Fat grafting vs. flap surgery: which is better for breast reconstruction after radiation?
NCT ID NCT07641985
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two methods of breast reconstruction in women who had a mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer: autologous fat transfer (AFT) and DIEP flap surgery. About 280 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. The main goal is to see if AFT provides similar satisfaction with breast appearance and feel, while causing fewer major complications and being more cost-effective.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Autologous fat transfer (AFT) and Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap procedure
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that fat grafting is a simpler, less invasive option for breast reconstruction with fewer complications and similar satisfaction to flap surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is a non-inferiority trial, so it may only show that fat grafting is not worse than flap surgery, not necessarily better. Results depend on patient satisfaction and complication rates, which vary individually.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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AzM
Maastricht, Limburg, 6229, Netherlands
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