Five Selected Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling of the Breast in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Autologous fat filling of the breast has emerged as a popular and natural - looking option for women seeking breast augmentation or reconstruction. This procedure involves using a patient's own fat, which reduces the risk of rejection and provides a more organic outcome. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics offering this service. Here, we will explore five selected hospitals known for their expertise in autologous fat filling of the breast.

1. Mount Sinai - New York

Autologous Breast Reconstruction Overview

Mount Sinai offers advanced autologous (microvascular) breast reconstruction techniques. This approach takes a piece of skin and fat, known as a “flap,” from one site on the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transfers it to the chest to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. Autologous breast reconstruction at Mount Sinai has several advantages over implant reconstruction:

• It is generally a single - procedure solution that can last a lifetime since it consists entirely of the patient's own natural tissue (fat).
• As it uses the patient's own donor tissue instead of a foreign body, there is a lower chance of rejection or infection.
• The reconstructed breast is more likely to look natural. Also, patients have a better chance of regaining sensation in the breast compared to implant reconstruction.

Diep Flap Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

One of the highly specialized techniques at Mount Sinai West, under the direction of Hani Sbitany, MD, is the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction. This advanced muscle - sparing, microsurgical technique offers significant benefits:

Traditional autologous breast reconstruction methods, like the TRAM flap, transfer a small amount of muscle along with related skin and fat, which may lead to a lengthy recovery and loss of movement and strength. In contrast, the DIEP flap completely avoids any muscle transfer and only involves the use of skin and fat. The surgeon removes a section of skin and fat from the lower abdominal roll and transfers it to the chest to rebuild the breast while preserving all abdominal muscles. As an added bonus, it results in a “tummy tuck” effect.

However, the DIEP flap procedure is not suitable for every patient. A patient must want to use autologous reconstruction after a mastectomy, have sufficient fat tissue in the lower abdomen to meet breast - size and shape goals, and not have a history of certain types of abdominal surgery.

To learn more about these services at Mount Sinai, patients can make an appointment by calling 212 - 523 - 8700.

2. New York Group for Plastic Surgery

Autologous Tissue Flap Expertise

Dr. Jordan Jacobs at the New York Group for Plastic Surgery specializes in breast reconstruction surgery using microsurgical techniques to transfer a large section of a woman's own tissue from one part of her body to create new breasts after mastectomy. Commonly, the tissue is taken from the belly, but it can also be sourced from the buttock or thigh.

Advantages of Autologous Tissue Flap Breast Reconstruction

• The main advantage is that patients end up with breasts that look and feel very much like natural breasts. Moreover, the procedure removes fat from the stomach, similar to a tummy tuck.
• Particularly in the case of the DIEP flap procedure, it doesn't affect the stomach muscles, so there is no muscle weakening.

However, there are some drawbacks. The surgery is more involved and takes about 8 - 10 hours, and the recovery period is typically 4 - 6 weeks. There will also be a scar at the donor - tissue removal site.

Candidate Selection

A woman with a sufficient amount of fat that can be taken from the abdominal area (or thigh or buttock) to create the desired breast size is typically eligible for a tissue - transfer procedure. It is also crucial that the blood vessels to be transferred from the donor to the recipient site are in good condition and not constricted. Women who smoke may have constricted blood vessels, so they are advised to stop smoking if considering this type of breast reconstruction.

Procedure Details

Autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction taken from the belly is also known as “free tissue transfer” or medically termed TRAM or DIEP flap surgery. The first step involves surgically lifting the area of skin, fat, and blood vessels from below the belly button (the “donor” tissue). This donor tissue is then transferred to the breasts to fill the skin envelope left after mastectomy (the “recipient” site). To ensure the donor tissue survives in the new location, a microscope and precision instruments are used to reattach the donated blood vessels to the blood vessels in the recipient site.

