Evaluation of 5 Selected Institutions for Injected Fat Breast Augmentation in New York City!

Introduction

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure among women who desire to enhance the size and shape of their breasts. In New York City, injected fat breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, has gained significant attention as a natural alternative to traditional breast implants. This article will evaluate five selected institutions in New York City that offer this procedure, providing detailed information about each institution, including their surgeons, techniques, benefits, and limitations. By the end of this evaluation, readers will have a better understanding of what to expect from these institutions and be able to make an informed decision about their breast augmentation journey.

What is Injected Fat Breast Augmentation?

Injected fat breast augmentation is a unique procedure that uses a patient's own fat cells to enhance breast size and shape. Instead of using artificial implants, the surgeon harvests fat from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, through liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into the breasts. This procedure allows for a more natural look and feel, as the fat is from the patient's own body, and it also provides the added benefit of body contouring in the donor areas.

It's important to note that injected fat breast augmentation typically results in a more subtle increase in breast size compared to traditional breast implants. On average, patients can expect an increase of approximately ¼ to ½ cup size. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results, and there is a risk of some of the injected fat being reabsorbed by the body over time.

Evaluation of 5 Selected Institutions

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City with considerable experience in all forms of breast augmentation, including fat transfer breast augmentation. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is a significant indicator of his professional competence and adherence to high - quality surgical standards.

Technique

Dr. Kolker uses a gentle liposuction technique to harvest fat by hand rather than with a suction aspirator. This method is believed to maximize fat graft “take,” meaning that more of the harvested fat cells will survive when transferred to the breasts. The fat is then meticulously prepared and transferred through small needle sites to multiple planes of the breast to promote the best results.

Benefits

• No breast incisions, only needle access sites, which means less scarring.
• Shorter downtime compared to traditional breast implant surgery.
• No need for implant “maintenance,” as breast implants will likely need to be replaced in the future (usually within 10 - 20 years).
• The procedure also offers body contouring benefits in the areas where fat is harvested.

Limitations

• Only very small increases in breast size can be anticipated, typically up to ¼ cup size.
• The volume of fat graft “take” can be variable, and multiple procedures may be required for more substantial breast size increases.
• Lumps, nodules, and oil cysts may occur in the breasts, which can complicate mammography and breast cancer surveillance.

Patient Testimonials

Many patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Kolker's work. 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. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery (Dr. Kevin Tehrani)

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Kevin Tehrani is considered an expert plastic surgeon, particularly with regard to breast procedures. He is the founder and director of Aristocrat Plastic Surgery, which reflects his leadership and in - depth knowledge in the field of plastic surgery.

Technique

The typical procedure at Aristocrat Plastic Surgery involves removing excess fat cells from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks using a cannula and a vacuum machine, similar to standard liposuction. The collected fat is then processed to separate impurities, excess fluids, and damaged fat cells from the healthy ones. The purified fat is injected into three areas of the breast – above the muscle, in the muscle itself, and under the muscle. Dr. Tehrani also removes fat from other specific and targeted areas of the breast to contour and shape them for a more pleasing and symmetrical result.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of implant rupture or leak compared to breast implants.
• Leaves less bruising and swelling than a traditional breast augmentation with implants.
• The breasts look and feel 100% natural after the procedure.
• It's an opportunity to reduce fat in areas where it's unwanted while increasing breast fullness.

Limitations

• It's recommended for women who want a moderate increase in breast size, up to one cup size. Women who desire a larger increase should consider breast augmentation with implants.
• Not all the injected fat may survive, and multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired breast size and shape.
• As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, such as infection, scarring, and asymmetry.

Patient Recovery

Most patients can return home the same day of the procedure. They are typically advised to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support the newly injected fat. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks, and most patients can return to their daily routines within a week. However, the final results may not be immediately apparent, as some of the injected fat may be absorbed by the body.

3. Dr. William Lao's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. William Lao is a double - board certified plastic surgeon and a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has over a decade of experience and strives to offer natural - looking fat transfer breast augmentation results for his NYC patients while placing patient safety at the forefront of his priorities.

Technique

Dr. Lao will remove fat from one area of the body, such as the thighs or stomach, using liposuction after administering a local anesthetic to the treatment area. The harvested fat is then purified before being injected into the breasts. He aims to create a more natural enhancement without the use of saline or silicone breast implants.

Benefits

• Uses natural fat, providing a more natural type of breast augmentation.
• Improves self - confidence in the way the patient looks and what they wear.
• Reduces fat in the donor areas of the body.
• Free from the potential complications associated with breast implants, such as capsular contracture, rippling, or implant rupture.

