Introduction
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance a woman's confidence and appearance. In Albany, there are several new hospitals offering fat filling breast augmentation, a more natural alternative to traditional implant - based procedures. This article will introduce you to the top 5 new hospitals for fat filling breast augmentation in Albany and provide in - depth information about the procedure itself.
Understanding Fat Filling Breast Augmentation
What is Fat Filling Breast Augmentation?
Fat filling breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that involves transferring fat from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, to the breasts. This technique offers a more natural look and feel compared to traditional breast implants.
Historically, the first breast partial reconstruction using fat was achieved in 1895 by a German surgeon, Vincenz Czerny. He utilized the patient's own fat (a lipoma 5cm in size harvested from the lumbar region of her back) to fill a large defect in the breast after the removal of a benign tumor. Today, the procedure has advanced significantly with the use of advanced liposuction techniques to harvest fat.
How Does It Work?
The fat transfer process consists of three main steps:
- Harvesting: Specialized liposuction techniques are used to gently remove fat from donor areas. For example, Dr. Gabriel Kaufman at GJK Plastic Surgery uses these techniques to take fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
- Processing: The harvested fat is then purified and prepared for injection. This process concentrates the fat cells and removes impurities.
- Injection: The processed fat is carefully injected into the breast area in small amounts and at various depths to ensure even distribution and optimal survival of the fat cells.
Benefits of Fat Filling Breast Augmentation
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural Results | The use of your own fat tissue results in a very natural look and feel, as the fat becomes a part of your body over time. |
| Dual - Benefit Body Contouring | It improves the appearance of both the breasts and the donor areas. For instance, if fat is harvested from the abdomen, the abdomen will become slimmer while the breasts gain volume. |
| Minimally Invasive | Compared to traditional breast implants, fat grafting involves smaller incisions, leading to less scarring. |
| Reduced Risk of Rejection | Since it uses your own tissue, there's no risk of allergic reaction. |
| Versatility | It can be used to enhance the results of implant - based reconstruction or as a standalone procedure. |
| Long - lasting Results | While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed, much of it will remain permanently. |
| Improved Skin Quality | Fat grafting can enhance the skin's texture and appearance in the breast area. |
Ideal Candidates for Fat Filling Breast Augmentation
Ideal candidates for fat filling breast augmentation typically meet the following criteria:
- Be in good overall health
- Be non - smokers or willing to quit, as smoking can reduce the body's ability to heal and may affect the survival of the transferred fat
- Have adequate fat stores in donor areas. For example, a person with very low body fat may not have enough fat to transfer to the breasts
- Desire a modest increase in breast size or want to improve breast shape
- Look for a natural alternative to implants
- Have realistic expectations about the results. It's important to note that fat transfer may not achieve as dramatic an increase in breast size as implants
Patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy are often excellent candidates for this procedure.
Recovery and Results
Recovery Process
Recovery from fat filling breast augmentation is generally straightforward:
- Most patients can return home on the same day as the procedure.
- Expect some swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas for 1 - 2 weeks. This is a normal part of the healing process.
- Wear compression garments as directed to minimize swelling. These garments help with the contouring of the donor areas and support the breasts during the healing process.
- Most patients can return to light activities within a week, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 - 4 weeks to allow the fat cells to properly settle and the body to heal.
- Final results will become apparent as swelling subsides, typically within 3 - 6 months.
Results
Initial results from fat grafting and lipofilling are visible immediately after the procedure, but final results develop over time:
- There is an immediate improvement in breast volume and shape.
- Swelling typically subsides within 2 - 3 weeks.
- Final results become apparent after 3 - 6 months as the fat settles. While some fat may be reabsorbed by the body, much of the transferred fat will remain permanently.
- Some patients may benefit from multiple sessions to achieve their desired results.
- Long - term results can last for many years, with the transferred fat becoming a natural part of your breast tissue.
