Lipofilling for total breast reconstruction: minister includes AFT in basic package
Jamilla Wederfoort’s research on autologous fat grafting (AFT, also known as lipofilling) for total breast reconstruction has initiated an important development. Based on her thesis, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) decided to allow AFT treatment to be included in the basic package. Since Jan. 1, 2023, this treatment has been available – subject to conditions – to eligible women outside of study settings.
Lipofilling after breast cancer
Jamilla Wederfoort’s research focused on women who have undergone breast reconstruction after a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Among other things, she examined how satisfied patients are with their bodies after surgery and how the new breast(s) feel. The study found that women who have had breast reconstruction using lipofilling (their own body fat) are very satisfied with their bodies and breasts after this treatment. That this technique is also used for total breast reconstruction is new. The lipofilling technique is now a third technique made possible in addition to surgery with implants or surgery involving abdominal, skin and fat (DIEP-Lap). If deemed effective, this technique could provide one third, less invasive breast reconstruction option for breast cancer patients worldwide.
Because the plastic surgeons at MOOI Clinic have researched lipofilling in breast reconstruction, our plastic surgeons also have a great deal of experience using lipofilling in breast augmentation.
On June 2, Jamilla Wederfoort will defend her dissertation at 10 a.m. at the University of Maastricht. The dissertation is titled “Efficacy of Autologous Fat Transfer as a new Breast Reconstruction Technique.”
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