Limitations

• Best suited for women who desire a subtle, more natural enhancement to the size of their breasts. Women looking for a more dramatic increase may be better off with breast implants.
• The results are more limited in terms of the degree of breast size increase compared to breast implants.

Patient Consultation

The first step at Dr. Lao's practice is to book a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Lao will provide a thorough assessment of the patient's breasts and help them decide if fat transfer breast augmentation is the best solution for their aesthetic needs. If both the patient and Dr. Lao feel it's the right option, surgery will be booked, and pre - and postoperative instructions will be provided.

4. Dr. Antell's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Antell is a well - established plastic surgeon in New York City who performs fat transfer breast augmentation. He has the expertise to help women enhance their breasts a cup size or two while achieving a natural appearance.

Technique

Dr. Antell carefully and gently removes fat from the harvest area, such as the bottom, abdomen, flanks, or thighs, by liposuction. The fat cells are then purified and carefully cleaned, either by straining them or in a centrifuge, to ensure that only the most viable fat cells are reintroduced into the breasts. He injects the fat into specific amounts and locations in each breast to create an ideal fullness, symmetry, and aesthetic appearance.

Benefits

• Provides a completely natural look and feel as it uses the patient's own fat.
• Scultps and contours the body in the areas where fat is harvested, allowing the patient to lose fat in unwanted areas while enhancing the breasts.
• Virtually no scarring as only small needle incisions are used.
• No complications associated with implants, such as rupture, shifting, or folding.

Limitations

• Can only provide a certain amount of enhancement, usually boosting the breasts one or two cup sizes. A more dramatic enhancement may require breast implants.
• Fat cells can be reabsorbed, which may diminish the enhancement over time, and a follow - up procedure may be needed.
• Does not provide a lifted look like breast implants can.
• Can be more expensive as it involves two procedures, liposuction and breast augmentation.

Patient Recovery

After the procedure, patients will go home with compression bandages around their breasts and liposuction sites to prevent swelling and maintain the shape of their new breasts and body contour. Recovery time usually varies based on the fat donor sites, but patients typically need to spend one to two days recuperating and can return to work in about a week. Strenuous work or exercise should be avoided for 3 - 6 weeks.

5. Dr. Leonard Grossman's Practice

Surgeon Expertise

Dr. Leonard Grossman is a pioneer in the field of fat grafting or fat transfer to the breasts. He perfected the procedure of breast augmentation with fat in 1995, making him one of the most experienced surgeons in this area in New York City.

Technique

Dr. Grossman uses a syringe or specialized vacuum pump and a very small cannula to harvest fat from areas such as the thighs, waistline, or abdomen. The fat cells, which have a high content of adult stem cells, are then washed, centrifuged, and chemically stabilized for transfer. They are injected into the breasts scarlessly with a specially modified needle.

Benefits

• Provides permanent results when done by Dr. Grossman, as the fat and stem cells will survive permanently in the breasts.
• The removal and harvest of fat is gentle, resulting in minimal bruising and discomfort for most patients. Many patients don't even need anything more than acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
• Patients don't need compression garments and can return to work the next day, the gym in a few days, and even go swimming in the ocean within a week.
• The breasts will feel natural and pain - free almost right away, with only some swelling that goes down quickly.

Limitations

• A single procedure can typically increase the breast size by approximately one to one and a half cup sizes. A greater increase may require repeating the procedure.
• If a patient desires an increase of two cup sizes or more in a single procedure, breast augmentation using saline or silicone breast implants may be a better option.

Patient Consultation

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Grossman, patients can call 212 - 585 - 2133. It's important for patients to ensure that their surgeon is a qualified plastic surgeon with years of experience, especially for a procedure like fat transfer breast augmentation.

Comparison of the Five Institutions

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Institution

Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications

The surgeon's experience and qualifications are of utmost importance. Look for surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A surgeon with extensive experience in fat transfer breast augmentation is more likely to achieve better results and handle any potential complications.

Technique and Approach

Understand the specific techniques used by each institution. Some surgeons may have unique ways of harvesting, processing, and injecting the fat, which can affect the success of the procedure and the final results. For example, hand - harvested liposuction may lead to better fat cell survival compared to machine - assisted methods in some cases.

Patient Testimonials and Before - and - After Photos

Reading patient testimonials and viewing before - and - after photos can give you an idea of the quality of work and patient satisfaction at each institution. Real - life examples can help you visualize the potential results and understand what other patients have experienced during the procedure and recovery.

Cost

Cost is an important factor, but it should not be the only consideration. Injected fat breast augmentation can be more expensive than traditional breast implants in some cases, especially if multiple sessions are required. However, compare the costs among different institutions and also consider what is included in the price, such as pre - and postoperative care.

Recovery and Aftercare

Find out about the recovery process and the level of aftercare provided by each institution. A