Top 5 New Hospitals for Fat Filling Breast Augmentation in Albany
1. GJK Plastic Surgery
Dr. Gabriel Kaufman at GJK Plastic Surgery has significant experience and training in fat transfer breast reconstruction and augmentation. He uses advanced lipo - filling sculpting techniques developed in France. With dual board certification in reconstructive and plastic surgery, Dr. Kaufman is dedicated to creating personalized solutions for his patients. He states that “in my practice, women that have had long - standing breast implants and want to return to their natural self can often achieve this goal by combining mastopexy (breast lift) after the removal of implants with lipo - filling to add volume and improve shape for the best possible results.”
2. DeLuca Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Tauber and Dr. Alan Yan at DeLuca Plastic Surgery offer fat filling breast augmentation. They believe that fat is a natural alternative to silicone implants, and the augmentation provided from fat can be more natural in shape. The fat harvesting process uses small incisions in the skin, usually hidden in skin folds, and the transfer process uses a small cannula inserted through small needle pokes around the outside of the breast. This hospital tailors the operation to each individual patient.
3. Rockmore Plastic Surgery
Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore at Rockmore Plastic Surgery performs breast augmentation using breast implants and also often uses fat grafts to restore volume to the breast. This can be done in conjunction with a breast lift or implants or alone. Dr. Rockmore has a 3 - dimensional approach that achieves consistently beautiful and natural - looking breasts. He offers a different approach to implant selection to help create the look that patients are hoping to achieve.
4. Capek Plastic Surgery
Dr. Lucie Capek at Capek Plastic Surgery is an expert in breast augmentation. She offers the option of using your own fat for breast augmentation and can also help patients choose the appropriate implant type, size, and shape based on their unique breast shape, tissue characteristics, body type, and desired results. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in their quada - accredited office - based operating suite.
5. The Plastic Surgery Group
This group of plastic surgeons in Albany offers breast augmentation, including the option of fat filling. They explain the procedure in detail to patients, discuss the various options for incision and implant placement, and help patients have realistic expectations. They also offer patient financing to help most patients afford to pursue their desired improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fat is needed for breast augmentation?
The amount varies, but typically 200 - 400 cc of fat can be transferred to each breast in a single session. However, the exact amount depends on the patient's body composition and the desired degree of augmentation.
Will I have scars from fat grafting?
Incisions for fat grafting are very small and typically heal with minimal scarring. These incisions are often placed in inconspicuous areas, such as skin folds, to further minimize their visibility.
Can fat grafting replace the need for implants in breast reconstruction?
In some cases, yes. A plastic surgeon like Dr. Gabriel Kaufman will assess whether fat grafting alone can achieve the patient's desired results. It depends on factors such as the patient's breast tissue, the amount of volume needed, and the overall aesthetic goals.
Is there a risk of the transferred fat interfering with mammograms?
While fat transfer can cause changes in breast tissue, radiologists are generally able to distinguish these changes from abnormalities. It's important to inform the radiologist about the fat transfer procedure before the mammogram.
How many sessions of fat grafting might I need?
Some patients achieve their desired results in one session, while others may benefit from multiple sessions. This will be discussed during the consultation with the plastic surgeon, who will consider factors such as the initial fat volume transferred, the survival rate of the fat cells, and the patient's aesthetic goals.
Conclusion
Fat filling breast augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that offers a natural alternative to traditional breast implants. In Albany, the top 5 new hospitals mentioned - GJK Plastic Surgery, DeLuca Plastic Surgery, Rockmore Plastic Surgery, Capek Plastic Surgery, and The Plastic Surgery Group - have experienced surgeons who can provide personalized care and achieve excellent results. The procedure has many benefits, including natural - looking results, body contouring, and reduced risk of rejection. However, it's important for patients to have realistic expectations and to follow the post - operative instructions carefully.
If you're considering fat filling breast augmentation in Albany, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top hospitals. Explore your options, ask questions, and take the first step towards achieving the beautiful and natural - looking breasts you've always desired.