There are different variations of this procedure:

The tissue can also be taken from other areas such as the back, buttock, and thigh, using similar transfer techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Nipple - sparing mastectomy: Yes, if the breast surgeon determines that the patient is eligible for a nipple - sparing mastectomy, autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction can be performed.
• Large or sagging breasts: Autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction can be preferable for women with large (D - DD or larger) or sagging breasts compared to implants, as it can create breasts that “drape” properly over the chest and feel soft and natural.
• After radiation treatment: Patients who have had radiation treatment may be eligible for autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction. It is typically recommended to wait six months for the radiated area to heal. The health of the blood vessels in the donor and recipient sites is evaluated using a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) scan.
• Recovery: Patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 3 - 5 days after surgery. Drains will be in place in both the donor and recipient areas for 10 - 14 days. Strenuous activity and lifting over 5 lbs should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery, and gentle exercise can begin at 4 weeks after surgery.
• Revisions: After the breasts have healed and settled, some aesthetic improvements may be needed, such as tightening the breast skin and adjusting the contour to improve symmetry and shape. Nipple reconstruction can also be performed during a revision procedure. These revision procedures are minimal and are done in an outpatient setting, with a recovery period of about 1 week.

3. Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center

Autologous Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

At Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center, Dr. Sabry, a board - certified plastic surgeon, is at the forefront of autologous breast augmentation with fat transfer. This revolutionary approach offers a natural alternative to traditional breast implants by using the patient's own fat cells to enhance breast size and shape.

Procedure Steps

1. Preparation with Brava System (optional): Prior to the actual surgery, patients are required to use the Brava tissue expansion system for several weeks. This device uses gentle suction to gradually expand the breast tissue, increasing blood supply and stimulating the growth of new tissue. Patients typically wear the device for 10 - 12 hours a day, which allows them to maintain their daily routines. This preparatory phase significantly improves the success rate and longevity of the autologous fat - transfer results.
2. Fat Harvesting: Once the breast tissue is adequately prepared, excess fat is harvested from the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or other areas with sufficient natural fat, using a gentle liposuction technique. This step not only provides the necessary fat for transfer to the breasts but also offers the added benefit of body contouring. The amount of fat harvested depends on the desired breast - size increase and the patient's body composition.
3. Breast Fat Transfer Procedure: The harvested donor fat is purified to separate viable fat cells from excess fluids and debris. Dr. Sabry then carefully injects the purified fat into various layers of the breast tissue using an advanced fat - transfer technique. This meticulous approach helps ensure optimal fat survival and achieves natural - looking, long - lasting results. The transferred fat is strategically placed to enhance breast shape, size, and overall aesthetics, with close attention to creating symmetry and a pleasing contour.

Anesthesia Options

The fat - transfer breast - augmentation surgery can be performed using either local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preferences and medical history. For local anesthesia, a tumescent solution containing a local anesthetic and epinephrine is administered to the areas where fat will be harvested. Additional local anesthetic is applied to the breast area. Patients remain awake but comfortable throughout the procedure. The duration of the procedure typically ranges from one to five hours, depending on the amount of fat needed and the desired outcome.

Results and Expectations

Fat - transfer breast augmentation, also known as fat grafting, typically yields an average gain of up to one cup size, providing a subtle breast enhancement. However, with the innovative Brava system, patients can achieve more significant results in a single surgery. It's important to note that the outcome of fat transfer can be somewhat unpredictable, as not all transferred fat cells survive the process. The body may reabsorb a portion of the fat cells, which can affect the final result. Multiple sessions may be required to reach the desired outcome, allowing for gradual and customized breast enhancement.

Comparison with Breast Implants

Fat - transfer breast augmentation eliminates the risk of implant - related complications. However, the results may not be as dramatic as those with implants, and multiple sessions might be needed. Breast implants offer more significant and predictable size increases but come with potential risks like capsular contracture and may require replacement over time. Fat - transfer results can be long - lasting when combined with proper maintenance, making it an attractive option for those seeking a modest enhancement or considering a breast lift.

