESULTS: Ultrasound can be a tool that helps plastic surgeons to provide more natural results when it comes to mammoplasty surgeries. Fat is usually placed in the pectoralis major muscle, which provides volume and projection, but it is the placement of fat in the more superficial tissues that controls breast shaping. Small and large breast defects can be filled; bony prominences and visible edges of the implant may be disguised; radiation damage can be improved; reconstructions can be refined; difficult breasts can be shaped precisely; implants can be removed and replaced with fat; and a simple and natural increase can be realized. It is essential that fat be placed in very small aliquots to maximize surface area for revascularization and minimize the chance of fat necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasound has been an innovative tool for fat grafting in body contouring techniques. In breast augmentation, it has a useful function in accurately visualizing the area to be grafted. Areas of fat grafting are not yet well defined, since fat injection is often done at all levels of the breast. Through the use of ultrasound associated with fat grafting of deep muscular planes and superficial planes in association with breast augmentation, small and large breast defects can be filled; Bony prominences and visible edges of the implant can be disguised.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-026