Introduction
Autologous fat filling breast augmentation is a popular choice for women in New York City who desire a more natural way to enhance their breast size. This procedure uses the patient's own fat cells, providing a safer and more organic alternative to traditional breast implants. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hospitals for autologous fat filling breast augmentation in New York City, each with its own unique techniques and approaches.
Understanding Autologous Fat Filling Breast Augmentation
Autologous fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat graft breast enlargement, is a procedure that allows women to subtly enhance their breast size using their own fat cells. It involves collecting fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or waistline, and transferring it directly to the breast tissue. This natural approach can increase breast volume while also contouring the donor area through liposuction.
However, it's important to note that only very small increases in breast size can be anticipated with autologous fat transfer. If a patient desires a more significant increase, breast augmentation with breast implants may be a better option. Some of the benefits of autologous fat transfer breast augmentation include:
- No breast incision – Fat cells are “harvested” and then transferred to the breast through tiny needle sites.
- No need for implant “maintenance” – Unlike breast implants, which may need to be replaced in the future (10 - 20 years), the results of fat transfer after graft “take” are long - lasting without the need for implant exchange.
- No breast implant “downsides” – This may include leak or capsular contracture.
- Liposuction benefits – The donor areas can be sculpted and contoured as part of the breast enlargement with fat procedure.
Top 5 Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling Breast Augmentation in New York City
1. Dr. Kolker's Practice
Dr. Kolker offers fat transfer breast augmentation as an alternative to traditional breast implants for select individuals. His procedure involves two simultaneous steps: liposuction to harvest fat cells and the fat grafting process to transfer the harvested fat to the breasts. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker assesses the patient's anatomical contour and discusses their desires in detail. He carefully evaluates areas of excess fat, such as the outer thighs, inner thighs, tummy, and lumbar region, to identify the best donor sites for fat transfer and body contouring.
One of the unique aspects of Dr. Kolker's approach is that he aspirates the fat required for fat transfer to the breasts by hand, rather than with a suction aspirator. This gentle technique helps to maximize fat graft “take.” The fat is then meticulously prepared and transferred through small needle sites to the breast. Dr. Kolker uses a finesse and delicate technique to carefully thread the cells into multiple planes of the breast, promoting the best possible results.
He also often uses the Brava system to enhance the outcomes of fat transfer. The Brava system is worn on the breasts for a designated time before surgery (ranging from days to weeks) to “expand” the breasts in preparation for fat grafting. This process can help create a well - vascularized “scaffold” for the acceptance of fat grafts, making the results more reliable and long - lasting.
Many patients have shared positive testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Kolker. For example, K.D. from New Jersey said, “As I approach the one - year anniversary of my breast augmentation, I continue to have nothing but the most positive feelings about my 'new' self. I constantly think about how Dr. Kolker and the rest of his staff were so very helpful and caring throughout the entirety of my time with them.”
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top New York plastic surgeon who is board - certified and Ivy League educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over two decades of experience in the field. While Dr. Weintraub is well - known for performing breast augmentation with implants, he also offers autologous fat filling breast augmentation.
During the breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Weintraub prefers to use the transaxillary subpectoral approach when inserting implants. When it comes to autologous fat transfer, he follows a similar meticulous process. He assesses the patient's overall health, breast anatomy, and desired outcomes during the consultation. The harvested fat is carefully prepared and injected into the breasts to achieve a natural - looking enhancement.
One of the things that sets Dr. Weintraub apart is his focus on patient safety and satisfaction. He ensures that the operating room conditions are the most sterile, with board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment. Every intraoperative maneuver is executed with precision and care, and all wounds are sewn in multiple layers by his own hand. His aesthetic is sophisticated and reflective of understated elegance, and he takes the time to understand each patient's specific needs and desires.
Dr. Weintraub also believes in providing comprehensive pre - and post - operative care. He gives patients detailed instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including obtaining medical clearance from their family physician. After surgery, he closely monitors the patients' recovery and provides guidance on when they can return to their normal lifestyle and exercise routine.
3. Dr. Leonard Grossman's Practice
Dr. Leonard Grossman is a pioneer in the field of autologous fat filling breast augmentation. He performed his first fat transfer procedure in 1993 and has since perfected the technique. Dr. Grossman considers breast augmentation with fat to be the best breast augmentation procedure as long as the patient has enough quality fat for harvest and transfer.
The procedure at Dr. Grossman's practice involves two main steps. First, fat is gently harvested using a syringe or specialized vacuum pump and a small cannula from areas such as saddle bags, inner thighs, knees, flanks, back, waistline, abdomen, and arms. This liposuction process not only provides fat for breast augmentation but also helps to improve the proportions of the body where the fat is removed. Second, the living fat cells, which have a high content of adult fat - derived cells, are washed, centrifuged, and chemically stabilized for transfer. They are then injected into the breasts scarlessly with a specially modified needle.
One of the remarkable features of Dr. Grossman's procedure is the minimal discomfort and downtime for patients. When performed by Dr. Grossman, the removal and harvest of fat is so gentle that most patients don't even bruise, and they rarely have discomfort that requires more than acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Patients don't need any kind of compression garments, can go to work the very next day, and can return to the gym in just 10 days. They can even go swimming in the open water just one week after the procedure.
The breast augmentation with fat at Dr. Grossman's center is normally done under twilight anesthesia, which results in no postoperative nausea and an extremely quick recuperative period. Most patients can go out for dinner the very same evening. The clinic has been performing breast fat transfer procedures on a weekly basis since 1995, and patients have the opportunity to meet and speak to other patients who have had the procedure.
4. Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki's Practice
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki offers breast fat grafting as an alternative to implant - based breast augmentations. His practice is well - known for providing personalized care and using the latest techniques in the field. Breast fat grafting at Dr. Lisiecki's clinic is an autologous surgical procedure that involves transferring excess fat cells from one part of the body to the breasts to make them look fuller and more voluminous.
The surgeon performs liposuction to extract excess fat cells from donor sites such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The harvested fat cells are carefully purified and injected into the breast tissues to restore natural volume and projection. The benefits of this procedure include extremely small incisions on the donor site, 100% natural fat cells from the patient's body, low risk of allergic reactions or infections, no risk of complications due to implant rupturing or rippling, removal of excess fat from other parts of the body, less post - treatment recovery period than a breast implant surgery, and enhancement of the shape and proportions of the breast.
Dr. Lisiecki's personalized breast fat grafting technique is performed at a state - of - the - art surgical center under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. He makes a small incision on the donor site, inserts a small cannula to loosen the excess fat cells, suctions them out, purifies them, and then carefully injects them into targeted areas on the breasts to enhance the cup size.
Recovery after the breast fat grafting surgery at Dr. Lisiecki's practice is relatively quick. Patients need to wear a soft bra for a few weeks after the procedure and may experience some swelling and tenderness for a few days to weeks. However, they can resume most of their daily activities 3 days after the procedure.
5. Mount Sinai - New York (For Autologous Tissue Flap Reconstruction which can be related to similar fat - based concepts)
While Mount Sinai - New York is known for autologous tissue flap reconstruction, which is another form of using the patient's own tissue for breast - related procedures, it has some relevance to autologous fat filling breast augmentation. In autologous tissue flap reconstruction, the surgeon transplants live skin, fat, blood vessels, and muscle from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, buttock, back, thigh, or hip area, to the upper chest.
The types of flap surgery at Mount Sinai include deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps (using tissue from the abdomen), superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP and IGAP) flaps (using skin and fat from the upper buttocks), inner thigh (transverse upper gracillis (TUG)) flaps (using tissue from the upper thighs), and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps (using tissue from the back of the upper thigh).
The advantages of the tissue flap approach are significant. It usually lasts a lifetime, the body will not reject the tissue as it is the patient's own, the tissue from the belly, buttocks, and upper thighs is very similar to breast tissue, so it feels natural and matches the skin color. It also offers the added benefit of a tummy tuck, thigh, or butt lift, and the breast feels natural to the touch. Some women even report regaining sensation in the area.
However, it's important to note that flap procedures take longer than an implant procedure. The surgery involves two surgical sites (the chest as well as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs), and it requires a longer hospital stay, typically five days. After the procedure, patients may feel tired and sore, but medication can be prescribed to ease the pain. They can return to work and resume normal activities within four to eight weeks, and may have bruising and swelling for up to eight weeks.
Comparing the Top 5 Hospitals
Hospital/Doctor | Unique Technique | Recovery Time | Special Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Kolker's Practice | Hand - aspirated fat, use of Brava system | Relatively normal recovery, can see results with long - lasting potential | Best for patients with specific areas of localized adiposity and conservative size goals |
Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | Attention to detail, focus on patient safety and comprehensive care | Downtime based on individual patient, but guided by doctor's instructions | Well - experienced, offers various breast augmentation options |
Dr. Leonard Grossman's Practice | Minimal discomfort, gentle fat harvest, twilight anesthesia | Very quick recovery, can return to work next day, gym in 10 days | Requires sufficient fat for harvest, high success rate in fat grafting |
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki's Practice | Personalized fat grafting technique, minimal incisions | Can resume daily activities in 3 days, short recovery compared to implants | Good for patients who want natural results and avoid implants |
Mount Sinai - New York | Autologous tissue flap reconstruction, multiple flap options | Longer hospital stay (5 days), 4 - 8 weeks to return to normal activities | More suitable for reconstruction rather than pure augmentation, offers additional body - contouring benefits |
Choosing the Right Hospital for You
When choosing a hospital for autologous fat filling breast augmentation in New York City, there are several factors to consider:
- **Surgeon's Experience and Reputation**: Look for a surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing autologous fat transfer breast augmentation. Check patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of their reputation.
- **Technique and Approach**: Each surgeon may have a unique technique and approach. Consider what is most important to you, such as the method of fat harvest, the use of additional technologies (like the Brava system), and the overall aesthetic goals they can achieve.
- **Recovery Time and Downtime**: If you have a busy schedule, you may prefer a hospital or surgeon that offers a quicker recovery time. Some procedures may allow you to return to work and normal activities sooner than others.
- **Cost**: The cost of the procedure can vary depending on the hospital, surgeon, and the extent of the treatment. It's important to get a detailed quote and understand what is included in the price.
- **Patient Comfort and Care**: Look for a hospital that provides a comfortable and supportive environment throughout the entire process, from consultation to post - operative care. The staff should be friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer all your questions.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling breast augmentation is a great option for women in New York City who desire a more natural way to enhance their breast size. The top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article - Dr. Kolker's Practice, Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice, Dr. Leonard Grossman's Practice, Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki's Practice, and Mount Sinai - New York - each offer unique techniques and approaches to meet the diverse needs of patients. Whether you are looking for a gentle fat harvest, a quick recovery time, or a comprehensive approach to breast augmentation, there is a hospital that can suit your preferences.
If you are considering autologous fat filling breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule consultations with these top hospitals. Discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations with the surgeons to determine the best option for you. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the beautiful and natural - looking results you desire.