Recovery

The healing process from breast augmentation with fat transfer is generally quicker and more comfortable compared to traditional breast augmentation. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days. A special bra and compression garment need to be worn on the donor sites for several weeks to support healing. Discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over - the - counter pain medication. The final breast - augmentation results develop over several months as the transferred fat establishes a blood supply, and regular check - ups with Dr. Sabry are required to ensure proper healing.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate for breast augmentation with fat transfer is a woman who desires a modest increase in breast size (typically up to one cup size), has adequate excess fat in donor areas, prefers a natural alternative to breast implants, is in good overall health, has realistic expectations about the surgical procedure and outcomes, is willing to commit to using the Brava system before surgery, is not planning to become pregnant in the near future, and has good skin elasticity in the breast area.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive, with only tiny incisions and minimal scarring.
• Customizable, as fat can be precisely injected to achieve the desired breast shape and size.
• Potential stem - cell benefits that can improve skin quality.
• A safer alternative for those concerned about saline or silicone breast implants.
• Natural look and feel, as the patient's own natural fat is used.
• No risk of implant - related complications such as rupture or capsular contracture.
• Dual contouring, as it enhances the natural shape of the breasts while slimming down donor areas.
• Long - lasting results with proper technique and aftercare.

Cost

The average cost of autologous breast augmentation in NYC at Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. However, the actual cost can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the amount of fat transfer required, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and pre - operative tests and post - operative care. The use of the Brava system, which can cost between $2,000 to $3,000, also adds to the overall cost. The center offers various financing options to make the procedure more accessible to patients.

4. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC

Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Services

Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, under the expertise of Dr. Elie Levine, offers a wide range of breast - reconstruction options. The center understands that breast reconstruction is an important part of the recovery process for breast - cancer survivors and works closely with patients to help them make the best choices for their personal situations.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Implant Breast Reconstruction

Many women choose breast implants to rebuild their breasts after mastectomy. This procedure is usually done in three stages. First, a tissue expander is placed underneath the pectoralis muscle in the chest. The tissue expander is slowly and steadily inflated with saline solution over several months to stretch the breast skin and muscle to create a pocket for the breast implant. Once the expansion is complete, the tissue expander is surgically removed, and a breast implant is placed. Some patients may also be candidates for fat grafting to camouflage the implant and better shape the breast. Nipple and areola reconstruction are performed during the final stage.

Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Autologous breast reconstruction uses the patient's own skin, muscle, and fat to reconstruct the breasts. There are different types of autologous breast reconstruction:

• TRAM (transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous) flap reconstruction: This uses skin, fat, and muscle from the patient's abdomen to reconstruct the breast. Excess fat is removed from the abdomen, resulting in a “tummy tuck” effect at the donor site.
• Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction: It uses muscle, fat, and skin taken from the patient's back to reconstruct the breast. Nipple and areola reconstruction are completed in a separate procedure during the final stage of breast reconstruction.

Combination Tissue Flap and Implant Breast Reconstruction

In cases where the patient doesn't have enough skin, muscle, and fat available to rebuild the breasts, a combination of autologous tissue transfer and breast implants can be used to achieve successful breast reconstruction.

Decision - Making Factors

Number of Procedures

Breast reconstruction is accomplished in stages. The number of reconstructive procedures needed depends on the characteristics of the deficit, the type of reconstruction procedure used, and the size and shape of the other breast. Dr. Levine will discuss with patients what to expect during each stage of the process.

Immediate or Delayed Reconstruction

Dr. Levine can perform both immediate breast reconstruction (at the same time as the mastectomy) and delayed breast reconstruction (any time after the mastectomy). The decision depends on many factors, including the patient's overall health, the stage of cancer treatments, and personal preferences. Some women prefer immediate reconstruction to reduce the number of surgeries, while others may wait until they have recovered from the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment and mastectomy. In some cases, breast reconstruction should be delayed until additional cancer treatments are completed.

Patient Considerations

Candidate Criteria

Patients who wish to restore breast shape after breast - cancer treatment and