Analysis of Factors Affecting the Choice of Implant-based or Autologous Fat Grafting Breast Augmentation: A Retrospective Study

Background: Breast augmentation mainly includes implant-based and autologous fat grafting augmentation. Choosing the right surgical method for the patient is particularly important. However, an analysis of the factors that may affect the choice of surgical methods among patients has not yet been performed. In this study, the authors sought to identify the factors that influence the choice of surgical methods for women who receive implant or autologous fat grafting breast augmentation. Methods: A total of 192 female patients with micromastia who were hospitalized for breast augmentation from June 2018 to June 2021 were included in the study. The enrolled patients were divided into the implant group (n=92) and the fat group (n=100). Univariate and multivariate analyses were then performed on the data. Results: In the univariate analysis, there were statistical differences between the implant and fat group in weight, BMI, marital status, occupation, bilateral midsternal line-nipple distance difference, bilateral nipple-inframammary fold distance difference in the natural state, and others (P<0.05). In the final logistic binary regression analysis, the statistically different factors included the acceptable number of operations, chest circumference through the armpit, and chest circumference through the inframammary fold (P<0.05). Conclusion: There were several factors, such as acceptable numbers of operations, chest circumference through the armpit, and chest circumference through the inframammary fold, may affect the choice of breast augmentation surgery method for Chinese female patients. Level of Evidence: Level-III, retrospective cohort study.